Argan oil is obtained from the fruit kernel of the Argan tree. The tree is endemic to Morocco but is grown in few other parts of the world. Argan oil is touted as a beautiful oil for cosmetic uses, especially for hair and dry skin. The Modern medicinal research on this oil shows that it holds the potential to alleviate some internal health conditions.
Source
The Argan tree ( Argania Spinosa ) has a characteristic shape that stands out of the surrounding arid landscape. Surprisingly enough, goats are drawn to this tree, and they help in the argan oil production. Its fruits are generally oval with a pulpy layer inside, which lies the strong kernel. This kernel is fatty and is the source of Argan oil. There are two broad ways of producing Argan oil.
The Traditional Method:
This is the method that has been in use for centuries in Morocco. The Berber women of this region produce argan oil in a home-based industry. The pulp of the fruit is first removed by drying in the sun. Another method is to collect the kernels from goat excreta. The goats eat the fruits, but the kernel passes through their intestines. This kernel is softer to crack. Then, after procuring the kernels, they are roasted. Grinding them on an indigenous oil press produces a thick, viscous liquid. This liquid is processed using simple filtration techniques to yield an edible oil.
Commercial Method:
This method is mainly used for producing argan oil which is only used for cosmetic purposes and is not edible. That is because it is processed from unroasted kernels. These kernels are then extracted using cold-pressed to yield organic argan oil or using chemical extractors. The cold-pressed, unfiltered argan oil is the one that is best for skin care.
Properties
The therapeutic properties of argan oil are pretty diverse and manifold. This makes the oil suitable for cosmetic purposes. However, it is essential to note the powerful medicinal properties of edible hand-pressed oil. [1]
- Emollient – It is a good moisturizer.
- Cicatrizant – It is a good wound healer.
- Anti-Sebum – A study has found out that applying cosmetic grade (topical) argan oil twice daily for a month reduces the amount of sebum ( the natural skin oil ). As a result, oiliness and acne can be suppressed naturally.
- Anti-aging – Applying argan oil regularly on the skin can help to keep skin strong and healthy.
- Antioxidant – It is a good antioxidant and reduces free radical damage both externally and internally.
- Hepatoprotective – Protects the liver.
- Antidiabetic – Argan oil has demonstrated an anti-hyperglycemic effect in rats. It means that it can prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
- Choleric – Increases bile secretion from the liver.
- Chemopreventive – Ability to reduce or delay cancer. It exhibits antiproliferative activity, which inhibits or retards the growth of malignant cells.
- Hypolipidemic – Improves the lipid profile.
- Hypocholesterolemic – It improves HDL (High-density lipoprotein ) cholesterol and slows the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
- Antiatherogenic – It prevents atheromatous lesions in the blood vessels and contributes to keeping the cardiovascular system healthy.
Uses and Health Benefits
The therapeutic properties of argan oil make it ideal for specific applications. First, let us discuss the uses of cosmetic grade argan oil.
Argan Oil for Hair
Argan oil forms an excellent hot oil treatment for hair. Apply an ample amount of warm argan oil on the scalp and wet hair, and then cover it up with a shower cap. Keep it on for at least 1 hour. If left overnight, this treatment shows the best results. Remove the shower cap and gently wash off hair in cold water. This helps to get most of the residual oil out of the hair to shine too much. The hair would be smoother and much more manageable. As a result, applying argan oil before styling them is a great idea. The oil also protects the hair shafts from heat-related damage so that one can do some aggressive hairstyling, like curls.
Another method to incorporate argan oil in your hair care routine is to make a homemade argan oil shampoo. The benefit of making such a shampoo is that one can use it more often. It is suitable for chronically dry and frayed hair. Take half a cup of clean water and add one-fourth cup of liquid castile soap. Add one tablespoon of argan oil and 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil. Put all in a shampoo bottle and shake well before every use.
Argan Oil for Acne
Argan oil forms a suitable carrier oil for home-based acne treatments. It exhibits sebum-reducing activity. Take about 30-40 ml of argan oil and add 6 – 7 drops of tea tree oil. Apply it as a spot treatment on acne. If there is only excessive oiliness on the face but few acne, one can smudge this oil on the face and then wash it off after 5 minutes. This helps to combat excess oil production.
Argan oil has a comedogenicity rating of 0 ( on a scale of 0 – 5 ) [2] which means that it is non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores. Therefore, it poses no risk for breakouts from the use of this oil alone. Argan oil has skin healing properties. So one can use it to heal acne scars.
Effectively Reduce Wrinkles and Under Eye Circles
Argan oil has a good amount of Vitamin E and many other great nutrients for the skin. Many people have experienced a reduction in under-eye circles and wrinkles near the eyes after regular application of argan oil.
Argan oil for Brittle Nails
When nails turn brittle, thin, weak, and break off quickly, the situation can be pretty distressing. It is never easy to heal the nails. There is a simple home remedy for this condition. Take a large bowl. Add an ample amount of argan oil and an equal amount of lemon juice. Dip the nails in this mixture for about 10 minutes twice a day. Wipe off with a cotton cloth. Argan oil helps to restore thickness, strength, and elasticity to the nails.
Other Home Remedies using Argan Oil
There are many more things that one can do with topical argan oil.
- Apply generously on the cracked heels to repair them fast.
- As a brilliantine – Those men who love flaunting a beard know the value of proper beard grooming products. Well, argan oil can be one of them. It softens the beard hair, making them more receptive to other products.
- Quick glossy look – Adding just 2 – 3 drops of argan oil to a moisturizer imparts a glossy look to the skin.
- Mix sugar cubes with argan oil and rub them into the lips. This aids in getting rid of the peeling and crusting of the lips. If any minor wounds are present, like those we often get in winter, argan oil heals them up.
Also Read – Algae Oil
Health Benefits of Edible Argan Oil Anti-Cancer Effects
Recent medical research has shown indications that argan oil has some chemopreventive activity. Virgin argan oil has demonstrated the ability to inhibit or retard the growth of cancer cells in the case of prostate cancer in humans. This is attributed to the presence of polyphenols and sterols in it, which are only micro-nutrients. Although there is a lack of comprehensive research on the activity of argan oil against other types of cancers, it may come out to be helpful in some of them. [3],[4]
A Boost to Cardiovascular Health
Having a good lipid profile is the key to a healthy heart. Consumption of edible argan oil has been linked to increased levels of HDL cholesterol. It also reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is very useful for a number of reasons. The oxidized form of LDL cholesterol has a higher chance of getting retained in the body [5]. Argan oil has antiatherogenic activity, which prevents the formation of plaques in the artery. This effect has a direct benefit in reducing the risk of a heart attack. Moreover, argan oil also helps to control high blood pressure.
Antidiabetic Effects
Argan oil has been found to subside hyperglycemia and thus alleviate its effects. In a study, it was found that administration of argan oil reduced the spike in blood sugar for up to 3 hours after the dosage in rats. Consumption of argan oil in a diet, like a salad dressing, can lower the risk of developing diabetes. [6]
Antioxidant
Argan oil has significant free radical scavenging potential. Regular consumption of argan oil protects the body from gradual damage caused by free radicals that oxidize our cells. The total antioxidant capacity of argan oil is due to a major concentration of natural antioxidants like Vitamin E.
Other Uses
Besides its use as a medicinal and cosmetic oil, argan oil is used as a culinary oil. It is suitable for deep-frying with a smoke point of 420º F. It has been used in Morocco to dipping oil for couscous. Roasted Argan oil has a powerful, nutty flavor, making a nice salad dressing for lettuce and carrots.
History
Although argan oil has been used for centuries, it was first mentioned by the Phoenicians in about 1500 BC. Then, about a millennia later, Leo Africanus came to know about Argan oil when he was crossing Morocco, and thus this oil reached Europe.
Side Effects, Safe Dosage, and Toxicity Issues
There is still not much information about the safety issues regarding argan oil. However, it may be a potential irritant in some people and cause itching, inflammation, rashes, and in severe cases, bronchospasm.
Nutritional and Medicinal Information
Edible argan oil is being lauded for its excellent nutritional value. It is mostly ( about 80 % ) unsaturated fat, but it contains some saturated fatty compounds. Argan oil is rich in many forms of Vitamin E, that is, the tocopherols, making it a good oil for skincare. However, the most potent and health-benefiting nutrients in Argan oil are its micro-nutrients, which are very small to trace amounts. But still, they provide many commendable health benefits.
Argan oil contains the following macro-composition of fats in 100 gm oil.
Mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) – 47 %
Poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)- 33 %
Saturated fatty acids – 20 %
The complete fatty acid nutritional profile of edible argan oil
| Nutrient | Percentage | Property |
| Gamma Linoleic Acid (18:3) | -% | PUFA |
| Stearic Acid (18:0) | 6.95 % | Saturated fat |
| Palmitic Acid (16:0) | 12.5 % | Saturated fat |
| Palmitoleic Acid (16:1) | 0.06 % | MUFA |
| Oleic Acid (18:1) | 46.1 % | MUFA |
| Linoleic Acid (18:2) | 33 % | PUFA |
| Alpha Linolenic Acid(18:3) | 0.44 % | PUFA |
| Erucic Acid (22:1) | – % | MUFA |
| Gondoic Acid (20:1) | – % | MUFA |
| Behenic Acid (22:0) | 0.01 % | Saturated fat |
| Arachidic Acid (20:0) | – % | Saturated fat |
Source: 7
Besides a healthy fatty acid profile, argan oil has high amounts of Vitamin E. Since Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, the overall antioxidant capacity of argan oil should be pretty high. These are some of the bio-active micro-nutrients in argan oil and their corresponding health benefits.
- Squalene – It is used in the cosmetic industry but is naturally found in argan oil. It has shown indications of chemopreventive and anti-tumor effects.
- Carotenes – These are a group of antioxidants similar to Vitamin A.
- Phenols – Argan oil contains many phenols like caffeic acid ( anti-inflammatory ), vanillic acid, oleuropein
- ( antioxidant ) and some kinds of catechins. Surprisingly, catechins and vanillic AcidAcid are also obtained from the green tea that we drink.
Chemical properties
| Nutrient | Percentage | Property |
| Density | 0.918 g/ml | great for massage oil |
| Storage temperature | low | Ideal temperature for storage |
| Comedogenicity | 0 | Pore clogging potential ( 0 – 5 ) |
| ORAC | – | Antioxidant Power |
| pH | – | Measure of Acidity |
| Peroxide Value | 5.7 | Measure of Initial Rancidity |
| Saponification Value | 195 | Measure of the average carbon chain length |
| Iodine Value | 120-130 | Measure of unsaturation of oil |
| Free Fatty Acids | 0.85 % | Percentage of volatile oils |
Source: 8
Buying and Storage
Argan oil displays a low Peroxide value, which means it is fairly resistant to rancidity. However, one should still keep it in the dark, cool place. Many cosmetic grade argan oil products have slight amounts of antioxidants, like pomegranate oil and rose oil. These serve to protect the oil from going rancid. However, one should be extra careful to buy only the best quality oil. Because, in many cases, these oils are adulterated with cheaper oils or filler products and make the oil of inferior quality.
References
1. Therapeutic potential of argan oil: a review. Manfalouti et al. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
2. Acne.org
3. Antiproliferative effect of polyphenols and sterols of virgin argan oil on human prostate cancer cell lines. Bennani et al. Cancer Detection and Prevention.
4. Consumption of argan oil (Morocco) with its unique profile of fatty acids, tocopherols, squalene, sterols, and phenolic compounds should confer valuable cancer chemopreventive effects. Khallouki et al. European Journal of Cancer Prevention.
5.Argan oil phenolic extract inhibits low-density lipoprotein oxidation and has hypolipemiant properties. Berrougui et al.
6. Antidiabetic Activity Assessment of Argania Spinosa Oil. Bnouham et al. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine
7. Characterization of Fatty Acid Profile of Argan Oil and Other Edible Vegetable Oils by Gas Chromatography and Discriminant Analysis. Rueda et.al.
8. Argan Oil Profile – Mountain Rose Herbs
9. Site Link
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