Pharmacological Potential of Argan Oil (Argania spinosa) with a Special Focus on its Chemical Composition and Nanoformulations-based Applications

Abstract

: Argan oil is a rich source of bioactive chemicals with potential health advantages and is derived from the kernels of the Argania spinosa tree. Since ancient times, argan oil has been used as a natural cure in traditional medicine. Traditional uses of argan oil include cooking, massaging, healing, and curing skin, nails, and hair ailments. Due to the high concentration of monoand polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, polyphenols, and tocopherols, numerous industries are interested in using them in their top-selling products. Studies have evaluated argan oil's exceptional qualities, which include restoring the skin's water-lipid layer, increasing nutrients in skin cells, stimulating intracellular oxygen, neutralizing free radicals, regulating lipid metabolism, lowering blood pressure, and reducing inflammatory indicators. Utilizing argan oil in diet will help to fight ailments like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. In this article, we reviewed the published literature to delineate argan oil's chemical composition, extraction procedures, and pharmacological potential. Furthermore, we also explored the health-beneficial properties of argan oil-based nano-formulations with evidence to prove their effectiveness against various diseases. Underlying argan oil's rich composition and beneficial effects, exploring its favorable qualities and the mechanisms underlying its curative activity will require extensive research.