Green enrichment of argan oil (Argania spinosa L.) with thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) leaves: Evaluating quality and stability improvements

This study aimed to assess the impact of enriching argan oil (AO) (Argania spinosa L.) using the maceration technique with thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) leaves (TL and OL) at two proportions (5 and 10%). The oxidative stability of the control and enriched oils was examined under accelerated conditions at a temperature of 60 °C for 120 days (4 months). Quality indices (Free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value (p-AV), ultraviolet absoptions (K232 and K270), Rancimat test, fatty acids composition, sensory attributes, simple phenolic contents (SPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH•) were determined. As a simple, inexpensive and green method, enrichment by maceration yielded advantageous results. Compared to the control (68.05 ± 1.10 mg GAE/kg), the SPC significantly increased in enriched oils reaching notably 250.9 ± 9.1 mg GAE/kg when adding 10% of TL. Also, the enriched oil samples showed the lowest PV, p-AV and ultraviolet absorptions compared with the control. However, no noticeable changes were reported in fatty acids composition and iodine value. In terms of sensory attributes, enrichment by maceration masked the rancid odour caused by oxidation. These scientific discoveries inherently yield economic advantages by enabling the diversification of product offerings, simultaneously catering to a broader market seeking high-quality oils infused with herbs, including both AO and aromatic plants.