Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/AJB
ISSN 1684–5315 © 2005 Academic Journals

Secondary metabolites of the argan tree (Morocco) may have disease prevention properties

Khallouki F, Spiegelhalder B, Bartsch H and Owen RW* Division of Toxicology and Cancer risk Factors, Im Neunheimer Feld, 280, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ),Heidelberg, Germany.

The argan tree (Argania spinosa L. Skeels) is native to Morocco, where after the Holly oak it constitutes the second most common tree in the country.

Recent studies suggest that dietary argan oil, an endemic seed oil from argan fruits, may have a relevant role in disease prevention, and its consumption could protect against atherosclerosis and cancer.

 Unfortunately, in less than a century, more than a third of the forest has disappeared. It is therefore imperative to improve the tree's production potential so that it can regain its key position in the agricultural systems of the region. On the basis of ethnobotanical knowledge, researchers are screening metabolites of this rare plant to identify bioactive compounds for the development of new therapeutic agents and food supplements.

This includes studies on secondary metabolites with chemopreventive activities. In this review, a complete outline of components triglycerides, unsaponifiable, phenolic antioxidants and aroma constituents) are described. Finally, a discussion of the biological functions of the polar and non-polar A. spinosa products which have been evaluated using a range of in vitro bioassays are described.

 

INTRODUCTION
The argan tree (Argania spinosa) is an oleaginous tree indigenous to the Sahara dessert, the Anti-Atlas and the High Atlas Mountains of southwestern Morocco. According to Boukhobza et al. (1988), the appearance of argan trees dates from the tertiary era, when it was widespread throughout Morocco.

Etymologically, the words argan (the tree) come from the Berber word `' arjân' which, derives from the `' rajnah' ' which, means in Berber dialect “to remain locked up” in a limited place. In fact the argan tree is endemic to Morocco.

The argan tree belongs to the family of Sapotaceae which contains eight genera: Syderoxylon, Tsebona, Bumelia, Argania, Chrysophyllum, Pouteria, calocapum and Pycnandra. The genus Argania consists of only one endemic species: Argania spinosa (syn. Argania syderoxylon L, Sideroxylon spinosum L Elaerandron argan Retz).

The argan tree can reach heights of up to 10 meters and survives for about 200 years.

These trees have an amazing ability to adapt to the climate of southwestern Morocco. A thorny, evergreen tree with small, green, lanceolate leaves; sheds its leaves and becomes dormant during severe droughts.

The dormancy period, which can last for several years, is broken when the trees sense moisture in the air and refoliation begins.