Argan oil is unique, it is obtained from the fruits of the argan tree ( Argania spinosa). It is exceptional because of its multiple pharmacological properties and exceptional savor. It is a relic from the tertiary era and is the only member of the Sapotacease family of plants. This natural resource is mostly located in the Southwestern part of Morocco in the poorest part of the country. It plays a major ecologic and socio-economic role[1], and it is processed by a cooperative of humble women. Even though, the plant is very well adapted to drought, its exploitation is closely monitored and regulated by the Moroccan government to avoid its extinction. Four thousand tons or argan oil are produced in Morocco every year, of which 2500 tons are destined to exportation. As a result, the Arganeraie (Argan forest) has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in 1998. Thus the extraction of the argan fruit is very carefully done and requires a tedious multistep process. Funding from foundations such as “Foundation Mohamed VI pour la Recherche et la Sauvegarde de l’Arganier” has enabled technical support for the production and marketing of argan oil.

[1] Khallouki F, Younos C, Soulimani R, et al. (2003). Consumption of argan oil (Morocco) with its unique profile of fatty acids, squalene, sterols, tocopherols and phenolic antioxidants should confer valuable cancer chemopreventive effects. Eur. J. Cancer Prev.12, 67-75.