THE ARGAN TREE AND ARGAN OIL: ECOLOGICAL KEYSTONE, SOCIOECONOMIC RESOURCE, NUTRITIONAL TREASURE, AND MEDICINAL HERITAGE
Authors: Matike Ganoudi, Nouhaila Manan, Soumia El Malahi and Iraqi Driss
Matike Ganoudi: Biotechnology Research Unit, Center of Agricultural Research of Rabat National Institute of Agricultural Research, Avenue Ennasr, BP 415 Rabat Principal, Rabat 10090, Morocco & Earth and Life Institute, Applied Microbiology, Mycology, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud, 2 box L7.05.06, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
Nouhaila Manan: Biotechnology Research Unit, Center of Agricultural Research of Rabat National Institute of Agricultural Research, Avenue Ennasr, BP 415 Rabat Principal, Rabat 10090, Morocco.
Soumia El Malahi: Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Science, IBN ZOHR University, Agadir, 80000, Morocco.
Iraqi Driss: Biotechnology Research Unit, Center of Agricultural Research of Rabat National Institute of Agricultural Research, Avenue Ennasr, BP 415 Rabat Principal, Rabat 10090, Morocco.
ABSTRACT
Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels, an endemic species of southern Morocco, provides exceptional ecological, socio-economic, and medicinal benefits. This review examines these multifaced function of the argan tree. The oil extracted from its fruits is not only a keystone of traditional Moroccan cuisine and medicine but also a high-value product in the global cosmetics and wellness industries. Special attention is given to the socioeconomic empowerment of rural women through cooperatives engaged in argan oil production, fostering financial inclusion and sustainable development. Moreover. The rising global demand for argan oil underscores the necessity of balancing economic benefits with ecological preservation, positioning Argania spinosa as a model for sustainable use of endemic plant resources.
Keywords: Argania spinosa, Argan oil, Endemic species, Ecological conservation, Sustainable development, Rural women’s cooperatives and Medicinal plants