Insights on Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Argania spinosa L. Skeels: A Comprehensive Review

Across civilization, medicinal and aromatic plants have occupied an important place due to their extensive use in the treatment of different diseases. This review aims to summarize the existing knowledge about Argania spinosa L. Skeels by bridging traditional herbal knowledge with scientific investigations performed since 1957. Also, this review has shed light on the plant's botanical description and its partition in Morocco, followed by its traditional usage in southwestern Morocco and its socioeconomic importance for the local population. Furthermore, the present comprehensive review reported exhaustively the chemical composition of native and introduced Argania spinosa L. Skeels found in fixed oil, such as fatty acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols. Moreover, the bioactive compounds identified in other plant parts are also highlighted. Also, this review reports also techniques adopted in extraction, isolation, and purification and identification of biocompounds found in Argania spinosa L. Skeels. This review also sheds light on the pharmacological properties of this endemic plant of Morocco, such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiobesity, nanotechnology, and toxicity. Furthermore, a section of clinical trials performed on the plant products is also reported. Finally, this comprehensive review forms the backbone for future research on argan and its bioproducts, leading to improved health conditions and addressing future challenges.