SMEN AND ARGAN OIL AS A SOURCE OF BIOACTIVE NATURAL PRODUCTS: AN INSIGHT INTO THEIR FATTY ACID PROFILE, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES

Abstract

Morocco holds a rich and diversified cultural heritage, conveyed by its artisanal products. These products include crafts and foods with biological benefits, including Smen and Argan oil. This study was carried out in view of evaluating the effectiveness of both artisanal products for potential application in various industries. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of these products were explored in this study. Free fatty acid content highlighted the abundance of Palmitic, Stearic, and Oleic acids. All samples reflected a substantial antioxidant power, with Artisanal Argan revealing the highest efficiency (IC₅₀= 1.5 mg/mL). L. monocytogenes biofilms were effectively suppressed by all samples (>90% except Artisanal argan showing >80% inhibition), Kinetic studies proved that the tested products could successfully inhibit L. monocytogenes and S. aureus growth, evidenced by the bacteriostatic effects of Smen samples from Tazrout and Had lgharbia regions. Commercial argan exerted the highest antifungal potential at both concentrations (>60%). Our findings suggest that both types of artisanal products are potent sources of natural preservatives and health-promoting agents, which highlights their potential as prospects for research in food science and medicine.