Ms
Zineb LAKOUAM
(Cadi Ayyad University, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Excellence in Agrobiotechnology and Bioengineering, AgroBiotech Center, CNRST-Labeled Research Unit (URL05-CNRST), Plant Resources Protection and Valorization Team, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco.)
Argania spinosa honey is a rare and understudied natural product, uniquely produced in the arid southwest of Morocco where the endemic argan tree thrives. Despite the global recognition of argan oil for its medicinal value, the honey derived from its flowers remains largely underexplored. This study presents a comprehensive characterization of eight argan honeys harvested from different regions in the Souss-Massa area, aiming to evaluate their physicochemical properties and biological potential.
Mellisopalynological analysis confirmed the botanical origin, identifying Argania spinosa as a dominant source, and a complete set of analyses was conducted, including pH, free acidity, electrical conductivity, moisture, Brix, ash content, sugar profile, diastase and invertase activity, and protein content. Spectrophotometrically, the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were quantified, and to assess the maturity and authenticity of the samples, proline levels were measured
Preliminary results highlight the uniqueness of argan honey: high levels of bioactive compounds, presence of reducing sugars, and strong enzyme activities, consistent with high biological value and freshness. These results underline its potential as a functional food and especially a therapeutic agent, particularly in antioxidant and antimicrobial applications.
This first detailed study on argan honey supports its valorization as a high-value Moroccan product with ecological, nutritional, and medicinal interest and contributes directly to its scientific validation.
Keywords:
Argania spinosa honey; physicochemical properties; polyphenols; flavonoids; diastase activity; proline; reducing sugars; antioxidant potential; melissopalynology.
Ms
Zineb LAKOUAM
(Cadi Ayyad University, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Excellence in Agrobiotechnology and Bioengineering, AgroBiotech Center, CNRST-Labeled Research Unit (URL05-CNRST), Plant Resources Protection and Valorization Team, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco.)
Mr
Houssam LAKHMILI
(Cadi Ayyad University, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Excellence in Agrobiotechnology and Bioengineering, AgroBiotech Center, CNRST-Labeled Research Unit (URL05-CNRST), Plant Resources Protection and Valorization Team, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco.)
Ms
Khawla BENBNIDAK
(Cadi Ayyad University, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Excellence in Agrobiotechnology and Bioengineering, AgroBiotech Center, CNRST-Labeled Research Unit (URL05-CNRST), Plant Resources Protection and Valorization Team, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco.)
Prof.
Abdelilah EL ABBASSI
(Cadi Ayyad University, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Excellence in Agrobiotechnology and Bioengineering, AgroBiotech Center, CNRST-Labeled Research Unit (URL05-CNRST), Plant Resources Protection and Valorization Team, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco.)
Laila EL BOUZIDI
(Cadi Ayyad University, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Excellence in Agrobiotechnology and Bioengineering, AgroBiotech Center, CNRST-Labeled Research Unit (URL05-CNRST), Plant Resources Protection and Valorization Team, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco.)
Prof.
khalid BEKKOUCHE
(Cadi Ayyad University, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Excellence in Agrobiotechnology and Bioengineering, AgroBiotech Center, CNRST-Labeled Research Unit (URL05-CNRST), Plant Resources Protection and Valorization Team, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco.)
