Argan press cake (APC), the protein-rich byproduct of argan oil extraction, has historically been used as animal feed but is now largely discarded due to its unsuitability for livestock nutrition. Despite this, APC is a highly promising resource for human food applications. It contains up to 48% protein (dry weight), surpassing conventional plant-based protein sources like soy (36–40%) and...
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...
In the context of global climate change and the urgent need for sustainable public health solutions, the valorization of local medicinal plants offers a promising approach combining biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and green pharmacology. Dysphania ambrosioides, traditionally used in Moroccan medicine to treat inflammatory conditions, is gaining scientific interest as a natural source of...
Plant biodiversity is a fundamental pillar of natural ecosystems and public health, due to its role in maintaining ecological balance, the sustainable use of natural resources, and the synthesis of bioactive compounds of pharmaceutical interest. Situated at the crossroads of multiple biogeographical influences, Morocco harbors a remarkable floristic diversity. Among the most
interesting plant...
South-west Morocco constitutes a refuge for a diverse array of phytogeographical elements, characterized by exceptional plant biodiversity. However, this region faces multiple forms of environmental degradation, with its flora increasingly threatened by recurrent droughts, habitat destruction, and overgrazing. Of particular concern is the emblematic subspecies Thymus broussonnetii subsp....
Salvia taraxacifolia, a species from the Lamiaceae family widely used in traditional Moroccan medicine, was investigated for its essential oil-producing structures, chemical profile, and antioxidant activity. Histological examination of the leaves revealed the presence of capitate and peltate glandular trichomes, typical secretory structures in the Lamiaceae family, involved in the...
Aloe vera (A. barbadensis Mill), is a perennial succulent plant belonging to the Liliaceae family that is distributed all over the world for its therapeutic and skin health benefits. Its gel, derived from parenchymatous cells in fresh leaves, is a potent source of numerous functional bioactive and nutrient compounds, which are associated with its biological and functional activities....
This study assesses the performance of a prototype activated sludge pilot system developed for the treatment of secondary-treated urban wastewater (SWW). The system was designed to emulate the fundamental processes of biological wastewater treatment through the activated sludge method. Daily sampling was conducted at both the influent and effluent points of the reactor, with key...
Rosa damascena, cultivated in Morocco since the 10th century, holds a prominent place in traditional medicine due to its therapeutic properties. In the Dades Valley, the cultivation and processing of this plant represent a vital source of income for local communities. Given its increasing use in health-related applications, assessing its safety is essential. Additionally, this cultivation...
The Central High Atlas of Morocco harbors a rich diversity of medicinal and aromatic plants, fostered by unique bioclimatic conditions and altitudinal gradients (plain, piedmont, and mountains), which support a varied flora. Many species are rich in bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, known for their physiological health benefits. Despite this biodiversity, scientific data on these...
