Argan oil is already known for its health benefits. But what if it could be made even better?  Researchers decided to test this idea.  They mixed argan oil with powders made from thyme, oregano, and saffron.  The goal was to see if these additions could boost the oil's nutritional value and make it last longer.

The process involved using ultrasound to blend the powders into the oil.  This method is quick and easy.  After the mixing, the enriched oil underwent several tests.  These tests checked for total phenolic content, antioxidant activities, and even the structure of the plant powders before and after treatment.  The oil samples were also put through accelerated aging.  This means they were kept at a high temperature for 120 days to see how they held up over time.

During this period, various quality checks were done every 30 days.  These included measuring free fatty acids, peroxide value, p-anisidine value, and total oxidation.  The induction period and fatty acids were also assessed.  The results were quite interesting.  The enriched oils showed a significant boost in antioxidant activity and polyphenol content.  This means the oil not only became more nutritious but also more stable.

After 120 days of accelerated aging, the unenriched argan oil had a peroxide value of 36. 50.  In contrast, the enriched oils with saffron showed much lower values.  The oil with 0. 2% saffron had a peroxide value of 17. 44, and the one with 0. 5% saffron had an even lower value of 15. 22.  This shows that the enriched oils were more resistant to oxidation, which is a major cause of spoilage.

So, what does this all mean?  It means that adding these herbs and spices to argan oil can make it more beneficial for health and extend its shelf life.  This is a simple and effective way to enhance a product that is already popular for its health benefits.  It's a win-win situation.  The oil becomes more valuable, and consumers get a better product.

One might wonder why this matters.  Well, argan oil is used in many products, from skincare to cooking.  Making it more stable and nutritious can have a big impact on the products that use it.  It's a small change that can make a big difference.

ULTRASOUND ENRICHMENT OF ARGAN OIL

Boosting Argan Oil with Herbs and Spices

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