Neuroprotective potential of Argan oil in neuropsychiatric disorders in rats: A review

Argan Oil (AO), a natural vegetable oil, commonly used in folk Moroccan medicines. Preclinical studies, uphold that AO may exhibit neuroprotection against several aspects of neuropsychiatric disorders such as addiction, depression and epilepsy. This paper attempts to collate those experimental findings. Moreover, the benefits of AO in vitro on nerve cells is pointed out. AO is principally composed of monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids. As minor components, it contains polyphenols, tocopherols and sterols, among other. The reason for AO's obvious neuroprotective effects in this review may be due to synergistic effects of these bioactive compounds which are especially effective on central nervous system. We suggest that these effects can be the result of modulation of brain antioxidant enzyme and anti-inflammatory system, as well as by the possible regulation of the stress axis and the brain neuroplasticity processes. Further studies are needed to fully characterize AO from neuro-pharmacological and nutritional perspectives.