VUB research protects the authenticity of Moroccan argan oil

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is taking a leading role in the fight against the adulteration of argan oil, the precious “liquid Moroccan gold.” For her doctoral research, conducted in collaboration with Mohammed V University in Rabat, Meryeme El Maouardi developed innovative methods to rapidly and accurately verify the quality and authenticity of argan oil.

Science against fraud

Argan oil is prized worldwide for its culinary and cosmetic properties, but its rarity makes it vulnerable to adulteration with cheaper oils such as corn, peanut, rapeseed, or sunflower oil. To combat this, El Maouardi used spectroscopic techniques that reveal the unique “fingerprint” of each oil sample.

By mathematically analyzing these data, she was able not only to determine the geographical origin of the oil but also to detect adulteration and even predict the degree of mixing. She also demonstrated that portable spectroscopic devices make such analyses possible directly in markets and at production sites — a major step toward faster and more accessible quality control.

Protecting cultural heritage

The argan tree grows exclusively in southwestern Morocco, where its kernels are processed through an intensive extraction method to produce the precious oil. The culinary variety, pressed from roasted kernels, is widely used in Moroccan cuisine and is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants. For cosmetic purposes, oil from unroasted kernels is used, valued for its moisturizing and softening properties.

“What drives me is knowing that my work protects both consumers and honest producers,” says El Maouardi. “Argan oil is a protected Moroccan product — it deserves every effort to safeguard its value.”

Bridging tradition and innovation

El Maouardi earned her master’s degree in pharmaceutical quality control at Mohammed V University, graduating as the top of her class in 2018. Thanks to a VLIR-UOS TEAM scholarship, she was able to conduct part of her doctoral research in Belgium under the supervision of Professor Yvan Vander Heyden.

Her work resulted in five scientific publications — four as first author — and presentations at seven international and national conferences.

“The most beautiful thing about science is that it can address real-world problems,” El Maouardi emphasizes. “That is certainly true for argan oil, which symbolizes both tradition and innovation.”

Through her PhD research, Meryeme El Maouardi makes a valuable contribution to preserving the authenticity and reputation of one of Morocco’s most exceptional natural products.