Argania spinosa as potential oilseed resource for the future: genotype impact in oil content and fatty acids composition

Argania spinosa (L.) is one of the most economically and culturally important indigenous species in Morocco. Its seeds contain a vegetable oil, internationally known as argan oil, which is widely used in edible, cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of variation in oil content and fatty acid composition of eighteen trees to identify genotypes with desirable traits in terms of oil quantity, quality and industrial utilization. Oil yield of eighteen genotypes was determined after mechanical pressing, and fatty acid methyl ester analysis was carried out using gas liquid chromatography. Obtained results show that oil yields ranged between 37.2 to 43.8% and major fatty acids in the extracted oil were oleic (47.15%), followed by linoleic (31.57%), palmitic (14.24%) and stearic (5.8%) acid. Fatty acids composition was significantly different among genotypes tested. Significant correlations, both positive and negative were located between some fatty acids. The high variability observed between genotypes represents a very promising base to develop a new argan variety with high oil quality

Methyl N-[1-(Benzoylamino)-2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl]-tryptophanate

The title compound, methyl N-[1-(benzoylamino)-2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl]tryptophanate 2, was synthesized in high yield, via N-alkylation reaction of methyl 2-azido-2-benzamidoacetate with methyl 2-amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoate in acetone, with the presence of diisopropylethylamine as a base. The structure of the prepared compound was characterized by 1H, 13C NMR in addition to MS, X-Ray diffraction data, and elemental analysis. This compound was tested in vitro for its antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, and Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enteric. The MIC values showed that the synthesized compound had a bactericidal effect against the strains tested

Moroccan Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) Fruits: Nutritional Value and Mineral Composition

The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.), grown throughout the Mediterranean, produces edible fruit; as it is easily bruised, the sweet, reddish fruit is used mostly to prepare jams, marmalades and alcoholic beverages. As the genus is paraphyletic, phytochemical analysis can assist in defining the fruit composition with the species Arbutus unedo L. (A. unedo). Here we report on the carbohydrate, total sugar, protein, fat, fiber, ash, and mineral content of wild fruit, harvested from 45 specimens from five locations. The dominant nutrients were carbohydrates (78.2–84.8 g/100 g), total sugars (52.1–67.2 g/100 g) and dietary fiber (11.0–20.1 g/100 g). Other important nutrients supplied by A. unedo fruit include P, K, and Fe. The fruit was observed to contain health-promoting components providing 42 and 36%, of recommended daily allowance (RDA) for fiber and zinc, respectively, as well as iron and manganese, at levels exceeding minimum RDA. The free-sugar profile revealed high glucose followed by fructose content with minor amounts of sucrose (14, 11, and 6 g/100 g, respectively). Significant differences both between regions and within individuals were observed for several traits. The richness of fruit nutrients in A. unedo confers nutritional value and as such, a promising alternative fruit source