This bibliometric analysis aims to provide an overview of current scientific knowledge on the argan tree. Using four keywords (arganeraie, arganier, Argania spinosa, and oil), combined with Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), the Web of Science and Scopus databases were explored. The study period was limited to 1992–2024, as publications prior to 1992 were too few to be meaningful.
More specifically, the analysis focuses on the entire body of scientific literature related to argan oil—whether its nutritional, cosmetic, or medicinal uses—as well as on the biology, ecology, and conservation issues surrounding the argan tree. It also covers the applications of remote sensing for mapping and monitoring the spatio-temporal dynamics of argan woodlands. The ultimate goal is to highlight existing sustainable management practices and identify the main challenges ahead.
The quantitative analysis of scientific output was carried out using the Bibliometrix software package and its Biblioshiny interface, powerful tools based on the R language that enable the examination of a research field’s structure, evolution, and dynamics through advanced network analysis and visualization methods. The construction and representation of networks (keyword co-occurrence, author collaboration, co-citations, citations) were performed with the VOSviewer software.
The first stage of the analysis focused on the scientific literature devoted to argan oil. Between 1992 and May 2024, six hundred contributions were recorded. Examination of the co-occurrence of the 2,678 keywords from this corpus reveals three thematic clusters that are strongly interconnected.
The first group (16 items) concerns the effects of argan oil on health and includes notions such as “phenolic compounds” and “oxidative stress.” The second group (also 16 items) relates to the assessment of oil quality and its health implications, featuring keywords such as “adulteration” and “tocopherol.” The third group (11 items) refers to the botanical characteristics of the argan tree and its ecological role in Morocco.
The analysis of six hundred publications highlights a marked increase in scientific output starting in 2009, as well as the diversity of contributors, research hubs, and collaboration networks. Unsurprisingly, Morocco—where the argan tree is an endemic species—holds the leading position in this field. Moroccan institutions also maintain numerous partnerships with French and German establishments.
The second phase of the analysis focuses on studies dedicated to the ecology and physiology of the argan tree. Between 1992 and 2024, three hundred and ninety contributions were recorded. Examination of the co-occurrence network of the 134 most frequently used keywords in this literature reveals seven major research themes: the biochemical, molecular, and biological properties of argan compounds; ecological, physiological, and conservation-related dimensions; ecology, management, and uses; physiological responses to abiotic stress; growth and development; genetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology; as well as environmental processes and management strategies.
In recent years, the integration of advanced remote-sensing and machine-learning techniques, relying on multi-source satellite imagery, has significantly improved the mapping and monitoring of argan woodlands, thereby contributing to the conservation and sustainable management of this forest ecosystem.
Réf. El Moussaoui EH., Moumni A., Khabba S. et al., 2025 Bibliometric and review analysis of argan trees studies: global research trends and challenges. Agroforest Syst, 99:132 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-025-01228-2
Posted by Jean-Paul Peltier.