GC–MS profiling of fatty acid composition and antioxidant evaluation of Asphodelus microcarpus Salzm. & Viv. seed oils collected from different Moroccan regions

This study investigates the geographical variation in oil quality and bioactivity of Asphodelus microcarpus seed oils collected from five Moroccan regions. Oils were extracted using Soxhlet with petroleum ether, analyzed by GC-MS after FAME preparation, and evaluated for physicochemical properties (ISO/NF standards) and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS). Yields ranged from 18.93% to 21.03%, with stable physicochemical parameters. GC-MS revealed 18 fatty acids (94.82–98.59% of total lipids), showing regional variation. Casablanca and Mohammedia oils had exceptional linoleic acid content (>74%), a first report for Asphodelus species. Meknes and Rabat oils were richer in nervonic and tricosanoic acids. Antioxidant assays showed the strongest activity in Casablanca oil (DPPH IC₅₀ = 291.5 μg/mL; ABTS IC₅₀ = 308.93 μg/mL). PCA revealed clear coastal vs . inland chemotypes. This study represents the first Moroccan report on the fatty acid composition and antioxidant potential of A. microcarpus seed oil. It reveals a distinctive linoleic acid-rich chemotype and highlights the species’ potential as a novel bioactive source for food, health, and industrial applications .