Sesame
Related Terms
- Abongra, acrylamide, alkaline inorganic pyrophosphatase, allomelanins, alpha-globulin, alpha-tocopherol, aluminum, anthraquinones, anthrasesamone, apigenin, arai-goma, ardeh, arginine, asarinin, aurantiamide acetate, beniseed, benne, benzyl alcohol, beta-sitosterol, bisfuranyl lignans, cadmium, calcium, calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK), caleosin, campesta-3,5-diene, carbohydrates, carotene, casein kinase I, chlorosesamone, cham kkae, chromium, cobalt, copper, cyanogenic glucoside, cytochrome c, daucosterol, dehydroascorbate reductase, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, delta-tocopherol, desmethyl tocopherols, D-galactitol, dietary fiber, dioleoyl-linoleoylglycerol, diversiform phytosterols, dronabinol (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), eicosanoic acid, enterolignans, episesaminone, epoxysesamone, fatty acids, flavones, flavonoids, furanofuran lignans, gamma-tocopherol, gingelly oil, glucopyranoside, goma (Japanese), halvah, halawa tehineh, hu ma (Mandarin Chinese), hydroxymatairesinol, hydroxysesamone, iron, ladanetin, ladanetin, lariciresinol, latifonin, lead, lecithin, lectins, lignan glycosides, lignans, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, lipid transfer proteins, lipolytic enzymes, magnesium, manchi noone (Telugu, India), manganese, melanin, methionine, microsomal oleic acid desaturase (FAD2), momor-cerebroside, n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, nalla ennai (Tamil, India), naphthoquinone, nickel, nuvvula noone (Telugu, India), octadene, octadienine, ogiri, oil bodies, oleic acid, oleosins, oleoyl-dilinoleoyl-glycerol, oligosaccharides, oxalate, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, pedalitin, pedalitin-6-O-glucoside, peroxidase, phenol glucosides, phenolic acids, phenylethanoid glycosides, phosphatidylcholine, phospholipids, phosphorus, phthoquinone, phytic acid, phytosterols, pinoresinol, policosanol, polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids, potassium, (+)-saminol, Sanskrit tila, saponins, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, seed-specific FAD2 (SeFAD2), seed-specific metallothionein-like protein (SiMT), selenium, semilla de ajonjoli (Spanish), Sesam (German), sesame oil, sesame paste, sesame seeds, sesamin, sesaminol sesaminol diglucoside, sesaminol glucosides, sesaminol triglucoside, s?samo (Spanish), sesamol, (-)-sesamolactol, sesamolin, sesamolinol diglucoside, Sesamum africanum, Sesamum brasiliense, Sesamum indicum, Sesamum luteum, Sesamum malabaricum, Sesamumorientale, sezam indyjski (Polish), sesamzaad (Dutch), shiro goma (Japanese), simsim (Arabic), sodium, sop1 (caleosin), sop2 (caleosin), sop3 (steroleosin), sophoroside, soya-cerebroside II, stearic acid, stearoyl-acyl carrier protein desaturase, steroleosin, sterols, stigmasta-3,5-diene, tannins, teel tel (Marathi, India), thala thel (Sinhalese, Sri Lanka), thiamin-binding proteins, til (Punabi, Bengali, India), til oil, tocopherols, triacylglycerols, triglycerides, triglycosides, trypsin inhibitors, tryptophan, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B1, vitamin E, yellenne (Kannada, India), zhi ma (Mandarin Chinese), zinc.
Background
- Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is a flowering plant that grows throughout the world and is cultivated for its edible seeds. Sesame oil is derived from sesame seeds.
- Sesame seeds are used in foods and as flavoring agents. Sesame oil is used in cooking and for a variety of purposes, including body massage, hair treatment, and various practices of worship. Sesame oil is also commonly used as a base for preparing drugs, including those to be taken by mouth, injected, or applied to the skin. Sesame products have been added to some foods, such as snack bars, to increase nutritional value.
- Sesame oil has been used in various traditional medical systems around the word, such as Ayurveda, for anxiety, nerve and bone disorders, poor circulation, lowered immunity, and bowel and skin problems. Sesame has also been studied for use in other conditions such as heart disease, cataracts, cough, dental conditions, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, infant massage, infertility, malnutrition, and nasal discomfort.
Evidence Table
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
Preliminary study found that sesame oil was safe and effective when used together with the standard treatment for a form of small bowel obstruction. Further research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Preliminary study found that sesame oil was safe and effective when used together with the standard treatment for a form of small bowel obstruction. Further research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Overweight or obese men and women who took 25 grams of sesame daily for five weeks had significantly increased levels of sesame lignans in their systems. However, they did not experience any improvement in markers of heart disease risk, such as blood pressure or the level of lipids (fats) in the blood. Based on this limited evidence, sesame is not recommended for this condition.
|
C |
Overweight or obese men and women who took 25 grams of sesame daily for five weeks had significantly increased levels of sesame lignans in their systems. However, they did not experience any improvement in markers of heart disease risk, such as blood pressure or the level of lipids (fats) in the blood. Based on this limited evidence, sesame is not recommended for this condition.
|
C |
Cataract formation, where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, affecting vision, can occur with severe atopic dermatitis (eczema). Both the dermatitis and the cataract may be caused by the presence of lipid peroxides, chemically changed lipids or fats, in the lens and the skin. Limited evidence suggests that a combination antioxidant product that contains sesame and is taken by mouth may be useful in treating the cataract. Studies on the effects of sesame alone are needed.
|
C |
Cataract formation, where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, affecting vision, can occur with severe atopic dermatitis (eczema). Both the dermatitis and the cataract may be caused by the presence of lipid peroxides, chemically changed lipids or fats, in the lens and the skin. Limited evidence suggests that a combination antioxidant product that contains sesame and is taken by mouth may be useful in treating the cataract. Studies on the effects of sesame alone are needed.
|
C |
Preliminary study showed that sesame oil did not significantly improve cough symptoms in children. Additional research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Preliminary study showed that sesame oil did not significantly improve cough symptoms in children. Additional research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Oil pulling is a traditional Indian folk remedy for strengthening teeth, gums, and the jaw and to prevent dental problems, bad breath, dryness of the throat, and cracked lips. In a study of teenagers with inflamed gums due to dental plaque, oil pulling with sesame oil appears to have reduced plaque and improved the condition of the gums. Additional study is needed in this area.
|
C |
Oil pulling is a traditional Indian folk remedy for strengthening teeth, gums, and the jaw and to prevent dental problems, bad breath, dryness of the throat, and cracked lips. In a study of teenagers with inflamed gums due to dental plaque, oil pulling with sesame oil appears to have reduced plaque and improved the condition of the gums. Additional study is needed in this area.
|
C |
Patients with type 2 diabetes who eat halvah, a candy made from sesame, may experience improved blood sugar levels. Additional research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Patients with type 2 diabetes who eat halvah, a candy made from sesame, may experience improved blood sugar levels. Additional research is needed in this area.
|
C |
In a study of patients with high blood pressure, supplementing the diet with sesamin, a lignan found in sesame, resulted in significantly lowered blood pressure. In another study, taking sesame oil led to lowered blood pressure in patients taking drugs for heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Additional studies are needed in this area.
|
C |
In a study of patients with high blood pressure, supplementing the diet with sesamin, a lignan found in sesame, resulted in significantly lowered blood pressure. In another study, taking sesame oil led to lowered blood pressure in patients taking drugs for heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Additional studies are needed in this area.
|
C |
In preliminary study, supplementing the diet with sesamin, a lignan found in sesame, has been shown to decrease total cholesterol and LDL, or "bad," cholesterol in humans. However, another study showed that sesame oil had no effect on cholesterol. Additional studies are needed.
|
C |
In preliminary study, supplementing the diet with sesamin, a lignan found in sesame, has been shown to decrease total cholesterol and LDL, or "bad," cholesterol in humans. However, another study showed that sesame oil had no effect on cholesterol. Additional studies are needed.
|
C |
In Nepal, newborns are traditionally massaged with oil. Limited study suggested that sesame oil massage improved sleep patterns and growth in full-term newborns. In another study, Vietnamese infants who were fed instant flour containing sesame had significantly higher energy and nutrient intakes compared to infants on a standard diet. Additional research is needed in this area.
|
C |
In Nepal, newborns are traditionally massaged with oil. Limited study suggested that sesame oil massage improved sleep patterns and growth in full-term newborns. In another study, Vietnamese infants who were fed instant flour containing sesame had significantly higher energy and nutrient intakes compared to infants on a standard diet. Additional research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Limited study suggests that a combination antioxidant product containing sesame taken by mouth may be useful in treating male infertility. More study is needed in this area.
|
C |
Limited study suggests that a combination antioxidant product containing sesame taken by mouth may be useful in treating male infertility. More study is needed in this area.
|
C |
When HIV-positive patients ate a specially prepared food containing sesame and chickpeas, their weight increased rapidly, and the level of their physical activity improved. Additional studies are needed in this area.
|
C |
When HIV-positive patients ate a specially prepared food containing sesame and chickpeas, their weight increased rapidly, and the level of their physical activity improved. Additional studies are needed in this area.
|
C |
Use of NozoilT, a sesame oil-based nasal spray, may improve symptoms associated with nasal and sinus discomfort, including nasal dryness. More studies are needed in this area.
|
C |
Use of NozoilT, a sesame oil-based nasal spray, may improve symptoms associated with nasal and sinus discomfort, including nasal dryness. More studies are needed in this area.
|
C |
One study suggests that a diet of rice, raw vegetables, soybean curd, and sesame seeds may improve the condition of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Additional studies are needed.
|
C |
One study suggests that a diet of rice, raw vegetables, soybean curd, and sesame seeds may improve the condition of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Additional studies are needed.
|
C |
Rickets is a disease that can be caused by a diet that does not contain enough calcium. In rickets, the bones are soft, weak, and often misshapen. In one study, patients with rickets ate a calcium-rich diet that included sesame, but no improvement was seen in their bones. Additional studies are needed in this area.
|
C |
Rickets is a disease that can be caused by a diet that does not contain enough calcium. In rickets, the bones are soft, weak, and often misshapen. In one study, patients with rickets ate a calcium-rich diet that included sesame, but no improvement was seen in their bones. Additional studies are needed in this area.
|
C |
In one study, a cream containing polyphenols from sesame seeds and other plants appeared to improve the condition of patients with oily facial skin. Additional study is needed.
|
C |
In one study, a cream containing polyphenols from sesame seeds and other plants appeared to improve the condition of patients with oily facial skin. Additional study is needed.
|
C |
One study examined the effects of sesame oil as an influenza vaccine adjunct, or additive. However, details are lacking and additional studies are needed.
|
C |
One study examined the effects of sesame oil as an influenza vaccine adjunct, or additive. However, details are lacking and additional studies are needed.
|
C |
In folkloric medicine, sesame seeds have been used to treat various kinds of wounds. One study suggested that use of moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO), an oil-based ointment containing sesame oil and other ingredients from plants, may help heal burns. Additional study is needed in this area.
|
C |
In folkloric medicine, sesame seeds have been used to treat various kinds of wounds. One study suggested that use of moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO), an oil-based ointment containing sesame oil and other ingredients from plants, may help heal burns. Additional study is needed in this area.
|
C | * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Dosing
Adults (18 years and older)
- For bowel and intestinal disorders, 150 milliliters of sesame oil has been given once through a tube entering the nose and going into the stomach.
- To reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, a sesame breakfast bar with 25 grams of sesame has been used daily for five weeks.
- For high cholesterol, 4.5 grams of sesame oil has been taken by mouth daily for two months. Nine capsules of sesamin (a sesame lignan), each containing 3.6 milligrams of sesamin, has been used daily for four weeks, followed by 18 capsules daily for another four weeks.
- For high blood pressure, capsules containing 60 milligrams of sesamin has been taken by mouth daily for four weeks.
- For nasal discomfort, NozoilT, a sesame oil-based nasal spray, has been used in each nostril three times daily for 14-20 days. NozoilT nasal spray has also been used for two weeks in some patients with sleep apnea (a condition in which breathing briefly stops during sleep).
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
- Sesame may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
- Sesame may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
- Sesame may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
- Sesame may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised.
- Sesame may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may change in the blood and change the intended effects. Patients taking any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
- Sesame may also interact with acetaminophen (Tylenol?), alcohol, anabolic steroids, angiotensin II-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor blockers, antacids, antiacne agents, antianxiety agents, antibiotics, anticancer drugs, antifungal agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antiulcer drugs, blood vessel dilating agents, cholesterol-lowering drugs, cisplatin, drugs that affect the immune system, drugs that may damage the liver, drugs that prevent nausea and vomiting, estrogens, fertility drugs, gentamicin, ibuprofen, laxatives, neurologic agents, painkillers, tamoxifen, weight loss agents, and wound-healing agents.
Attribution
-
This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Bibliography
Amara AA, El-Masry MH, Bogdady HH. Plant crude extracts could be the solution: extracts showing in vivo antitumorigenic activity. Pak J Pharm Sci 2008;21(2):159-71.
Anagnostis A, Papadopoulos AI. Effects of a diet rich in sesame (Sesamum indicum) pericarp on the expression of oestrogen receptor alpha and oestrogen receptor beta in rat prostate and uterus. Br J Nutr 2009;102(5):703-8.
Grougnet R, Magiatis P, Mitaku S, et al. New lignans from the perisperm of Sesamum indicum. J Agric Food Chem 2006;54(20):7570-4.
Harikumar KB, Sung B, Tharakan ST, et al. Sesamin manifests chemopreventive effects through the suppression of NF-kappaB-regulated cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and angiogenic gene products. Mol Cancer Res 2010;8(5):751-61.
Hu YM, Wang H, Ye WC, et al.[Flavones from flowers of Sesamum indicum]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 2007;32(7):603-5. Chinese.
Hu YM, Ye WC, Yin ZQ, et al.[Chemical constituents from flos Sesamum indicum L]. Yao Xue Xue Bao 2007;42(3):286-91. Chinese.
Jamarkattel-Pandit N, Pandit NR, Kim MY, et al. Neuroprotective effect of defatted sesame seeds extract against in vitro and in vivo ischemic neuronal damage. Planta Med 2010;76(1):20-6.
Kiran K, Asad M. Wound healing activity of Sesamum indicum L seed and oil in rats. Indian J Exp Bio. 2008;46(11):777-82.
Liu Z, Saarinen NM, Thompson LU. Sesamin is one of the major precursors of mammalian lignans in sesame seed (Sesamum indicum) as observed in vitro and in rats. J Nutr 2006;136(4):906-12.
Nahar L, Rokonuzzaman. Investigation of the analgesic and antioxidant activity from an ethanol extract of seeds of Sesamum indicum. Pak J Biol Sci 2009;12(7):595-8.
Nasirullah, Latha RB. Storage stability of sunflower oil with added natural antioxidant concentrate from sesame seed oil. J Oleo Sci 2009;58(9):453-9.
Sukumar D, Arimboor R, Arumughan C. HPTLC fingerprinting and quantification of lignans as markers in sesame oil and its polyherbal formulations. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2008;47(4-5):795-801.
Suresh Kumar P, Patel JS, Saraf MN. Mechanism of vasorelaxant activity of a fraction of root extract of Sesamum indicum Linn. Indian J Exp Biol 2008;46(6):457-64.
Visavadiya NP, Soni B, Dalwadi N. Free radical scavenging and antiatherogenic activities of Sesamum indicum seed extracts in chemical and biological model systems. Food Chem Toxicol 2009;47(10):2507-15.
Visavadiya NP, Narasimhacharya AV. Sesame as a hypocholesteraemic and antioxidant dietary component. Food Chem Toxicol 2008;46(6):1889-95.