LWT - Food Science and Technology 185 (2023) 115120

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Bioactivities and ethnopharmacology of Sesamum indicum L seed oil

Erik Samyr Correia Alves a, 1, Polrat Wilairatana b, **, 1, Maria Joseane Macedo da Cruz a,
Laize Aparecida Nunes Lopes Campos a, Metton Ribeiro Lopes e Silva a, Daniel Sampaio Alves c,
Isaac Moura Araújo c, Francisco Antonio Vieira dos Santos d, Pablo Antonio Maia de Farias d,
Eliane Maria Gonçalves Moreira de Vasconcelos d, Abolghasem Siyadatpanah e,
Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho b, *, Fernando Gomes Figueredo a
a
Department of Microbiology, Faculdade de Medicina Estácio de Juazeiro do Norte, Juazeiro do Norte, CEP 63048-080, CE, Brazil
b
Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
c
Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri - URCA, Crato, Brazil
d
CECAPE College, Av. Padre Cícero, 3917 - São José, Juazeiro do Norte, CE, 63024-015, Brazil
e
Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: Since time immemorial, humans have utilized plants such as sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) to meet their needs
Sesame oil and treat illnesses. Sesame oil (SO) is derived from the seeds and serves several therapeutic purposes. The aim of
Therapeutic effects this study was to identify the ethnobotanical indications and proven biological activities of SO. An integrative
Bioactivities
review was conducted in the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. The main search strategy included the
Ethnobotany
Immunomodulatory effects
following health science descriptors: ’World Population,’ ’Sesamum,’ and ’Pharmacologic Actions,’ organized
Plants using the Boolean operators ’AND’ and ’OR.’ Studies were included based on the following criteria: I) Clinical
studies on medicinal indications, II) Proven bioactivities, III) In vivo studies, and IV) In vitro studies. Exclusions
were made for a) secondary research and b) studies that did not specifically address indications and effects of
Sesamum indicum. The risk of research bias will be assessed using the Downs & Black’s tool. Thirty-four studies
were selected to comprise the final sample of this research. The biological activity of seed oil of sesame is the
result of a combination of different chemical [Link] in cardiovascular diseases can be attributed to
lignans, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity can be attributed to sesamin and sesamol, respec­
tively. The antioxidants present in the plant can help reduce oxidative stress in renal tissues. The omega-6 fatty
acid present in sesame oil, has been associated with neuroprotective properties. Phytosterols, such as β-sitosterol
found in the plant, have wound healing activities. Sesame also plays a role in reducing blood cholesterol levels,
among other biological activities. This adds commercial value to the product and enables studies that can support
the development of new nutritionally and therapeutically valuable medications. These findings contribute to the
commercial value of the product and support the conduct of studies that can facilitate the development of new
drugs and food products with high nutritional and therapeutic value.

1. Introduction Mesopotamia, spanning millennia (Arriel & Beltrao, 2009). The Egyp­
tian papyri from Ebers mention what is likely the sesame plant. Sesame,
Since time immemorial, humans have utilized plants such as sesame referred to by ancient Greek writers, was cultivated for oil in ancient
(Sesamum indicum L.) to fulfill their needs and cure diseases (Rahman Babylon (Davidson, 1999). Being one of the oldest vegetable oils, it is
et al., 2019). The cultivation of S. indicum has been documented in extracted from its seeds. Archaeologists have discovered sesame seeds
various civilizations, including ancient Egypt, Greece, Babylonia, and and dated elaborate oil extraction equipment (Arriel & Beltrao, 2009).

* Corresponding author.
** Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: [Link]@[Link] (P. Wilairatana), asiyadatpanah@[Link] (A. Siyadatpanah), hdmcoutinho@[Link] (H.D.M. Coutinho).
1
equally contributed.

[Link]
Received 1 February 2023; Received in revised form 25 July 2023; Accepted 27 July 2023
Available online 28 July 2023
0023-6438/© 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license ([Link]
nc-nd/4.0/).
E.S. Correia Alves et al. LWT 185 (2023) 115120

Table 1
Distribution of sesame seeds studies according to: author, year of publication, design, effect, outcome and risk of bias classification.
N. Author and year Design Plant part Effect outcomes D&B

1 MA’MAG et al. (2020) In vitro Sesame Anti-lishmanic It moderately inhibited the promastigote form of Leishmania donovani. 22
seeds
2 PATHAK et al. (2020) In vitro Sesame Antioxidant It presented the highest average values for the total content of polyphenols 23
seeds with inhibition of peroxidation
3 PARLAYICI et al. (2019) In vitro Black Hexavalent chromium The adsorption capacity of black sesame seeds for hexavalent chromium is 20
sesame adsorption relatively high.
seeds
4 (RUSLAN; HAPPYNIAR; In vitro Sesame Antioxidant All sesame seed extracts were categorized as very strong antioxidants by the 25
FIDRIANNY, 2018) seeds DPPH assay. The phenolic compounds in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl
(DPPH)
5 OYINLOYE et al. (2016) In vivo Sesame Cardioprotective and Sesamum indicum seeds appear to be an attractive candidate with potential for 22
seeds Antioxidant novel treatment of cardiotoxicity and management of oxidative stress.
6 BEN OTHMAN et al. (2016b) In vitro Sesame Neuroprotectors The study showed that sesame seeds have a neuroprotective potential through 24
seeds an anti-apoptotic mechanism.
7 BEN OTHMAN et al. (2016a) In vitro Sesame Neuroprotectors The results indicated sesame seeds with In vitro antioxidant activity, they are 21
seeds also efficient antioxidants in a cellular system that protects SH-SY5Y cells
against extracellular and intracellular oxidative stress.
8 (Ben Othman, 2015) In vitro Sesame Antioxidant This study shows that the hydrophilic antioxidants in the purified water- 20
seeds soluble fraction contributed to the antioxidant activity of crude polar soluble
extracts in white and gold sesame seeds.
9 (RSOHANI et al., 2013) In vivo Sesame Endothelial relaxation Chronic treatment of diabetic rats with sesame seed may prevent some 21
seeds abnormal changes in vascular reactivity through nitric oxide and through
attenuation of oxidative stress in aortic tissue
10 JANNAT et al. (2013) In vitro Sesame Antioxidant The present study showed that sesame seed can be considered as a good source 19
seeds of natural antioxidant, especially after roasting.
11 SHENOY et al. (2011) In vivo Sesame Healing These results indicate that sesamol may be a promising drug in normal and 21
seeds delayed wound healing processes. Due to a significant increase in
hydroxyproline levels.
12 Silva et al. (2011) In vitro Sesame Antioxidant Sesame seeds can be considered sources of natural antioxidant compounds. 18
seeds
13 (KIRAN; ASAD, 2008) In vivo Sesame Healing The results suggest that sesame seeds and oil applied topically or administered 19
seeds orally have wound healing activity. Produced a significant increase in
breaking strength, dry weight and hydroxyproline content
14 TAKEUCHI et al. (2001) In vivo Sesame Hypoglycemic This effect is suggested to have been caused by delayed glucose uptake 18
seeds
15 SIRATO-YASUMOTO et al. In vivo Sesame Antioxidant Diets containing seeds from lines 0730 and 0732, compared to the control and 21
(2001) seeds Masekin diets, also significantly increased the activity of hepatic fatty acid
oxidation enzymes including acyl-CoA.
16 TAKEUCHI et al. (2001) In vivo Sesame Hypoglycemic This effect is suggested to have been caused by delayed glucose uptake. 19
seeds

D&B¼ Downs & Black Bias Risk Rating.

S. indicum is globally recognized for its significant therapeutic value (Wu et al., 2019).
(Mohamed et al., 2020). This oilseed belongs to the family Pedaliaceae, The effective utilization of these by-products in the industry can lead
of the order Lamiales, and is one of the oldest medicinal plants under to appreciation and increased sustainability (Mekky et al., 2019). In
cultivation (Zhang et al., 2020) (see Tables 1–5). Europe, changing consumption patterns and growing awareness of
S. indicum L represents a rich source of nutrients, such as vitamins health promotion have resulted in an increased demand for Sesamum
and minerals (Cruz et al., 2019), as well as bioactive secondary me­ indicum L and its derived products, including sesame oil (SO), in
tabolites, including total soluble phenolic compounds and phytosterols, exporting countries (Kim et al., 2020). In Brazil, Sesamum indicum L was
which may be associated with activities such as oxidation inhibition introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and its production
(Mekky et al., 2019; Silva et al., 2011). The fruit is of the dry capsule quickly expanded in the northeastern region (Arriel et al., 2007). The
type, and the seeds are small, rounded, and slightly elongated (Nasci­ plant has demonstrated good adaptability in the Chapada do Araripe,
mento, 2019). Sesame oil (SO), derived from the seeds, is utilized for thanks to the favorable edaphoclimatic conditions of the region
various purposes. It possesses high quality for human consumption and (Queiroga et al., 2008).
is also employed for therapeutic applications. The Assyrian community Many modern medicines are derived from plant sources, and some
has historically utilized it for both purposes, and its shelf life is also plants still have undiscovered biological activities. The formulation of
extended (Pathak et al., 2020). the research question in this study followed the PVO search strategy,
Ethnomedicinally, sesame oil (SO) has been traditionally used to which stands for P (Population), V (Variable), and O (Outcome) (Souza
treat various diseases, including fever, pain, inflammation, constipation, et al., 2016). The question was: What are the ethnobotanical indications
wound healing, and protection of vital organs (Afroz et al., 2019). Its of Sesamum indicum L., and what are its biological activities when
medicinal properties have been acknowledged and incorporated into the administered to humans? This study will provide concise evidence that
medical systems of China and India, given its numerous aforementioned can be valuable both for practical application by individuals and for
benefits (Bosebabu et al., 2020). Historical surveys and studies have researchers to develop in vitro and in vivo studies.
revealed the widespread utilization of SO in the African continent, The objective of thisresearch is to analyze the ethnobotanical in­
demonstrating its diverse biological activities, which will be identified dications, biological activities, and secondary metabolites of the species
and elucidated in this study. Understanding the biological activities of Sesamum indicum L., providing an overview of its therapeutic potential
SO provides valuable insights into its potential role in combating various and possible medicinal applications.
diseases, thus paving the way for the planning of in vitro and/or in vivo
studies that can serve as a foundation for the development of new drugs

2
E.S. Correia Alves et al. LWT 185 (2023) 115120

Table 2
Distribution of sesame oil studies by author, year of publication, design, effect, outcomes and risk of bias classification.
N. Author and year Design Plant Effect outcomes D&B
part

1 YE et al. (2020) In vivo Sesame Renoprotective Combined treatment with erythropoietin and sesame oil significantly 25
oil reduced urea nitrogen and creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, pro-
inflammatory markers, and reduced glutathione and antioxidant
enzyme levels.
2 MOHAMED et al. (2020) In vivo Sesame Neuroprotective and mechanisms Significantly improved learning and memory deficiencies. In fact, 19
oil against Alzheimer’s disease sesame oil treatment significantly restored the elevated level of
acetylcholinesterase and amyloid beta (Aβ) overexpression.
3 ZHANG et al. (2020) In vitro Sesame Molecular stability Oil added with bark extract showed greater stability against oxidation 18
oil than controls during the oven storage test.
4 KIM et al. (2020) In vivo Sesame Hearing protection Tecta expression increases in the apex area of cochlear hair cells as 19
oil 3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- they grow, and its activity is enhanced by sesame oil and sesamin.
diphenyl-tetrazoliumbromide
(MTT).
5 (KHORRAMI; In vitro Sesame Immunosuppression These results indicate that sesame essential oil and its effective 22
DANESHMANDI; MOSAYEB, oil component as sesamol may be able to suppress the cellular immune
2018) response with the dominance of Th2 responses and may also modulate
macrophage and pro-inflammatory functions of dendritic cells.
6 (DEME; NARASIMHULU; In vitro Sesame Anti-inflammatory SO-associated anti-inflammatory molecules may contribute to anti- 21
PARTHASARATHY, 2018) oil inflammatory and antiatherosclerotic properties.
7 (NASIRI; FARSI, 2017) RCT Sesame Acute pain relief Topical sesame oil massage was associated with a significant 24
oil reduction in pain severity in limb trauma patients.
8 (Siriwarin & Weerapreeyakul, In vitro Sesame Apoptotic (anticancer) Decreasing bidding expression revealed crosstalk between intrinsic 21
2016) oil and extrinsic apoptotic pathways; clearly demonstrating that sesamol
induces apoptosis via both pathways in human lung adenocarcinoma
cells.
9 MEHRABANI et al. (2016) In vivo Sesame Healing Significantly improved wound contraction after the 10th day. 23
oil
10 (Mehendra & Singh, 2015) In vitro Sesame Antioxidant and antibacterial Antibacterial assays against food pathogens revealed that sesamol is 22
oil an antimicrobial agent with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)
of 2 mg/mL in culture.

RCT: Randomized clinical trial.

2. Method
Table 3
Distribution of studies on compounds recently found in sesame by author, year 2.1. Study design
effects, findings and risk of bias rating.
N. Author and Effect Findings D&B An integrative review, is a valid approach to compile a sample of
year studies on Sesamum indicum L. Is a strategy that aims to comprehensively
1 LU et al. Antioxidant The results showed that seven new 23 and systematically analyze relevant articles, providing a synthesis of the
(2019) antioxidant peptides were current state of knowledge on a specific subject. Furthermore, by iden­
discovered, their sequences were as
tifying knowledge gaps, the integrative review can guide the develop­
follows, RDRHQKIG, TDRHQKLR,
MNDRVNQGE, RENIDKPSRA,
ment of new studies to fill those gaps. Therefore, the use of this study
SYPTECRMR, GGVPRSGEQEQQ and design can contribute to informed decision-making and improvement of
AGEQGFEYVTFR. SYPTECRMR was clinical practice related to Sesamum indicum L (Ruslan et al., 2018).
the 2S albumin hydrolyzate, the
other globulin derivatives. These
exhibited antioxidant activity.
2 (DA COSTA Enzyme Identified as 3-epibartogenic acid 22 2.2. Process to acquire the literature
et al., 2018) inhibitor (1), kaempferol 3-O-[2-O-(trans-p-
coumaroyl)-3-O-α-l- To initiate the search, the starting point was developed based on the
rhamnopyranosyl]-β-d-
PVO search strategy (Souza et al., 2016). The health science descriptors
glucopyranoside (2) and
epigallocatechin (3). Compounds 1 (DeCS) that were identified are as follows: "World Population," "Ses­
and 3 strongly inhibit α-amylase amum," "Ethnobotany," "Sesame oil," "Plants, Medicinal," "Pharmaco­
logic Actions," and "Ethnopharmacology." These descriptors were
organized in the database search fields using Boolean operators (AND,
OR, and NOT). The main strategy will employ descriptors for each
category of the PVO strategy: "World Population" for P, "Sesamum" for V,
and "Pharmacologic Actions" for O.

Table 4
Distribution of studies of isolated principles according to: author, year of publication, effect, outcomes and risk of bias classification.
N. Author and year design Concentration Effect outcomes D&B

1 WANG et al. (2020) In a ACE inhibitory Identified sesame protein as a rich source of In vitro simulated ACE inhibitor peptides 19
vitro activity
2 (SRISONGKRAM et al., In a Anticancer Transport mediated by the sesamol L1-type amino acid transporter is indicative of how it 21
2019) vitro involves cytotoxicity in melanoma cells with promising therapeutic benefits.
a
Unclear.

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Table 5
Distribution of studies that analyzed the oral diet with the plant under study according to: author, year of publication, design, concentration, effect, outcomes and risk
of bias classification.
N. Author and year design Concentration Effect outcomes D&B

1 NACHSHON et al. Clinical trial 4000 mg Oral immunotherapy Sesame is an effective alternative to avoid sesame in allergic patients. The 18
(2019) with sesame potential for adverse events requires its performance in specialized centers.
2 BARBOSA et al. RCT controlled Received 40g Reduction in oxidative These results show that sesame consumption can reduce muscle damage and 22
(2017) by placebo stress oxidative stress while improving aerobic capacity.
20 athletes
3 ASGARY et al. RCT a Anti-hyperlipidemics Supplementation with sesame oil, but not sesame seed, may improve serum 17
(2013) lipid and liver enzyme levels in rabbits on a high-fat diet.

RCT: Randomized clinical trial.

a
Unclear.

2.3. Information sources 3.1.2. Sesame seeds with antioxidant activity

In the study conducted by Pathark et al. (2020), 14 sesame seed
The searches were conducted in the PubMed and Cochrane Library samples comprising wild species and cultivars were investigated. It has
databases, which index the primary national and international sources been reported that the genus Sesamum contains significant amounts of
of evidence. The eligibility process was carried out by a single tocopherol, which contributes to its liposoluble antioxidant activity in
researcher, and the data were extracted using an evidence matrix. The plasma and tissue membranes. All sesame seed extracts in this study
extracted data from the studies included author, year of publication, were categorized as highly potent antioxidants (Ruslan et al., 2018).
design, sample size, and outcomes. The data were categorized based on Degreased white and golden sesame flour, recovered as a by-product
previously established indications and confirmed effects. The initial after sesame oil extraction, was extracted with 70% ethanol to obtain
search was conducted on October 19, 2020, and the final search soluble polar crude oil extracts. The antioxidant activity in vitro of the
occurred on February 17, 2021. extract was evaluated by the activity of free radical absorption (Ben
Othman, 2015). Sesame grains can be considered sources of natural
antioxidant compounds (Silva et al., 2011). The seed has been shown to
2.4. Inclusion criteria of the studies and eligibility
be a good source of natural antioxidants, especially after roasting
(Jannat et al., 2013).
The eligibility criteria were established based on the proposed in­
quiries outlined in the introduction: I) Medicinal indications, II) Proven
3.1.3. Sesame seeds with adsorbent activity
bioactivities, III) In vivo studies, IV) In vitro studies, V) No language or
The activity of the black sesame adsorbent was reported in the study
time restrictions. The exclusion criteria will encompass: a) Secondary
conducted by Parlayici et al. (2019). The contact time for hexavalent
studies, and b) studies that do not specifically address the indications
chromium adsorption in black sesame seed pulp was found to be 120
and effects of Sesamum indicum L.
min, while it was 90 min for sesame seeds.

2.5. Extraction and analysis of the results 3.1.4. Sesame seeds with activity (improvement of lipid profile)
In the study by Oyinlony et al. (2016), treatment with Sesamum
Data extraction was performed using a table that summarized the indicum extract resulted in a significant decrease in total serum
main results. The following information was extracted: Author, year, cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels,
country, methods, and outcomes. The results were categorized into five accompanied by an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
groups: sesame seeds, sesame oil, recently discovered compounds in Additionally, Sesamum indicum extract reversed the elevated serum
sesame, isolated principle, and oral diet. aminotransferase activities and lipid peroxidation levels, while
The extracted evidence was evaluated using the Downs & Black improving the antioxidant enzymatic and non-enzymatic status in the
evaluation tool, which assigns scores ranging from 0 to 28. Excellent hearts of rats.
evidence scores fall between 26 and 28, good evidence scores range from The consumption of lignani-rich sesame results in physiological ac­
20 to 25, moderate evidence scores range from 15 to 19, and low evi­ tivity to alter lipid metabolism in a potentially beneficial way (Sir­
dence scores are below 14. These scores were presented in the summary ato-Yasumoto et al., 2001).
table. The data will be interpreted and discussed in subsequent sections.
3.1.5. Sesame seeds with pro-apoptotic activity
3. Results and Discussion In the study by Bem Othmam et al. (2016b), the treatment with
sesame seeds significantly decreased the expression levels of pro-
The initial search identified 106 studies in the databases; after apoptotic genes, attributed to the presence of ferulic and vanic acids.
applying filters and removing duplicates, this number decreased to 102. Additionally, ferulic acid and vanic acid were identified as bioactive
At the end of the eligibility stage, 34 studies were selected to comprise antioxidants in the water-soluble white and golden fractions of sesame
the final sample. seeds (Ben Othman et al., 2016b).
The roles of ferulic and vanic acids as bioactive antioxidants in these
3.1. SESAME SEEDS (16 studies) fractions were also confirmed. The results showed antioxidant activity in
vitro and demonstrated that they are also efficient antioxidants in a
3.1.1. Sesame seeds with anti-lishmanic activity cellular system, providing protection to cells (Ben Othman et al., 2016a).
The antileishmanial activity of the methanol extract obtained from
residual seeds of Sesamum indicum L. was investigated by Ma’mag et al. 3.1.6. Sesame seeds with myorelaxant activity
(2020) through chromatographic fractionation. This process led to the Endothelium-dependent relaxation, in relation to acetylcholine
isolation of a long-chain benzene alkyl identified as 1,3-bis(pentadecyl) (ACh), was also significantly higher in diabetic rats treated with 6%
benzene. The compound exhibited moderate inhibition against the sesame (Roghani et al., 2013).
promastigote form of Leishmania donovani.

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E.S. Correia Alves et al. LWT 185 (2023) 115120

3.1.7. Sesame seeds with healing activity (Shenoy et al., 2011) et al., 2018).
These results indicate that sesamol can be a promising medicine in
normal and delayed wound healing processes (Kiran & Asad, 2008). It 3.2.6. Anti-inflammatory activity
produced a significant increase in rupture resistance, dry weight and The results also clarify that it is possible to develop non-
hydroxyproline content. pharmacological therapies based on nutritional supplements and
health products for various inflammatory diseases in the future (Deme
3.1.8. Sesame seeds with hepatoprotective activity et al., 2018).
Sesame increased both hepatic mitochondria and peroxisome fatty
acid oxidation rate. The increases were higher with lignano-rich sesame 3.2.7. Analgesic
than with Maskin. Notably, peroxisome activity levels were more than It is suggested to use this oil in complementary medicine for pain
three times higher in diets fed to rats containing sesame seeds (Sir­ relief due to its low cost, ease of use, and absence of adverse effects
ato-Yasumoto et al., 2001). (Nasiri & Farsi, 2017).

3.1.9. Sesame seeds with hypoglycemic activity 3.2.8. Pro-apoptotic

Each test diet contained 4.0% of hot water extract (HES) of defatted Sesamol caused the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential,
sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.), 1.4% of the water eluent fraction meaning induction of intrinsic apoptosis (Siriwarin & Weerapreeyakul,
(WFH) of HES or 0.7% of the eluent fraction of methanol (MFH) of HES 2016).
from a glass column packed with HP-20 resin. At the end of the feeding
period, the BAS group was divided into the MAL and MALH groups that 3.2.9. Healing activity
were respectively force-fed with 1 ml per rat of a maltose solution 20% A new therapeutic remedy has been introduced for the treatment of
in water with or without 4.0% HES. Plasma glucose concentration and burn wounds. Other clinical and molecular studies are suggested to
amount of urinary excreted glucose were lower in HES and MFH diets determine the exact mechanism(s) involved in the burn healing effect of
(Takeuchi et al., 2001). the new formula (Mehrabani et al., 2016).

3.2. Sesame Oil (10 studies) 3.2.10. Antioxidant and antibacterial

Its activity was synergistic with γ-tooferol, also present in sesame
3.2.1. Renoprotective seeds. Inhibition of brown (60–65%) in fruit pulps (apple, banana and
We measured blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, alanine potato) was observed in the presence of 20 μM sesamol (Mahendra &
aminotransferase (ALT), lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species Singh, 2015).
(ROS), reduced glutathione (GSH), antioxidant enzymes, and pro-
inflammatory markers and performed renal histopathological evalua­
tion (Ye et al., 2020). 3.3. Compounds recently found in sesame (2 studies)

3.2.2. Neuroprotective 3.3.1. Antioxidant activity

In addition, treatment with aluminium chloride (AlCl3) provided The results presented here suggest that sesame protein hydrolysates
histopathological changes, increased the expression of tumor necrosis have potential applications in functional foods due to their high anti­
factor alpha (TNF-α) and beta interleukin-1 (IL-1β), and mitigated the oxidant activity. The CoMFA model could provide an overview of the
state of oxidative stress in the brain. Sesame oil attenuates memory loss, structure-activity relationship of the antioxidant peptide, which is useful
oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s for selecting, identifying, and designing new antioxidant peptides (Lu
disease. A central role of the NF-κB/p38MAPK/BDNF/PPAR-γ2 et al., 2019).
pathways. Two new compounds and one known were isolated from the meth­
anol extract of Sesamum indicum leaves. By spectroscopic methods, its
3.2.3. Antioxidant structures were elucidated and identified as 3-epibartogenic acid (1),
The antioxidant properties of the peel and residue extracts were kaempferol 3-O-[2-O-(trans-p-coumaroyl)-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-
determined at different extraction durations, revealing that the peel β-D-glucopyranoside (2) and epigallocatechin (3). Compounds 1 and 3
exhibited a higher antioxidant potential compared to the residue. As a strongly inhibited α-amylose with IC50 values of 146.7 and 303.9 μM,
result, the peel extract obtained after 24 h of extraction was selected to respectively, compared with acarbose (IC50 124.0 μM) (Costa et al.,
investigate its effectiveness in maintaining the oxidative stability of 2018).
sesame oil during accelerated storage in the oven and frying. For com­
parison, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at a concentration of 200 ppm
was used as the reference antioxidant (positive control), while oil 3.4. Isolated Principle (3 studies)
without any added antioxidant served as the negative control (Zhang
et al., 2020). 3.4.1. Antihypertensive effect
The study by Wang et al. (2020) isolated and purified new
3.2.4. Hearing protector ACE-inhibiting peptides from sesame protein. It was found that the
Sesame oil exhibited an amelioactive effect on hearing loss in a line peptide (SPDS-VII) exhibited a stronger inhibition of ACE compared to
of hair cells in zebrafish and mice. The proliferation of auditory cells was others that were isolated from Sesamum indicum L. Although the study
induced by treatment with sesame oil and sesamine using the Tecta does not provide detailed information regarding the polymer nomen­
(Tectorin Alfa) regulation (Kim et al., 2020). clature, it does mention that the peptide names were obtained from the
Protein Information Resource database (Wang et al., 2020).
3.2.5. Immunosuppressive effect
Herbal medicine is increasingly being recognized worldwide as a 3.4.2. Anticancer
viable treatment option for various diseases. It is highly advantageous to Sesamol was effective against melanoma cells with less damage to
understand the active ingredients and mechanisms of herbal medicine in normal cells (Srisongkram, 2019). These results indicate that sesamol
relation to the immune system and associated disorders. Sesamol has can be a promising medicine in normal and delayed wound healing
been found to potentially inhibit cellular immune response (Khorrami processes (Shenoy et al., 2011).

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E.S. Correia Alves et al. LWT 185 (2023) 115120

Fig. 1. – Flowchart of results according to PRISMA Items (MOHER et al., 2009).

3.5. Oral Diet (3 studies) greater attention for presenting several pharmacological properties,
including immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential. Ac­
3.5.1. Immunotherapy cording to Dalibalta et al. (2020), sesamine plays an important role in
The study by Nachshon et al. (2019) proposed to report the efficacy the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and immunomodulatory net­
and safety of oral immunotherapy with sesame, because the presence of works (RAS/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, ERK1/2, p38, p53, IL-6, TNFα and
sesame in the Western diet is increasing, making its avoidance by pa­ NF-κB) are all involved in moderating the various effects of sesamine on
tients allergic to sesame more challenging. The treatment of patients cardiovascular diseases.
proved to be effective in the study. The germination process of sesame seeds greatly increased sesamol,
the most active lignan antioxidant, and most phenolic acid contents
3.5.2. Antioxidant increased to different degrees.
In the study of Barbosa et al. (2017), there was a reduction in Hydroxyproline is the main component of collagen, accounting for
oxidative stress. approximately 13.5% of amino acids (Shenoy et al., 2011). Collagen has
According to the presented results, sesame seeds exhibit several ef­ the structural function of providing firmness and elasticity to the skin, in
fects, including antileishmanic activity, antioxidant properties, car­ addition to serving as the body’s first line of defense against the entry of
dioprotective effects, neuroprotective properties, endothelial relaxation, microorganisms. In the wound healing process, sesamol shows promise
and hypoglycemic activity. The sesame oil, on the other hand, demon­ as a potential medicine, as it leads to a significant increase in hy­
strates renoprotective and neuroprotective effects, as well as mecha­ droxyproline levels (Shenoy et al., 2011). Mohamed et al. (2020)
nisms against Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, it provides hearing investigated the neuroprotective effects and potential mechanisms of
protection, immunosuppression, anti-inflammatory effects, acute pain sesame oil against Alzheimer’s disease symptoms induced by aluminum
relief, apoptotic properties, healing properties, antioxidant activity, and chloride in rats. Their findings indicated a significant improvement in
antibacterial effects. According to Narasimhulu et al. (2015), a sesame the learning and memory deficits induced by aluminum chloride, as well
oil diet significantly reduces atherosclerotic lesions, plasma cholesterol as the restoration of high levels of acetylcholinesterase activity and
levels, triglyceride levels, and LDL cholesterol levels. The isolated beta-amyloid overexpression (Mohamed et al., 2020).
principle of sesame also exhibits inhibitory activity against Activity in cardiovascular diseases can be attributed to lignans. They
angiotensin-converting enzyme and demonstrates an anticancer effect. act as antioxidants and help reduce LDL cholesterol (known as "bad
Furthermore, an oral diet containing sesame leads to a reduction in cholesterol"), preventing plaque formation in the arteries (Ben Othman,
oxidative stress and anti-hyperlipidemia, as reported by Mohamed et al. 2015; Oyinloye et al., 2016; Pathak et al., 2020; Sirato-Yasumoto et al.,
(2020). 2001). On the other hand, the immunomodulatory and
Amin et al. (2021) reported in their study that sesamine, a fat-soluble anti-inflammatory activity can be attributed to lignans, including ses­
lignan derived from Sesamum indicum seeds and oil seeds, has received amin and sesamolin. These compounds assist in modulating the immune

6
E.S. Correia Alves et al. LWT 185 (2023) 115120

Fig. 2. Chemical structures of the main isolated compounds of Sesamum indicum L seed oil.
1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5280450, Linoleic Acid. Retrieved July 25, 2023 from https:
//[Link]/compound/Linoleic-Acid.
2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 101746, Sesamolin. Retrieved July 25, 2023 from [Link]
[Link]/compound/Sesamolin.
3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 72307, Sesamin. Retrieved July 25, 2023 from [Link]
[Link]/compound/Sesamin.
4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 68289, 3,4-Methylenedioxyphenol. Retrieved July 25, 2023 from
[Link]
5. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 443013, Lignans. Retrieved July 25, 2023 from [Link]
[Link]/compound/Lignans.
6. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 445858, Ferulic acid. Retrieved July 25, 2023 from [Link]
[Link]/compound/Ferulic-acid.
7. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 8468, Vanillic Acid. Retrieved July 25, 2023 from [Link]

7
E.S. Correia Alves et al. LWT 185 (2023) 115120

[Link]/compound/Vanillic-Acid.
8. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 92729, gamma-Tocopherol. Retrieved July 25, 2023 from http
s://[Link]/compound/gamma-Tocopherol.
9. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5280863, Kaempferol. Retrieved July 25, 2023 from [Link]
[Link]/compound/Kaempferol.
10. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 11869417, (− )-Asarinin. Retrieved July 25, 2023 from https://
[Link]/compound/l-asarinin.
11. Ma’mag LK, Zintchem AAA, Atchadé AT, Kopa Kowa T, Tchinda Tiabou A, Bikobo DSN, Pegnyemb DE. Antileishmanial activity of long chain alkyl benzene and
other constituents from seeds of Sesamum indicum. L (Pedaliaceae). Nat Prod Res. 2020 Dec; 35(23):5535–5539. [Link]
Epub 2020 Jul 13. PMID: 32657142. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 90969120, m-Dipentade­
cylbenzene. Retrieved July 25, 2023 from [Link]

Fig. 2. (continued).

response and reducing inflammation (Khorrami; Daneshmandi; of total cholesterol and LDL (Oyinloye et al., 2016).
Mosayeb, 2018; Deme; Narasimhulu; Parthasarathy, 2018). The anti­ The omega-6 fatty acid present in sesame oil, linoleic acid, has been
oxidants present in the plant can help reduce oxidative stress in renal associated with neuroprotective properties. Studies indicate a certain
tissues and prevent damage (Mahendra and Singh, 2015). protection of this substance on nerve cells against oxidative damage and
They can promote wound healing and stimulate tissue regeneration reduction of inflammation in the nervous system (Ben Othman et al.,
(Kiran; Asad, 2008; Shenoy et al., 2011; Mehrabani et al., 2016). Sesame 2016b; Mohamed et al., 2020) (see Fig. 1).
seeds also play a role in reducing blood cholesterol levels. They compete According to Wu et al. (2019), several chemical structures were
with dietary cholesterol in intestinal absorption, resulting in lower levels found in sesame and were represented in the study, such as sesamine,

8
E.S. Correia Alves et al. LWT 185 (2023) 115120

sesamol, sesaminol, and sesamoline. These compounds were studied and Asgary, S., et al. (2013). Antihyperlipidemic effects of Sesamum indicum L. in rabbits fed
a high-fat diet. The Scientific World Journal, Article 365892, 2013 [Link] 10
demonstrated anti-aging, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory,
.1155/2013/365892.
and antioxidant properties. Sesame lignans have promising potential Barbosa, C. V. S., et al. (2017). Effects of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) supplementation
in combating various chronic diseases, including inflammatory rheu­ on creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, oxidative stress markers, and aerobic
matic diseases and cancer. These pieces of information are in accordance capacity in semi-professional soccer players. Frontiers in Physiology, 8, 196. htt
ps://10.3389/fphys.2017.00196.
with Andagie et al. (2021) and demonstrate the chemical structures of Ben Othman, S. (2015). Katsuno N, Kanamaru Y, Yabe T. Water-soluble extracts from
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transformation products found in processed products, such as sesamol protect human neuroblast cells against peroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide-
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Ben Othman, S., et al. (2016b). White sesame seed water-soluble fraction enhances
4. Conclusions human neuroblast cell viability via an anti-apoptotic mechanism. Nutrition research,
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terols, such as β-sitosterol found in the plant, have wound healing
Dalibalta, S, Majdalawieh, A. F, & Manjikian, H. (2020). Health benefits of sesamin on
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CRediT authorship contribution statement aqueous components extracted from sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil. Journal of
Chromatography, B: Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences, 15,
61–69. [Link] 1087–1088.
Erik Samyr Correia Alves: Methodology. Polrat Wilairatana: Jannat, B., et al. (2013). Effect of roasting process on total phenolic compounds and
Conceptualization. Maria Joseane Macedo da Cruz: Methodology. γ-tocopherol contents of Iranian sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum). Iranian Journal of
Pharmaceutical Research : International Journal of Psychological Research, 12(4),
Laize Aparecida Nunes Lopes Campos: Investigation. Metton Ribeiro 751–758. [Link]
Lopes e Silva: Investigation. Daniel Sampaio Alves: Software. Isaac Khorrami, S., et al. (2018). Sesame seeds essential oil and Sesamol modulate the pro-
Moura Araújo: Software. Francisco Antonio Vieira dos Santos: inflammatory function of macrophages and dendritic cells and promote Th2
response. Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 32, 98. [Link]
Validation. Pablo Antonio Maia de Farias: Resources, Writing – orig­
10.14196/mjiri.32.98
inal draft. Eliane Maria Gonçalves Moreira deVasconcelos: Re­ Kim, Y. H., et al. (2020). Sesamum indicum L. Oil and sesamin induce auditory-
sources; Final Draft the Manuscript. Abolghasem Siyadatpanah: protective effects through changes in hearing loss-related gene expression. Journal of
Medicinal Food, 23(5), 491–498. [Link]
Writing – original draft. Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho: Project
Kiran, K., & Asad, M. (2008). Wound healing activity of Sesamum indicum L seed and oil
administration, All authors have read and agreed to the published in rats. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 46(11), 777–782. [Link]
version of the manuscript. Fernando Gomes Figueredo: Conceptuali­ [Link]/handle/123456789/4648.
zation, Supervision. Lu, X., et al. (2019). Extraction, identification and structure-activity relationship of
antioxidant peptides from sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) protein hydrolysate. Food
Research International, 116, 707–716. [Link]
Declaration of competing interest foodres.2018.09.001
Mahendra, K. C., & Singh, S. A. (2015). Bioactive lignans from sesame (Sesamum
indicum L.): Evaluation of their antioxidant and antibacterial effects for food
The authors declare that they have no known competing financia­ applications. Journal of Food Science & Technology, 52(5), 2934–2941. [Link]
linterestsor personal relationships that could have appeared to influence org/10.1007/s13197-014-1334-6
the work reported in this paper. Ma’Mag, L. K., et al. (2020). Antileishmanial activity of long chain alkyl benzene and
other constituents from seeds of Sesamum indicum. L (Pedaliaceae). Natural Product
Research, 1. [Link] –5.
Data availability Mehrabani, M., et al. (2016). Accelerated burn wound closure in mice with a new
formula based on traditional medicine. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 18(11),
Article e26613. [Link]
Data will be made available on request. Mekky, R. H., et al. (2019). Phenolic compounds from sesame cake and antioxidant
activity: A new insight for agri-food residues’ significance for sustainable.
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