Bioactivities and ethnopharmacology of Sesamum indicum L seed oil

Abstract

Since time immemorial, humans have utilized plants such as sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) to meet their needs and treat illnesses. Sesame oil (SO) is derived from the seeds and serves several therapeutic purposes. The aim of this study was to identify the ethnobotanical indications and proven biological activities of SO. An integrative review was conducted in the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. The main search strategy included the following health science descriptors: 'World Population,' 'Sesamum,' and 'Pharmacologic Actions,' organized 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 components.action in cardiovascular diseases can be attributed to lignans, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity can be attributed to sesamin and sesamol, respectively. 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.