Scientific names Common names

Dysosmon amoenum Raf. Ajonjoli (Span.)

Sesamum africanum Tod. Gingely-oil plant (Engl.)
Sesamum indicum Linn. Laga (Bik., Tag., Ibn., Bis.)
Sesamum occidentalis Heer & Regel Lagis (Pamp.)
Sesamum oleiferum Sm. Lega (Ilk.)
Sesamum orientale L. Liga (Tag.)
Volkameria orientalis (L.) Kuntze Linga (Sbl.)
Ligo (Tag.)
Logis (If.)
Luga (Bis., Sul.)
Benne seeds (Engl.)
Gingelly (Engl.)
Sesame (Engl.)
Sesamum indicum L. is an accepted name.
Other vernacular names

ARABIC: Sim sim.

ARMENIAN: Shooshma.
BENGALI: Til.
BULGARIAN: Susam.
BURMESE: Hnan zi.
CHINESE: Hu ma, Zhi ma (Taiwan), Hei Chih-ma.
CROATIAN: Sezam.
CZECH: Sezam.
DANISH: Sesamfr.
DUTCH: Sesamzaad.
ESTONIAN: Harilik seesam.
FINNISH: Seesami.
FRENCH: Graines de ssame, Graines de ssame blanc, Graines de ssame blanches, Ssame.
GERMAN: Sesam.
GREEK: Sesami.
HEBREW: Shomshom, Shumshum, Sumsum.
HINDI: Gingli, Safed til, Til.
HUNGARIAN: Szzmfi, Szzmmag.
ICELANDIC: Sesam, Sesamfr.
ITALIAN: Sesamo.
JAPANESE: Goma, Shiro goma.
KANNADA: Yallu.
KOREAN: Cham kkae.
LAOTIAN: Man nga, Nga.
MALAY: Bijan, Wijen.
MARATHI: Tila.
NIGERIAN: Benne.
PERSIAN: Konjed.
POLISH: Sezam indyjski.
PORTUGUESE: Gergelim, Ssamo.
PUNJABI: Til.
RUSSIAN: Kunzhut indiiskii, Sezam.
SANSKRIT: Tila.
SINHALESE: Thel.
SLOVAKIAN: Sezam.
SLOVENIAN: Sezama.
SPANISH: Ajonjol, Semilla de ajonjol, Ssamo.
SWAHILI: Ufuta.
SWEDISH Sesam.
TAMIL: Cirrel, El, Ellu, Illu, Tilam.
TELUGU: Tillu.
THAI: Nga, Nga dam, Nga khao.
TURKISH: Susam.
UKRAINIAN: Sezam.
URDU: Til.
VIETNAMESE: M, Vng.

Sesame plant is an erect, annual, hairy herb, 50 to 80 centimeters in height.

Leaves are oblong or ovate, 3 to 10 centimeters long, the lower ones lobed,
the middle ones toothed, and the uppermost subentire. Leaf stalks are from
1 to 5 centimeters long. Sepals are lanceolate, 6 to 7 millimeters long and
imbricate. Corolla is about 3 centimeters long, hairy and whitish, or with
purplish, red, or yellow marks. Stamens are 4, inserted. Fruits are capsules,
2- or 4-celled, oblong, about 2.5 centimeters long, erect, and splitting
halfway or quite to the base at maturity. Seeds are small and black.

Distribution

- Cultivated here and there throughout the world.

- Often occurs in open waste places as an escape plant.

- Native of tropical Asia.

- Now pantropic.

Properties

- The white or yellow-seeded varieties provide the best grade of oil, while
the dark red, brown, or black-seeded varieties give an inferior grade of oil.

- Has a high percentage of fixed oil which can be used as an antirheumatic

in massage treatment.

- Sesame oil, also known as pil or gingelly, has a pale yellow color, a
pleasant odor and taste.

- Neither warming nor cooling.

- Seeds are considered emollient, nourishing, tonic, diuretic, and

lactagogue.

- Oil considered demulcent, emollient, diuretic, emmenagogue, lactagogue

and laxative.
Constituents

Seed contain fixed oil, 47-59%; saccharose, pentosan, lecithin; choline;

phytine; globuline, 22%; sesamin.

The oil consists of olein, linolein, palmitin, and stearin; fatty acids consist
of oleic, linoleic, linolenic, palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, eicosenoic.

Study on the chemical constituents of the flowers of Sesamum indicum

yielded six flavones: apigenin, ladanetin, ladanetin-6-O-beta-D-glucoside,
apigenin-7-O-glucuronic acid, pedalitin, and pedalitin-6-O-glucoside.

Seeds yield lignan, lignan glycosides, and sterols; phenylethanoid

glycosides from the whole plant, and phenolic acids from the leaves and
seeds.

A petroleum ether fraction of an alcoholic extract yielded sesamin,

sesamolin, stigmasterol, -sitosterol, and stigmasterol-3-O--D-glucoside.
A butanol fraction yielded ferulic acid, rhamnetin, verbascoside,
kaempferol-3-O--D-glucorunide, and mequelianin (quercetin-3-O--D-
glucuronide).

Study for nutritional value of sesame seeds (S. indicum) yielded:

carbohydrates 23.45 g, protein 17.73 g, total fat 49.67 g, dietary fiber 11.8 g,
carbohydrates 23.45 g, copper 4.082 mg, iron 14.55 mg, magnesium 351
mg, manganese 2.460 mg, phosphorus 629, selenium 34.4 g, zinc 7.75 mg,
copper 4.082mg. Phytochemical screening of seeds yielded saponin,
alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides. (26)

Study evaluated proximate, phytochemical, and mineral compositions of

seeds, leaves, root and whole plant of S. indicum. Roots yielded appreciable
levels of moisture (6.60 4.39%), crude fiber (12.80 8.53%), and total
carbohydrate (67.90 45.26%). Protein content was highest (21.44
14.29%) in the whole plant. Percentage flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins of
the samples ranged between 16.20-4.80, 10.04-1.96, and 3.32-1.18%,
respectively. (33)

Ethanol extract of sesame seeds yielded phenols, tannins, saponins,

glycosides, alkaloids, coumarins, and flavonoids, with an absence of
terpenes and steroids. (see study below) (40)

Parts used

Seeds, leaves.
 Collect seeds as soon as the fruits ripen, harvest the above ground portion,
sun-dry and collect the seeds, dry again.

Uses
Edibility / Culinary

Whole seeds used by bakers in making cakes and sweetmeats.

Used for cooking; for margarine; also used to adulterate olive oil.

Folkloric traditional medicinal benefits and uses of Sesame

For chronic constipation, roasted seeds are taken alone, with honey, or
mixed liberally with other foods.

Oil extracted from seeds used as antirheumatic in massage therapy.

Burned stalks applied to hemorrhoids.

Leaves, which abound in the gummy matter, mixed with water to form a
bland mucilage used for infantile cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, catarrh,
cystitis, and strangury.

Plaster of ground seeds applied to burns and scalds.

Leaves with equal parts of sesame oil and lime water are a popular
dressing for burns and scalds.

Decoction of seeds with linseed used for coughs and as aphrodisiac.

Lotion made from roots and leaves used as a hair wash; also used to
promote hair growth and make it black.

Decoction of seeds laxative for children.

The oil of seed used for treatment of ulcers and suppurating wounds.

White seeds promote menstruation.

Diseases of the kidney or liver associated with dizziness, tinnitus, and

haziness of vision: get see preparation from 8 to 14 gms and mix with equal
volume of Morus leaf preparation. Powder, add honey and water and drink.

Seeds ground to a paste with water, given with butter, for bleeding piles.

In large quantities, seeds capable of producing abortion.

 Alopecia (baldness) due to prolonged illness: fry seeds, crush and add
sugar, then eat 1 to 2 tbsp daily.

In Sierra Leone the mucilaginous juice of the plant is used by women to

destroy headlice.

In India, seeds used for wound healing.

In Yucatan, seeds given as laxative to children.

Seeds and oil used as emmenagogue.

Malays use the oil in tonics.

In Africa, decoction of leaves used as aphrodisiac. Decoction of plant used

for malaria. Leaves chewed as alternative to tobacco. Powdered leaf applied
to snake bites. Decoction of seeds used for hemorrhoids and regulation of
the menstrual cycle.

In European medicine the oil was once used pulmonary tuberculosis.

Other uses

Perfumery: Oil use in perfumery in Europe, North America and India.

Hair uses: Lotion from leaves and roots used for healthy hair growth and
color restoration.

Scientific studies on the benefits and uses of sesame

Free Radical Scavenging / Antioxidant:

Study evaluated the free radical scavenging capacity of antioxidants from

sesame cake extract using a DPPH kinetic model. (1)

Antioxidant / Analgesic:

Study observed antioxidant and analgesic activity of the ethanol extract of

seeds of SI with inhibition of writhing response comparable to ibuprofen.
Study also showed an antioxidant activity compared to standard
antioxidant ascorbic acid. (7)

Antioxidant / Neuroprotective:

Lignans and tocopherols, identified as major antioxidants in Sesamum

indicum have also been reported to have protective effects against
neurodegenerative disease. Sesame seeds and its antioxidants may be a
potent natural agent with both therapeutic and preventive applications in
neurodegenerative diseases in humans. (9)

Lipid Effects: Effect of Sesame Oil on Serum Lipids in Rats:

Sesame oil increased S cholesterol and LDL-C in hypercholesterolemic diet

fed rats, with no significant effects on serum lipids of
normocholesterolemic rats. (2)

Acetylcholine-like Substance:

Alcoholic extract of seeds of Sesamum indicum caused hypotensive effects

in anesthetized rats. It also caused decreased rate and force of atrial
contractions; contractile responses in rat uterus. The results indicate that
the alcoholic extract of SI contain acetylcholine-like constituents that
explains its folkloric use. (3)

Wound Healing:

Sesamum indicum seeds and oil applied topically showed wound healing
activity with significant reduction in period of epithelization and wound
contraction. (4)

Health Effects of Sesame Oil:

Study on the effect of SI in hypertensive diabetics on atenolol and

sulfonylurea showed reduction in systolic and diastolic BP, decrease in
glucose, HbA1C, LDL and TC, with increase in activities of enzymic and
non-enzymic levels of antioxidants. (5)

Fertility Effects:

Study of the ethanolic extract of Sesamum indicum, vitamin C and SI+VC

promote fertility from their testosterone-increasing effects and their
antioxidant effects. (10)

Insecticidal:

Sesamin has been shown to be insecticidal and is synergistic to pyrethrum.

Physiochemical Properties of Sesame Oil:

Study showed (1) the acid value which is the index of free fatty acid content
due to enzymatic activity was very low (2) No potential for soap making (3)
High peroxide value (4) seed oils were cyanide free (5) seeds are a good
source of oil, with a seed content of 50% light yellow crude oil with a
pleasant smell. (12)

Residual Aerial Parts Composition / Antihyperglycemic /

Antioxidant:

A petroleum ether fraction of an alcoholic extract yielded sesamin,

sesamolin, stigmasterol, -sitosterol, and stigmasterol-3-O--D-glucoside.
A butanol fraction yielded ferulic acid, rhamnetin, verbascoside,
kaempferol-3-O--D-glucorunide, and mequelianin (quercetin-3-O--D-
glucuronide). Tested extracts exhibited a reductive effect on blood glucose
of diabetic rats, attributed to possible inhibition of free radicals and
inhibition of tissue damage induced by alloxan. -sitosterol and ferulic acid
may have contributed to the hypoglycemic activity of the alcoholic extract.
The alcoholic extract has a potential as an alternative natural antioxidant,
antihyperglycemic and anticoagulant. (13)

Antihyperlipidemic:

Study investigated the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of sesame in a high-fat fed

rabbit model. Results showed supplementation with sesame oil, but not
sesame seed, can ameliorate serum levels of lipids and hepatic enzymes in
rabbits under a high-fat diet. (15)

Toxicity Study:

Study investigated the toxic effect of an ethanolic leaf extract of Sesamum

indicum on the histomorphology of adult Wistar rats liver. The leaf extract
caused an phased architectural pattern with atrophic hepatocytes and
dilated sinusoid suggesting toxicity to the liver of Wistar rats. (16)

Ardeh / Anti-Atherogenic / Decreased CVD Risks:

Study investigated the effects of Ardeh, paste of ground unhulled sesame

seeds, on lipid profiles and atherogenic lipid parameters on 41 patients with
type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results showed significant decrease in serum
triglycerides and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) with slight decreases in
other atherogenic lipid parameters and a mild increase in HDL-C. Results
suggest Ardeh could have favorable effects in decreasing CVD risk factors in
T2DM.
(17)

Hepatoprotective / Seeds / CCl4-Induced Hepatic Damage:

Study of ethanolic extracts of S. indicum seeds showed potent
hepatoprotective action against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic
damage in rats. (18)

Plant Gum / Formulation and In Vitro Release Properties:

Study evaluated the properties of a plant gum obtained from S. indicum.

Moisture content was found to be low. All formulations released the drug in
the hydrated matrix through polymer relaxation. The findings suggest the
gum can be used for intestinal drug delivery. (19)

Antioxidant / Seeds:

Study evaluated ethanol extracts of white and black varieties of S. indicum.

Results showed sesame seed extracts possess high antioxidant activity and
that the white variety elicit better antioxidant activity than the black one.
(20)

Seed and Seed Oil:

Seeds yield two unique substances, sesamin and sesamolin, reported to

prevent high blood pressures and have a cholesterol lowering effect in
humans. Oil is reported to increase HDL and lower LDL. Seed oil has
reported antibacterial activity Staphylococcus and Streptococcus and
common fungi (athlete's foot fungus). (22)

Prophylactic Effect on Ethanol Induced Toxicity:

Study evaluat3d the prophylactic effect of aqueous extract of of S. indicum

on ethanol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. S. indicum possesses antioxidant
and hepatoprotective properties that eliminate the deleterious effects of
toxic metabolites of ethanol. SI treatment simultaneous with ethanol
exhibited similar effects to those of SI pretreated groups, while SI post-
treatment group did not show the same level of protection. (23)

Reduction in Severity of Post-Traumatic Pain / Topical Sesame

Oil:

Study evaluated the effects of topical sesame oil on pain severity and
frequency of NSAIDs patients with trauma. Results showed topical
application of sesame oil could reduce pain severity and frequency of
NSAIDs treatment in patients with upper and lower extremity trauma.
Results recommend complementary use of the oil for relief of pain with its
low cost, easy usage, and lack of side effects. (24)

Antibacterial / Leaves:
Study evaluated ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts for anti-microbial
activities on bacterial pathogens viz., K. pneumonia, S. typhii, E. coli, and S.
aureus. The ethanolic extract strongly inhibited E. coli growth with mild
inhibition of of K. pneumonia and S. typhi. The aqueous extract showed no
activity on the test pathogens. (25)

Herbal Treatment of Oligomenorrhea:

Single-blind clinical trial in 56 women evaluated the efficacy of S. indicum

in inducing menstrual bleeding in women with oligomenorrhea (infrequent
menstrual flow at intervals of 36 days to 6 months or 5-7 cycles in a year).
Results showed S. indicum was well-tolerated and partially effective in
inducing and maintaining regular bleeding, and can be considered as an
alternative therapy for patients who are not suitable candidates for
hormone therapy. (27)

Anti-Diabetic Synergism with Glibenclamide / Sesame Oil:

Studies have reported blood pressure and antioxidant benefits with sesame
oil. Open-label study evaluated the effectiveness of sesame oil with anti-
diabetic (glibenclamide) medication as combination therapy in mild to
moderate diabetes. Results showed sesame oil exhibited synergistic effect
with glibenclamidea safe and effective option for combination therapy for
the treatment of diabetes. (28)

Effect on Hepatic and Renal Mineral Concentrations on

Hypercholesterolemic Rats / Seed Oil:

Hypercholesterolemia reduced both hepatic and real concentrations of

sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium but reduced the
hepatic and not renal concentrations of magnesium and zinc. 5%
supplementation with sesamum indicum seed oil reversed the effects and
restored reduced ion concentrations. (29)

Antioxidant / Antibacterial / Roots, Leaves and Seeds:

Study evaluated methanol and aqueous extracts of leaves, seeds, and roots
of S. indicum for antibacterial and antioxidant (DPPH, TBA) activities. The
methanol extract showed promising antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.
(30)

Anthelmintic / Seeds:

Study evaluated the anthelmintic activity of methanolic extract of seeds of

sesame (S. indicum) and fruits of Capsicum frutescens on aquarium worms
Tubifex tubifex. Results showed both alcoholic extracts exhibited
significant anthelmintic activities at 10mg/ml concentration. Levasimole
was used as standard. (31)

Silver Nanoparticles / Antibacterial / Seed:

Study reports on the simple, green, eco-friendly synthesis of silver

nanoparticles from S. indicum seed extracts. The AgNPs showed inhibitory
activity against multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumonia. (34)

Preservative Effects on Mashed Potatoes / Seed Oil:

Study evaluated the biopreservative efficiencies of different levels of sesame

seed oil on mashed potatoes. Results showed sesame seed oil was more
efficient in preserving stored potato paste than sodium benzoate.
Organisms found associated with spoilage of stored potatoes included fungi
Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger and Fusarium spp. and bacteria
such as Bacillus coagulant. (35)

Effect of S. indicum and Vitamin C in Promoting Fertility in

Male Wistar Rats:

Study showed an ethanolic extract of S. indicum + vitamin C as well as ESS

and VC promote fertility due to both their testosterone-increasing effects
and their antioxidant effects. (36)

Nephroprotective in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats / Seeds:

Study evaluated the effect of ethanolic extract of S. indicum on kidney

function in STZ-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats. Results showed a
significant decrease in levels of serum total protein, albumin, and globulin,
and significant increase in blood urea, serum creatinine and uric acid when
compared to normal rats. Normalization of marker enzymes in the serum
and histopathological results revealed the protective effect and potential to
control hyperglycemia in STZ induced diabetic rats. (37)

Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Phlebitis / Sesame Oil:

Study evaluated the effect of external use of sesame oil in the prevention of
phlebitis in 60 patients with colon or rectal cancer. Results showed external
use of SO is effective, safe, and well tolerated prophylaxis for phlebitis. (38)

Sesamin / Plant Lignan / Seed:

Study evaluated whether plant lignans in sesame seeds, particularly

sesamin, could me metabolized to the mammalian lignans. Some plant
lignans may have a protective effect against hormone-related diseases such
as breast cancer. Study showed sesame seed is a rich source of mammalian
lignan precursors and sesamin is one of them. (39)

Cytotoxicity / Seeds:

Study evaluated the active constituents in an ethanolic extract of S. indicum

defatted seeds and its effect on lipid and cytogenetic changes in bone
marrow in laboratory mice, and cytotoxic effects on three types of cancer
cell lines. Concentration of sesamin the the ethanolic extract was 79.9%
ethanolic extract. Results showed significant in vitro growth inhibition
against the tested cancer cell lines (Hep-2, AMN-3, and RD). (40)

Availability

Wild-crafted.

Cultivated for culinary use.

Reference list of scientific studies mentioned in this article

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