Alzheimer’s disease, a major cause of dementia, is characterized by impaired cholinergic function, increased oxidative stress, and amyloid cascade induction. Sesame lignans have attracted considerable attention owing to their beneficial effects on brain health. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of lignan-rich sesame cultivars. Among the 10 sesame varieties studied, Milyang 74 (M74) extracts exhibited the highest total lignan content (17.71 mg/g) and in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity (66.17%, 0.4 mg/mL). M74 extracts were the most effective in improving cell viability and inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) generation in amyloid-β25-35 fragment-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Thus, M74 was used to evaluate the nootropic effects of sesame extracts and oil on scopolamine (2 mg/kg)-induced memory impairment in mice compared to the control cultivar (Goenback). Pretreatment with the M74 extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) and oil (1 and 2 mL/kg) effectively improved memory disorder in mice (demonstrated by the passive avoidance test), inhibited AChE, and enhanced acetylcholine (Ach) levels. Moreover, immunohistochemistry and Western blot results showed that the M74 extract and oil reversed the scopolamine-induced increase in APP, BACE-1, and presenilin expression levels in the amyloid cascade and decreased BDNF and NGF expression levels in neuronal regeneration.

This study was performed to investigate the distribution of the functional compounds in different varieties of sesame (cv. Daheuk, cv. Goenbaek, cv. Milyang 74) during processing, as well as their antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. The total polyphenol and flavonoid content ranged from 0.37∼2.79 mg gallic acid equivalent/g and 0.03∼1.13 mg catechin equivalent/g in different varieties of sesame, roasted sesame, sesame oil, and sesame meal. The major lignans were identified as sesamin, sesamolin, sesaminol, sesaminol diglucoside, and sesaminol triglucoside. The highest total lignan content (10.87∼19.44 mg/g) and ABTS radical scavenging activity (1.76∼5.14 mg Trolox equivalent/g) were observed in the Milyang 74 cultivar regardless of processing. Furthermore, extracts of Milyang 74 effectively improved cell viability and inhibited reactive oxygen species generation in oxidative stress-induced HepG2 cells. These results suggest that the Milyang 74 cultivar could effectively mediate physiological activity.The study provides valuable information for the use of sesame as a functional food material.