Antihypertensive and antioxidant effects of dietary black sesame meal in pre-hypertensive humans

Abstract

BackgroundIt has been known that hypertension is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in developed and developing countries. Elevation of blood pressure (BP) increases the adverse effect for cardiovascular outcomes. Prevention of increased BP plays a crucial role in a reduction of those outcomes, leading to a decrease in mortality. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary black sesame meal on BP and oxidative stress in individuals with prehypertension.MethodsTwenty-two women and eight men (aged 49.8 ± 6.6 years) with prehypertension were randomly divided into two groups, 15 subjects per group. They ingested 2.52 g black sesame meal capsules or placebo capsules each day for 4 weeks. Blood samples were obtained after overnight fasting for measurement of plasma lipid, malondialdehyde (MDA) and vitamin E levels. Anthropometry, body composition and BP were measured before and after 4-week administration of black sesame meal or a placebo.ResultsThe results showed that 4-week administration of black sesame meal significantly decreased systolic BP (129.3 ± 6.8 vs. 121.0 ± 9.0 mmHg, P < 0.05) and MDA level (1.8 ± 0.6 vs. 1.2 ± 0.6 μmol/L, P < 0.05), and increased vitamin E level (29.4 ± 6.0 vs. 38.2 ± 7.8 μmol/L, P < 0.01). In the black sesame meal group, the change in SBP tended to be positively related to the change in MDA (R = 0.50, P = 0.05), while the change in DBP was negatively related to the change in vitamin E (R = -0.55, P < 0.05). There were no correlations between changes in BP and oxidative stress in the control group.ConclusionsThese results suggest the possible antihypertensive effects of black sesame meal on improving antioxidant status and decreasing oxidant stress. These data may imply a beneficial effect of black sesame meal on prevention of CVD.

Comparative Effects of Sesame Seeds Differing in Lignan Contents and Composition on Fatty Acid Oxidation in Rat Liver

“…Consistent with these observations, ingestion of sesame seeds has been demonstrated to reduce oxidative stress in rats 42 and humans 43,44 . In the present study, we confirmed the results of a previous study 42 that sesame seeds reduced serum concentrations of malondialdehyde in rats.…”

The role of nutrition and nutraceutical supplements in the treatment of hypertension

“…In a group of 13 mild hypertensive subjects, 60 mg of sesamin for 4 wk lowered SBP 3.5 mmHg (p < 0.044) and DBP 1.9 mmHg (p < 0.045) [258] . Black sesame meal at 2.52 g/d over 4 wk in 15 subjects reduced SBP by 8.3 mmHg (p < 0.05) but there was a non-significant reduction in DBP of 4.2 mmHg [259] . Sesame oil at 35 g/d significantly lowered central BP within 1 h and also maintained BP reduction chronically in 30 hypertensive subjects, reduced heart rate, reduced arterial stiffness, decreased augmentation index and pulse wave velocity, decreased HSCRP, improved NO, decreased endothelin-Ⅰ and improved antioxidant capacity [264] .…”

“…Sesame has been shown to reduce BP in a several small randomized, placebo controlled human studies over 30-60 d [256][257][258][259][260][261][262][263][264] . Sesame lowers BP alone [257][258][259][260][261] or in combination with nifedipine [256,260] diuretics and beta blockers [257,261] .…”

“…Sesame lowers BP alone [257][258][259][260][261] or in combination with nifedipine [256,260] diuretics and beta blockers [257,261] . In a group of 13 mild hypertensive subjects, 60 mg of sesamin for 4 wk lowered SBP 3.5 mmHg (p < 0.044) and DBP 1.9 mmHg (p < 0.045) [258] .…”

Traditional medicinal plants used for the treatment of diabetes in the Sudan: A review

“…Amutha and Godavari (2016) demonstrated that S. indicum can be used to reduce the postprandial hyperglycemia by inhibiting carbohydrates metabolizing enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and also to combat the free radicals due to its antioxidant activity. It has been reported that sesame seeds can improve oxidative status due to the activities of their contents including sesamin, sesamolin, sesamol, and sesame (Wichitsranoi et al, 2011).…”