Effects of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and bioactive compounds (sesamin and sesamolin) on inflammation and atherosclerosis: A review

Abstract

Inflammation, oxidative stress, obesity, infection, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes are the main causes of atherosclerosis, which in the long term lead to hardening of the arteries. In the current study, we reviewed recent findings of the mechanism of sesame and its active compounds of sesamin and sesamolin regulates on atherosclerosis. Sesame can decrease the lipid peroxidation and affect the enzymes, which control the balance of oxidative status in the body. Besides modulating the inflammatory cytokines, sesame regulates the main mediators of the signaling pathways in the process of inflammation, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nuclear factor kappa light‐chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐kB) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPAR‐γ). Sesame decreases the growth of different pathogens. It fights against obesity and helps to reduce weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and lipid count of serum and liver. In addition to lowering fasting blood sugar (FBS), it decreases the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and glucose levels and improves insulin function. With high content of linoleic acid, α‐linolenic acid, and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), sesame efficiently controls the blood plasma lipids and changes the lipid profile. In the case of hypertension, it maintains the health of endothelium through multiple mechanisms and conserves the response of the arteries to vasodilation. PUFA in sesame suppresses blood clotting and fibrinogen activity. All the mentioned properties combat atherosclerosis and hardening of blood vessels, which are detailed in the present review for sesame.

Exploring Chinese herbal medicine for ischemic stroke: insights into microglia and signaling pathways

“…Administration of 300 mg/kg CVE has been shown to effectively mitigate microglial activation and suppress the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and p38 and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was significantly reduced, leading to an amelioration of the inflammatory response and neuronal damage ( WANG et al, 2022a ). 4-Hydroxysesamin , a lignan constituent of tetrahydrofuran , is obtained from Chinese herbs including Rhizoma hydroxysesamin , Watkins , and camphor, and has been found to possess anti-stroke properties ( HADIPOUR et al, 2023 ). Research has demonstrated that 4-hydroxysesamin exerts its protective effects on cerebral ischemic tissue by down-regulating the expression of COX-2 and IL-6 through the inhibition of the p38MAPK signaling pathway ( ZHANG et al, 2021 ).…”

Sesame Seeds: A Nutrient-Rich Superfood

“…Sesamin is the most prominent lignan compound found in sesame seeds, one of the two highest sources of lignans (the other being flax) in the human diet. Sesamin is catered to be a nutritional supplement that is believed to possess various properties such as anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic, pro-angiogenic, antimetastatic, antiproliferative, and ant-oxidant effects, as well as pro-antiphagocytic activities (if touting its health properties) or possibly being an estrogen receptor modulator and fat burner (if targeting athletes or persons wishing to lose weight) [56,60]. Sesamin has several processes, which, when considered comprehensively, may be succinctly described as a modulator of fatty acid metabolism.…”

Effect of Fortification of Tahini with Natural Plant Origin Raw Materials on Its Bioactivity

“…Sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) contain a multitude of phenolic compounds, which exhibit beneficial effects on human health. Phenolic components, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic activities, and, specifically, sesame lignans like sesamin and sesamolin have attracted large interest regarding their nutritional benefits for humans in conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. A number of studies with sesame oil have reported a reduction in oxidative stress and an increase in vitamin E levels [9,10].…”