Efficacy and Safety of Sesame Oil Cake Extract on Memory Function Improvement: A 12-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

Abstract

The goal of treatment for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is to reduce the existing clinical symptoms, delay the progression of cognitive impairment and prevent the progression to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). At present, there is no effective drug therapy for AD treatment. However, early intake of dietary supplements may be effective in alleviating and delaying the MCI. This study aims to evaluate the effects of sesame oil cake extract (SOCE) supplementation on cognitive function in aged 60 years or older adults with memory impairment. A total of 70 subjects received either SOCE (n = 35) or placebo (n = 35) for 12 weeks based on random 1:1 assignment to these two groups. Cognitive function was evaluated by a computerized neurocognitive function test (CNT), and changes in the concentrations of plasma amyloid β (Aβ) proteins and urine 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine) were investigated before and after the experiment. Verbal learning test index items of the CNT improved markedly in the SOCE group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, plasma amyloid-β (1–40) and amyloid-β (1–42) levels in the SOCE group decreased significantly compared to that in the placebo group (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in urine 8-OHdG between the two groups (p > 0.05). Collectively, intake of SOCE for 12 weeks appears to have a beneficial effect on the verbal memory abilities and plasma β-amyloid levels of older adults with memory impairment.

Zinc in Cognitive Impairment and Aging

“…As expected, AD develops slowly; decreased glucose metabolism or increased Aβ deposition in the brain can occur as early as 10 or even 15 years before the onset of symptoms [ 45 ]. Since clinical trials of drugs targeting Aβ reduction alone have not been proven effective, the treatment of AD is still being studied [ 46 , 47 ]. However, researchers have turned their attention to other topics.…”

Physicochemical, potential nutritional, antioxidant and health properties of sesame seed oil: a review

“…SSO can modulate different molecular targets involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease through alterations in nuclear factor kappa B/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/brain-derived neurotrophic factor/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (NF-κB/p38MAPK/BDNF/PPAR-γ) and this can be attributed to the synergistic effect of their active components ( 60 ) ( Figure 6 ). A 12-week SSO supplementation in elderly people with memory impairment may result in improved overall cognitive function, by improving verbal learning memory function ( 61 ). Long-term consumption of sesaminol may inhibit the accumulation of pathogenic Aβ in the brain ( 62 ).…”

Lignans as multi‐targeted natural products in neurodegenerative diseases and depression: Recent perspectives

“…In another clinical trial, SOCE (sesaminol concentration in SOCE was 3.10 mg/g) was used to assess the effect on elderly people with mild cognitive impairment. After consuming 1.5 g of SOCE daily for 12 weeks, patients in the SOCE group improved significantly in verbal learning test indices, and plasma levels of Aβ(1–40) and Aβ(1–42) were markedly reduced (Jung et al, 2021), demonstrating the beneficial effects of SOCE in such disorders in clinical settings.…”