Hypolipidemic effect of Sesame Seed Oil: A Review

Abstract

Sesame seed (Sesamum indicum L) oil is an excellent source of unsaturated fatty acids and secondary metabolites. Most commonly used in Eastern countries, easily available and cheap source of essential nutrients. Objective: To identify scientific evidence regarding the hypolipidemic effect of sesame seed oil and its derivatives. Elevated levels of plasma lipids and cholesterol is known as hyperlipidemia, increased lipids levels are directly associated with vascular and metabolic disorders. Hyperlipidemia is the most common risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Sesame seed oil is loaded in vitamin E, sesamin, sesamolin, sesamol, lignans, and phytoestrogen, these constituents have the potential to reduce hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, and elevated triglycerides levels.  They also act as antioxidants to prevent lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. The mechanism behind the hypolipidemic effect of sesame seed oil is its ability to increase superoxide dismutase SOD and glutathione peroxidase (antioxidants), reduction in triglycerides, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. MDA is the end product of lipid peroxidation and triggers lipid accumulation in blood. It has been studied that Sesaminol diglucoside helps to reduce white fat deposition by increasing the conversion of fat into brown fat. Conclusions: Results suggest that sesame seed oil is highly effective to manage hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia due to its lipid ameliorating and anti-oxidative effect