Sesamin belongs to a subclass of polyphenol compounds referred to as lignans. In seeds, lignans act to provide rigidity to the seeds’ cell walls and protect against rotting, a form of oxidative stress. Sesamin is found in sesame seeds.
Throughout history, sesame seeds have played a prominent role in culinary and medicinal traditions. Sesame seed oil is highly valued for its resistance to spoilage, underscoring the sesame seeds’ potent antioxidative attributes. Numerous scientists consider sesamin the major health-promoting phytonutrient in sesame seeds.
Musculoskeletal Benefits of Sesamin
1. Sesamin Promotes Joint Health
A cardinal feature of advanced joint disease is decreased quality and quantity of special sugar proteins called glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans. The popular supplements chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine are examples of these types of substances. These special sugar proteins are important in maintaining the shock-absorbing properties of the joint. Decreased quantity or suboptimal quality of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans magnifies all the negative symptoms associated with joint disease, such as pain, stiffness, and weakness.
Research suggests sesamin stimulates production of these joint-boosting substances. Additionally, studies demonstrate that sesamin suppresses the action of Interleukin-1 Beta (IL-β), which many scientists consider one of the key promoters of inflammation. With respect to joint injury, IL-β has been shown to:
- Decrease the production of shock-absorbing proteins
- Upregulate the activity of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases that release acid, destroying healthy tissue
- Enhance nitric oxide activity, which magnifies an unhealthy healing response and puts healthy cells at risk for injury
Thai scientists investigated sesamin’s protective effect on human cartilage cells. Cells administered sesamin exhibited enhanced proteoglycan synthesis, suppressed IL-1β expression, and decreased IL-1β-induced inflammation (Srisuthtayanont et al., 2017). Researches in Iran administered 40 g of sesame seeds per day to patients with knee arthritis. At the end of two months, the treatment group reported less pain and improved function compared to the non-treatment group (Sadat et al., 2013).
2. Sesamin Boosts Bone Health
Osteoporosis is caused by an imbalance between bone resorption and bone production. High rates of bone resorption and low rates of bone formation lead to poor bone quality and quantity. Research suggests sesamin stimulates the synthesis of key proteins that boost the mineralization of bone and improve bone quality. Additionally, some investigation implies sesamin may reduce the activity of bone-resorbing cells called osteoclasts.
Thai investigators evaluated sesamin supplementation on the bone-producing cells of rats. The authors of the study concluded that sesamin promotes new bone cell formation (Wanachewin et al., 2012).
3. Sesamin Supports Muscle Health
Muscle contains massive amounts of mitochondria, since large numbers of mitochondria are needed to provide the fuel muscle needs to perform the herculean tasks asked of it. Poorly functioning mitochondria cause not only muscle dysfunction but also whole-body dysfunction.
Animal research suggests that sesamin protects mitochondria and promotes mitochondrial health. Additionally, sesamin boosts mitochondrial fatty oxidation, which is a type of energy-generating process that is most efficient and yields the most energy. Finally, sesamin demonstrates potent antioxidant properties that help shield muscle from oxidative stress.
Japanese investigators treated diabetic rats with sesamin supplementation. The researchers demonstrated improved mitochondrial function, fat oxidation, and attenuation of oxidative stress in skeletal muscle (Takada et al., 2015).
4. Sesamin Enhances Vitamin E Activity
Vitamin E is a crucial antioxidant. It is fat-soluble, which allows it to penetrate fat. Fat solubility is a property that many antioxidants do not possess. Fat is highly vulnerable to oxidative stress and is a frequent site of unrestrained inflammation. Research suggests sesamin increases the amount of vitamin E available for antioxidant protection. Investigators believe sesamin interferes with the enzymes that attempt to break down vitamin E and remove it from the body. Optimal amounts of vitamin E circulating within bone, muscle, and joint provide antioxidant protection and promote health.
Japanese researchers investigated the effects of a high sesame seed diet on rats. The investigators demonstrated enhanced vitamin E activity and a marked increase in vitamin E concentration in the blood and tissue (Yamashita et al., 1992).
5. Sesamin is a Potent Antioxidant
Sesamin is a type of polyphenol called a lignan. The special chemical structure of sesamin and its metabolites confers antioxidant attributes.
Researchers in India examined the antioxidant capacity of sesame seeds. The authors found that sesame possessed three potent antioxidants, including sesamol, sesamin, and sesamolin (Mahendra Kumar et al., 2015).
Precautions
Sesamin from natural foods is generally well tolerated, and there is no reported upper limit. However, high consumption may lower blood sugar and blood pressure. Sesamin may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners and also increase drowsiness when taken with sedatives. Any consideration of supplementation should be discussed with a qualified health professional familiar with your unique medical history.
References
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- The World’s Healthiest Foods. (2017). Sesame seeds. Retrieved from http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=34
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