A review on nutritional and nutraceuticals properties of sesame. Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences

Abstract

Sesame which is known for properties of good health consists of a plethora of nutrients viz., proteins,
carbohydrates, antioxidants, lignans, tocopherols and other micronutrients. Benefits of this enigmatic crop include
properties of anticancer, antioxidative, antiimmunoregulation and antihypersensitivity. Covering wide agro ecological
regions of the world, different varieties of sesame seeds are available. They are seen growing in different parts of the
world, where India being one of the major producers. The oil from this seed can be extracted by simple processes
of solvent extraction and expelling. Alternatively, as the technology has advanced, supercritical extraction can also
be employed. Sesame which is considered as an extremely beneficial medicine has inherent power to cure many
diseases. Sesame has a ray of health benefits in lowering cholesterol, controlling blood pressure, dermatological
disease management and many more areas. This review gives an overall impact about sesame, properties and its
role in various sections

Full text

Volume 2 • Issue 2 • 1000127
J Nutr Food Sci
ISSN: 2155-9600 JNFS, an open access journal
Open Access
Review Article
Nutrition & Food
Sciences
Nagendra Prasad et al., J Nutr Food Sci 2012, 2:2
http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2155-9600.1000127
*Corresponding author: MN Nagendra Prasad, Department of Biotechnology,
Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Mysore -570006, India, Tel: +91-
9886480528; Fax: +91-821-2515770; E-mail: npmicro8@yahoo. com
Received January 05, 2012; Accepted February 09, 2012; Published February
14, 2012
Citation: Nagendra Prasad MN, Sanjay KR, Prasad DS, Vijay N, Kothari R,
Nanjunda Swamy S (2012) A Review on Nutritional and Nutraceutical Properties of
Sesame. J Nutr Food Sci 2:127. doi:10.4172/2155-9600.1000127
Copyright: © 2012 Nagendra Prasad MN, et al. This is an open-access article
distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which
permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided
the original author and source are credited.
A Review on Nutritional and Nutraceutical Properties of Sesame
Nagendra Prasad MN*, Sanjay KR, Deepika S. Prasad#, Neha Vijay#, Ruchika Kothari# and Nanjunda Swamy S
Department of Biotechnology, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Mysore- 570006, India
#Equal contribution to the work
Abstract
Sesame which is known for properties of good health consists of a plethora of nutrients viz., proteins,
carbohydrates, antioxidants, lignans, tocopherols and other micronutrients. Benets of this enigmatic crop include
properties of anticancer, antioxidative, antiimmunoregulation and antihypersensitivity. Covering wide agro ecological
regions of the world, different varieties of sesame seeds are available. They are seen growing in different parts of the
world, where India being one of the major producers. The oil from this seed can be extracted by simple processes
of solvent extraction and expelling. Alternatively, as the technology has advanced, supercritical extraction can also
be employed. Sesame which is considered as an extremely benecial medicine has inherent power to cure many
diseases. Sesame has a ray of health benets in lowering cholesterol, controlling blood pressure, dermatological
disease management and many more areas. This review gives an overall impact about sesame, properties and its
role in various sections.
Keywords: Gingelly; Sesame; Tocopherol; Hypocholesterolemic
Introduction
Dating back to as early as 1600 BC, sesame seeds are the oldest
condiment known to man. Sesame, Sesamum indicum L. belonging
to the family Pedaliaceae, is widely cultivated in the tropical parts of
Africa and Asia and about 36 species are said to be existent [1]. eir
wild species are located mainly in Africa and only a few in India [2].
e original home of this crop is known to be Ethiopia [3]. e major
sesame producers are India, Myanmar, China and Sudan with 68% of
the total world production [4]. In the world, India ranks rst in the
production and area of sesame seeds and is grown in dierent seasons
covering practically all agro-ecological zones [3,4].
Oil extracted from sesame is honoured as a rich food because of
its high nutritive quality and stability [5]. It has many uses and it is
markedly dierent from other vegetable oils due to its high nutritional
and therapeutic values. Potential health benets of sesame include anti
oxidative, anticancer, anti hypersensitive and anti immunoregulatory
actions [6]. e seeds are used for the production of oil, paste, salads
and in various food formulations. From the chemical composition
of sesame, it is known that the seeds contain 50-60% oil, 18-25%
protein, 13.5% carbohydrate and 5% ash [7]. e noteworthy stability
to oxidation can be attributed to its endogenous anti-oxidant lignans
along with tocopherols [6]. Sesamin (0.4-1.1%), sesamolin (0.3-0.6%)
and traces of sesamol contribute to the unique properties of sesame oil
[8]. In the eastern parts of the world, sesame has long been considered
as a ‘health food’ that provides high energy and prevents ageing [9].
e oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (85%) and has a mild taste 9.
It is said to be plant breeder’s dream crop because of its great genetic
diversity [4] (Table 1).
Sesame is a rich source of calcium (approx 1%) and phosphorous
(approx 0.7%) [5]. Sesame contains ample amounts of oleic (43%),
linoleic (35%), palmitic (11%) and stearic acid (7%) which together
comprise 96% of the total fatty acids [1].
Varieties and Genetic Diversity
Sesame seeds are tiny, at, oval with a nutty taste and delicate with
almost invisible crunch. ey vary in size from small to large and come
in a host of dierent colours, depending upon the variety, including
white, yellow, black, grey, brown and red. e seeds from northeast
region of India are black; those from eastern region are brown to black
and from south are predominantly red or reddish brown. Seeds from
other regions are white [3]. White and black seeded strains, on an
average contain 55% and 47.8% oil respectively [10]. White and black
sesame seed coat fractions have considerable anti-oxidant property but
the same is better in black sesame coats [3,7]. e oil extracted from
coated seeds possesses high oxidative stability than that of dehulled
ORIGIN SEED COLOUR
USA Light brown and brown
Palestine Brown and white
Portugal Greyish white
Turkey Light brown and brown
Japan Brown
Bulgaria White and brown
Korea White and brown
Brazil Dark grey and white
India White and dark grey
Venezuela Greyish white and light brown
Ethiopia Light brown
Tanzania Greyish white
China Black
Egypt White and light brown
Table 1: Diversity of sesame seeds [38].

Citation: Nagendra Prasad MN, Sanjay KR, Prasad DS, Vijay N, Kothari R, Nanjunda Swamy S (2012) A Review on Nutritional and Nutraceutical
Properties of Sesame. J Nutr Food Sci 2:127. doi:10.4172/2155-9600.1000127
Page 2 of 6
Volume 2 • Issue 2 • 1000127
J Nutr Food Sci
ISSN: 2155-9600 JNFS, an open access journal
seeds [7]. Dehulling is necessary as the hull contains 2-3% oxalic acid,
which chelates calcium and has a bitter avor [11] (Table 2).
e production of sesame seeds is 170,000 tons per year in
America; Mexico, Guatemala and Venezuela which impart 60% to the
continent’s production [12]. Samples of seeds from dierent states of
India were analysed by K. Venkataramana Bhat et al. [13] sing random
amplied polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. Results showed the
high level of genetic diversity, which indicated the nativity of the crop.
Rajasthan and the north eastern states showed maximum diversity
[13]. roughout the world the area under the cultivation of sesame is
6 million hectares, where 65% of crop is used for extraction of oil and
35% is used as food [14].
Morphologically diverse seven genotypes of sesame are found,
which represent dierent growing regions of India. ese include CST
2002 and MT 34 from Uttar Pradesh, TKG 22 from Madhya Pradesh,
AAUDT 9304-14-4 from Assam, B 67 and Rama from West Bengal
[4]. In India, two sections of sesamum are found – S. laciniatum and S.
prostratum. Another section includes S. malabaricum which is locally
called as ‘wild gingelly of Malabar’ [15].
Extraction of Oil
e industrialization of sesame oil is very important for food,
cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes. Final product quality and
environmental aspects are the desired considerations for an adequate
extraction process. Several processes for sesame oil production include
mechanical milling followed by solvent extraction using organic liquids
and solvent recuperation by distillation. Super critical extraction is an
alternative process which uses pressurized uids, minimising the use of
liquid organic solvents [16].
Sesame seed gives about 45-50% by weight of highly stable oil
aer extraction. Lignan content contributes to 32.23% in the extract
by solvent extraction. Whereas in case of supercritical extraction, the
lignan content is found to be 1.5-3.5%. e main lignans account for
about 10% of unsaponiable matter in sesame oil [6]. By products
obtained from sesame are rich sources of dietary bres [7].
Expelling
Expelling is the simplest method of oil extraction by crushing,
without the intervention of any chemicals. e desired quality of seeds
for crushing is got by naturally drying, cleaning and grading the seeds.
Cleaning and grading removes physical impurities. Clean seeds are
later crushed in expellers and rotary machines by adding palm jaggery.
Raw Sesame Oil obtained is stored in tanks. e sesame cake is packed
and sold in the market as Animal Feed. Using lter press, raw sesame
oil is ltered for ne particles. e Oil-Cake sludge from the lter press
is added along with the sesame cake and crushed (Figure 1).
Solvent extraction
Distribution of the solute between two immiscible liquid phases
which are in contact with each other, due to the density dierence is
the principle behind solvent extraction [17]. In the process, unroasted
seeds are rst extracted by simple mechanical pressing followed by
solvent extraction. Solvent extraction of sesame seeds with polar
solvents and eective seed crushing generates more stable oil than non-
polar solvents and pressed seeds. Compared to n-Hexane, Heptane-
isopropanol proves to yield more stable oil. Oxidative stability of the
oil is inuenced by the extraction method. Solvent extraction can yield
approximately 52-55 % oil from the seeds [18].
e disadvantages related with solvent extraction are complex
extraction process, high cost and not suited for small scale processing.
Management of organic solvents is one of the major problems [19-23].
Supercritical extraction
e principle behind supercritical extraction is that, near the
critical point of the solvent, its properties change rapidly with slight
Location Variety Sesamin Sesamolin Total lignans
Gujarat White 6.6 4.5 11.1
Gujarat Brown 7.6 8.2 15.8
Assam Black 4.9 5.8 10.7
West Bengal White 6.5 5.3 11.8
Bengal Dehusked 8.1 4.8 12.9
Andhra Pradesh Black 6.4 6.2 12.8
Gujarat Black 3.1 3.2 6.2
Andhra Pradesh White 5.7 3.6 9.3
Orissa White 3.6 2.3 5.9
Assam White 18.6 10.0 28.6
Table 2: Varieties of seeds and their lignan prole [28].
Figure 1: Expelling: process ow chart.
RAW SESAME SEED
NATURAL DRYING
CLEANING
CR US IN G IN ROTARY
AND EXPELLERS
RA W SESAME OI L SESAME CAKE
FILTERED SESAME OIL
FILTER
PRESS
OIL CAKE
LOCAL
BUYERS /
AGENTS
PACKED AND SENT FOR
SALE
PACKED AND SENT FOR
SALE
NATURAL
IMPURITIES

Citation: Nagendra Prasad MN, Sanjay KR, Prasad DS, Vijay N, Kothari R, Nanjunda Swamy S (2012) A Review on Nutritional and Nutraceutical
Properties of Sesame. J Nutr Food Sci 2:127. doi:10.4172/2155-9600.1000127
Page 3 of 6
Volume 2 • Issue 2 • 1000127
J Nutr Food Sci
ISSN: 2155-9600 JNFS, an open access journal
variations in the pressure involved [24]. Supercritical extraction of
sesame is usually carried out using carbon dioxide and propane as
solvents. Extraction of oil using carbon dioxide includes 313 to 333 K
temperature range, pressure variation of 19 to 25 MPa and constant
ow rate of 3cm3/min and that using propane includes 303 to 333K
range of temperature, pressures from 8 to 12 MPa and a constant ow
rate of 0.8cm3/min [6]. As the pressure and the supercritical CO2 ow
rate is increased, the extraction yield can be improved and the time of
the extraction process can also be reduced [25]. e sesame seeds used
in the process are required to be dried and milled with specied particle
diameter [6].
is process is more environmental friendly and the analytes can
be extracted faster [24]. e disadvantage in this process includes the
toxicity of the solvent and diculty in the understanding the phase
behaviour between the solvent and oil [6] (Figure 2).
Healthy Essence of Sesame
A general note
Sesame oil, queen of oils is an ingredient of varieties of food.
It is used as a substitute for olive oil, as a salad oil and for cooking
sh and vegetables in many parts of the world. Aqua hulled, double
washed and dried sesame seeds are used on hamburger buns. Roasted
natural sesame seeds are used in the preparation of bread, breadsticks,
cookies, chocolates and ice creams. Mechanically hulled sesame seeds
are the basis for candies and creamy, sweet wholesome tahini. e
antioxidant property of rened sesame oil contributing for its greater
shelf life makes it suitable for food industry. Sesame seed sprouts,
sesame broccoli rice, ginger sesame chicken, sesame granula, hummus,
sesame spread, tangerine and sesame, sesame seed sauce and sesame
pasteries are a few recipes of sesame [26]. e de-oiled meal obtained
from extraction of sesame oil is mainly utilized as cattle and poultry
feed [6,26].
Medical Uses
Regulating cholesterol
In recent times it has been important to identify the dietary com-
ponents that lower or regulate cholesterol levels. Any natural substance
interfering in the cholesterol metabolism preventing hypocholester-
olemic atherosclerosis has gained therapeutic importance. e major
lignan sesamin, present in sesame seeds is mainly related to lipid me-
tabolism through a series of biochemical actions in both humans and
animals [27].
Dietary sesamin and episesamin has shown signicant increase
in the gene expression of mitochondrial and peroxisomal fatty acid
oxidation enzymes such as carnitine palmitoyltransferase, acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase, acyl-CoA oxidase, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase,
enoyl-CoA hydratase, and 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase thus increasing the
hepatic activity of fatty acid oxidation which is due to enhanced ketone
body production. is hepatic fatty acid metabolism accounts for
lowering the serum lipid level [28,29]. Sesamin also increases the activity
and gene expression of malic enzyme which has lipogenic activity [28].
Alpha-tocopherol greatly accentuates the hypo cholesterolemic action
of sesamin, although which alone does not aect the concentration of
serum cholesterol [30].
Neurological role
A characteristic feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) i.e. a
neurodegenerative disease is seen to be cognitive decline, memory
impairment and behavioural abnormalities as a result of neural loss.
is can be explained by subtle alterations of synaptic ecacy prior to
the neuronal death. Neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor
(NGF) play a vital role in neuronal dierentiation, development and
synaptic plasticity [31].
When sesamin and episesamin (sterioisomer of sesamin) are ingest-
ed, sesamin is metabolised by cytochrome P40 to SC1 (2-(3,4-methy-
lenedioxyphenyl)-6-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo Octane)
which is then metabolized to SC2. Similarly episesamin is metabolized
to EC1 and then EC2. ese compounds are further metabolized to
SC-1m, SC-2m EC-1m and EC-2m by catechol-O-methyl transferase
(COMT). e primary metabolites of this cycle exhibit the most potent
neural dierentiation activity [31].
Benets in regulation of blood pressure
It is impressive to state that sesame oil which is rich in poly
unsaturated fatty acids-PUFA, sesamin and vitamin E greatly reduces
hypertension when compared to the blood pressure lowering drugs
[32]. Sesamin feeding signicantly decreases the wall thickness and area
of aorta and superior mesenteric artery. It also decreases histological
renal damage such as the thickening of tunica intima and brinoid
degeneration of the arterial wall, a feature not observed in normal
diet [33]. Sesamin is valuable for prophylactic treatment to ght the
development of cardiac hypertrophy and renal hyper tension [34].
Antioxidant properties
e important antioxidants sesaminol, sesamolinol, sesamolin
and sesamin maintain the fats including Low Density Lipoproteins
(LDL) which cause arteriosclerosis and are believed to promote
the integrity of body tissues. ese antioxidant lignans have shown
hypocholesterolemic and immunomodulatory eect [35]. Vitamin E,
a fat soluble antioxidant, protects the body from harmful oxidizing
compounds. Sesame seed oil contains gamma tocopherols along with
sesaminol and sesamin which possesss Vitamin E like activity.
Dermatological use
UV light produces various reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the skin
causing skin damage such as sunburns, wrinkles and skin cancer [36].
Figure 2: Supercritical extraction: process ow chart [41].
SFE
Vessel
Feed Expansion Value
Collection
Vessel
Gas
Pump
SFE
Loop
Modifer
Makeup Gas

Citation: Nagendra Prasad MN, Sanjay KR, Prasad DS, Vijay N, Kothari R, Nanjunda Swamy S (2012) A Review on Nutritional and Nutraceutical
Properties of Sesame. J Nutr Food Sci 2:127. doi:10.4172/2155-9600.1000127
Page 4 of 6
Volume 2 • Issue 2 • 1000127
J Nutr Food Sci
ISSN: 2155-9600 JNFS, an open access journal
e antioxidants present in sesame act as a defence against these ROS.
Chen et al. [37] reported that the mutation caused by UV irradiation on
p53 gene can be prevented by topical application of alpha-tocopherol.
Dietary intake of α-tocopherol reduces photocarcinogenesis induced
by UVB light [36]. Application of sesame oil with turmeric powder in
milk on the facial skin, makes it smooth, so removing pimples [37].
Sesame in Ayurveda
Sesame oil is known since vedic times and is the most esteemed
oil in ayurveda. Sesame oil is known for its healing properties and
has a reputation as a sedative in Tibetan medicine and also used for
millennia in Chinese system of medicine [37-39]. In ayurveda, sesame
is known to cure Tridoshas [37]. During Abhyanga, a form of massage,
the oil is rubbed externally on the skin to improve energy ow and help
free the body from impurities. In ayurveda, sesame oil is regarded as
an anti bacterial mouthwash and it can also be applied to nostrils to
relieve anxiety and insomnia. e pain associated with premenstrual
syndrome (PMS) can be overcome by applying the oil on to the
abdomen region [38,39]. According to traditional system of medicines,
sesame is known to cure bleeding dysentery, burns, ear pain, headache
and impotency [37].
Other Uses
Gram negative bacteria causing nosocomial infection is a serious
concern in the developing countries. Owing to this problem sesame
kernel meals have shown the presence of novel anti microbial peptides.
rough HPLC and mass spectrometric analysis, a major peptide of
approximately 5.8 kDa (in both white and black cultivars) has been
identied to be an antimicrobial peptide having bactericidal activities
against Klebsiella species, responsible for human urinary infection [40].
us, it proves to be a potential method for hospital infection control
and also to decrease the bacterial resistance to synthetic antibiotics [14].
Sesamin, a non fat portion of sesame seed oil, curbs delta-5-
desaturase activity and cause compilation of dihomo-gamma-linolenic
acid (DGLA), which deracinates arachidonic acid, and subsequently
decreases the formation of pro inammatory mediators [14,41]. Diets
containing sesame seed oil and quilA (a spawning that emulsies fat)
exert cumulative eect that decreases the levels of dienoic eicosanoids
along with IL-1 beta, elevating the levels of IL-10 with marked increased
capacity of endurance.
Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Applications
Many plant based nutraceuticals are developed from sesame, the
intake of which is related with dietary and non dietary phytochemicals
and health [6]. e antioxidant and health promoting property of
sesame lignans (sesamin and sesamolin) increases both hepatic
mitochondrial and peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation rate. Consumption
of sesame seed increases plasma gamma-tocopherol and enhances
vitamin-E activity which can prevent cancer and heart disease. Sesame
seed contains cephalin which has hemostat activity. Fibres from sesame
are used as an antidiabetic, antitumor, antiulcer, cancer preventive and
cardioprotective [26].
For pharmaceutical applications, sesame oil is used as a solvent for
intramuscular injections and has nutritive, demulcent, and emollient
properties and as a laxative. It was used to cure toothaches and gum
diseases in 4th century. It is also used for the treatment of blurred vision,
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION SESAME
SEEDS
SESAME
OIL
SESAME
FLOUR
SESAME
MEAL
Water (g/100g) 1.60 0 6.61 5
Food Energy (Calories)
(kcal/100g) 586 884 382 567
Protein (g/100g) 18.08 0 40.32 16.96
Total Lipid (fat)(g/100g) 50.87 100 11.89 48
Ash (g/100g) 5.40 0 6.05 4
Carbohydrate (g/100g) 24.05 0 35.14 26.04
Total Dietary Fibre (g/100g) 5.5 0 N/A N/A
Total Sugars (g/100g) N/A 0 N/A N/A
Calcium (mg/100g) 960 0 150 153
Iron (mg/100g) 19.2 0 14.3 14.55
Magnesium (mg/100g) 362 0 362 346
Phosphorus (mg/100g) 659 0 810 774
Potassium (mg/100g) 582 0 425 406
Sodium (mg/100g) 12 0 41 39
Zinc (mg/100g) 7.29 0 10.7 10.23
Copper(mg/100g) 4.214 0 1.432 1.457
Manganese(mg/100g) 2.54 N/A 1.403 1.427
Selenium(µ/100g) 35.5 0 N/A N/A
Vitamin C (mg/100g) 0 0 0 0
Thiamin (mg/100g) 0.240 0 2.53 2.573
Riboavin (mg/100g) 0.200 0 0.27 0.275
Niacin (mg/100g) 6.700 0 12.6 12.816
Pantothenic Acid (mg/100g) 0.052 0 2.76 2.807
Vitamin B6 (mg/100g) 0.816 0 0.152 0.146
Folate (µg/100g) 100 0 29 30
Folic Acid (µg/100g) 0 0 0 0
Food Folate (µg/100g) 100 0 29 30
Folate (Dietary Folate
Equivalents/100g) 100 0 29 30
Vitamin B12 (µg/100g) 0 0 0 0
Vitamin A (µg/100g) 3 0 69 66
Vitamin A (IU/100g) 50 0 3 3
Retinol (µg/100g) 0 0 0 0
Vitamin E (µg/100g) N/A 1.4 N/A N/A
Vitamin K (µg/100g) N/A 13.6 N/A N/A
Alpha-carotene (µg/100g) N/A 0 N/A N/A
Beta-carotene (µg/100g) N/A 0 N/A N/A
Beta_crytoxanthin (µg/100g) N/A 0 N/A N/A
Lycopene (µg/100g) N/A 0 N/ N/A
Lutein & Zeazanthin (µg/100g) N/A 0 N/A N/A
Saturated Fatty Acid (g/100g) 1.252 14.2 1.634 6.722
Monosaturated Fatty Acids
(g/100g) 3.377 39.7 4.405 18.127
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
(g/100g) 3.919 41.7 5.113 21.039
Table 3: Nutritional aspects of sesame [39].

Citation: Nagendra Prasad MN, Sanjay KR, Prasad DS, Vijay N, Kothari R, Nanjunda Swamy S (2012) A Review on Nutritional and Nutraceutical
Properties of Sesame. J Nutr Food Sci 2:127. doi:10.4172/2155-9600.1000127
Page 5 of 6
Volume 2 • Issue 2 • 1000127
J Nutr Food Sci
ISSN: 2155-9600 JNFS, an open access journal
dizziness and headaches. e oil is more ecient than isotonic chloride
solution in curing nasal mucosa dryness due to winter. e high
polyunsaturated fat content in oil reduces cholesterol. Sesame oil has
been used by Indians as an antibacterial mouthwash, to relieve anxiety
and insomnia. Malignant melanoma growth was selectively inhibited
due to the presence of large amount of linoleate in triglyceride form in
sesame oil [26].
Biodiesel
Biodiesel, a fatty acid based ester obtained by transesterication of
triglycerides and low boiling short chain alcohols is a substitute for fossil
fuels. Diesel engines, boilers or other combustion equipments need
not be modied for the use of biodiesel. It is a renewable source and
does not contribute to global warming as CO2 emission can be reduced
by 78% [1]. Other advantages include excellent biodegradability, low
toxicity, outstanding lubricity and superior combustion eciency.
Present studies indicate that sesame can be used for the production
of biodiesel by the use of methanol in the presence of NaOH as catalyst.
Biodiesel produced by this method are under the limits of required
standards. Few undesirable properties of triglycerides which result in
severe engine deposits, injector coking and piston ring sticking have
necessitated chemical alterations thus preventing the use of sesame oil
directly.
Conclusion
India is the largest producer of sesame, which has high nutritive
and therapeutic qualities. Sesame is a rich source of macro and micro
nutrients including proteins, dietary lignans, vitamins, calcium,
phosphorous and others but not many value added products other
than sesame oil has been developed (Table 3). When analysed, it
is found that the by-products obtained extraction of oil contains
comparatively high nutritive value and in future, can be consumed as a
supplement for protein rich food. With the advancement in technology
sesame oil when blended with rice bran or Soya or other oil can be
of a great advantage with respect to nutritional aspects. Nutraceuticals
and pharmaceutical products of sesame can decrease the risk of
neurological, dermatological, cancer and heart disease. e future of
sesame lies in its by-products and biodiesel application.
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the Principal, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of
Engineering, Mysore and the Head of the Department, Department of Biotechnology
for providing facilities for the research work. They also thank Ms. Thiagarajan Agro
Products, (P) Ltd. (Sastha oil), Madurai for their support.
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Citation: Nagendra Prasad MN, Sanjay KR, Prasad DS, Vijay N, Kothari R, Nanjunda Swamy S (2012) A Review on Nutritional and Nutraceutical
Properties of Sesame. J Nutr Food Sci 2:127. doi:10.4172/2155-9600.1000127
Page 6 of 6
Volume 2 • Issue 2 • 1000127
J Nutr Food Sci
ISSN: 2155-9600 JNFS, an open access journal
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