Sesame seed lignans: Potent physiological modulators and possible ingredients in functional foods & nutraceuticals

Sesame seed contains very high levels (up to 2.5%) of furofuran lignans with beneficial physiological activities, mainly sesamin, sesamolin, and sesaminol glucosides. Reported activities of sesame seed lignans include inter alias modulation of fatty acid metabolism, inhibition of cholesterol absorption and biosynthesis, antioxidant and vitamin E-sparing effects, hypotensive effects, improvement of liver functions in connection with alcohol metabolism, and antiaging effects. This review comprehends patents pertinent to the preparations and uses of sesame seed lignans in health promotion. © 2011 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.