The chemistry and physiological functions of sesame

Abstract

Abstract Some historical facts on and botanical descriptions of sesame are given. Some flavor studies of raw and roasted sesame seeds and oils are described. Composition and some usages are also briefly reported. Sesame has long been regarded in the Orient as a health food which increases energy and prevents aging. Sesame oil has been known empirically as a cooking oil which is highly resistant to oxidative deterioration in comparison with other edible oils. Until recently there were no scientific studies to elucidate these interesting aspects of sesame seed and oil, but the author and members of his group initiated studies on the chemical elucidation of antioxidative principles of sesame seed and oil, and extensively investigated the antiaging effect of sesame. Presence of various new antioxidative lignan phenol compounds in sesame seed and oil is described. Sesaminol has been identified as a new antioxidative principle in raw sesame salad oil. The mechanism of the superior antioxidative activity of roas...