Effects Of Sesamin Research Articles

Effect of Sesamin on the Hepatic Cholesterol Metabolism in Normocholesterolemic and Hypercholesterolemic Stroke-Prone SHR (SHRSP)

Effect of Sesamin on the Hepatic Cholesterol Metabolism in Normocholesterolemic and Hypercholesterolemic Stroke-Prone SHR (SHRSP)

Molecular Modeling: An Experimental Tool

Molecular Modeling: An Experimental Tool

Effects of sesamin on serum lipoprotein metabolism in normocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic stroke-prone SHR.

Effects of sesamin on serum lipoprotein metabolism in normocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic stroke-prone SHR.

Protective effects of sesamin against liver damage caused by alcohol or carbon tetrachloride in rodents.

The effects of sesamin, a potent inhibitor of delta 5-desaturase in polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, on the fatty acid compositions of tissue lipids and liver functions were examined in rodents. When a mixture of sesamin and episesamin (51.1:48.2, w/w) was given to rats at a dietary level of 0.5% for 13 days, the proportions of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid significantly increased not only in the liver but also in plasma and hemocytes, suggesting an interference with delta 5-desaturation by these lignans. The sesamin preparation at the dietary level of 1% improved changes in various blood parameters of the mouse, such as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities, and the concentrations of total cholesterol, triglyceride and total bilirubin, caused by continuous inhalation of ethanol. In addition, sesamin showed a significant protective effect against the accumulation of fat droplets and vacuolar degeneration in the mouse liver, as confirmed on histological examination. Sesamin, at the level of 100 mg/kg body weight, also tended to prevent liver lipid accumulation by carbon tetrachloride in mice. These results indicate that sesamin and a related lignan compound have an ability to improve liver function.

Effects of sesamin and curcumin on delta 5-desaturation and chain elongation of polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism in primary cultured rat hepatocytes.

Effects of sesamin and curcumin on delta 5-desaturation and chain elongation of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) were studied in rat primary cultured hepatocytes. When sesamin was added to culture medium containing 20:4 (n-3), rat hepatocytes after 24 h of incubation produced 20:5 (n-3) from 20:4 (n-3), whereas when incubated with 20:3 (n-6), the metabolite by delta 5-desaturation did not accumulate, and consequently, the ratio of 20:3 (n-6)/20:4 (n-6) increased with the amount of sesamin added. Curcumin was more effective than sesamin in this respect. Both sesamin and curcumin interfered with chain elongation of PUFAs. An addition of 18:3 (n-6) or 18:4 (n-3) increased the cellular concentrations of 20:3 (n-6) or 20:4 (n-3), respectively, but the simultaneous addition of sesamin or curcumin inhibited the chain elongation of C18 acids (the fatty acids with 18 carbons) into corresponding C20 and C18 acids. Similarly, the elongation from C20 of n-3 and n-6 families to C22 was also inhibited with sesamin and curcumin. These results suggested that: 1) sesamin and curcumin inhibited delta 5-desaturation of n-6 fatty acid, but not n-3 fatty acid in rat hepatocytes; 2) curcumin was more effective than sesamin; 3) chain elongation was also inhibited by sesamin and curcumin.

Inhibition of cholesterol absorption and synthesis in rats by sesamin

The effects of sesamin, a lignan from sesame oil, on various aspects of cholesterol metabolism were examined in rats maintained on various dietary regimens. When given at a dietary level of 0.5% for 4 weeks, sesamin reduced the concentration of serum and liver cholesterol significantly irrespective of the presence or absence of cholesterol in the diet, except for one experiment in which the purified diet free of cholesterol was given. On feeding sesamin, there was a decrease in lymphatic absorption of cholesterol accompanying an increase in fecal excretion of neutral, but not acidic, steroids, particularly when the cholesterol-enriched diet was given. Sesamin inhibited micellar solubility of cholesterol, but not bile acids, whereas it neither bound taurocholate nor affected the absorption of fatty acids. Only a marginal proportion (ca. 0.15%) of sesamin administered intragastrically was recovered in the lymph. There was a significant reduction in the activity of liver microsomal 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase after feeding sesamin, although the activity of hepatic cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase, drug metabolizing enzymes, and alcohol dehydrogenase remained uninfluenced. Although the weight and phospholipid concentration of the liver increased unequivocally on feeding sesamin, the histological examination by microscopy showed no abnormality, and the activity of serum GOT and GPT remained unchanged. Since sesamin lowered both serum and liver cholesterol levels by inhibiting absorption and synthesis of cholesterol simultaneously, it deserves further study as a possible hypocholesterolemic agent of natural origin.

Effect of Sesamin and Related Compounds on the Insecticidal Action of Pyrethrum on Houseflies

Effect of Sesamin and Related Compounds on the Insecticidal Action of Pyrethrum on Houseflies