Sesamin Content Research Articles

Sesame oil. VII. Optical rotation and the minor components of sesame oil

SummaryThe optical rotations of four crude sesame oils were calculated on the basis of their known contents of sesamin, sesamolin, and phytosterols and the reported optical activities for each of these components. The calculated optical rotations were compared with those observed for the oils in the absence of solvent and were found to agree remarkably well.Sesamin, sesamolin, and phytosterol have been shown to be responsible for the observed optical rotations of several sesame oils and to account for 75 to 85% of the total unsaponifiable matter of these oils.

Sesame oil. VI. Determination of sesamin

SummaryA new method for the determination of sesamin in sesame oils is described. It is based on the measurement of the ultraviolet absorption of sesame oil following the removal of sesamol by treatment with alkali and correction for the absorption resulting from the presence of sesamolin. The advantages of the new method over the previously described colorimetric method are discussed. The accuracy of the method is attested by a comparison of the determined values with those for known added amounts of sesamin in cottonseed and sesame oils. When applied to four crude oils, the content of sesamin was found to range from 0.50 to 0.96%.Ultraviolet absorption spectra curves are reported for sesamin, sesamolin, sesamol, and sesame oil.