Sesamin (Furofuran Lignan · Lipid Metabolism · Cardiovascular)

Compound	Sesamin
Chemical class	Polyphenol — Furofuran Lignan
CAS	607-80-7
Primary source	Sesamum indicum (sesame seeds and oil)
Key applications	Antioxidant, lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory, CYP450 inhibitor
Claim strength	Moderate
Typical form	Sesame extract (sesamin + sesamolin); sesamin isolate
Buy from Herbuno	Black Sesame Seed Extract Powder - Sesamum indicum | Til →

Name origin: Directly from Sesamum indicum (sesame), the sole primary commercial source. Sesamin is a furofuran-type lignan — the two phenylpropanoid units are linked via an oxygen-containing furofuran ring system rather than simple C-C bonds. It co-occurs in sesame with sesamolin and sesaminol. Traditional use: Sesame seed preparations have been used in Ayurveda (tila), TCM, and Middle Eastern medicine for centuries for cardiovascular support, as a nutritive tonic, and for skin and hair nourishment. Sesame oil is used topically and internally. Sesamin has not been specifically targeted in traditional practice but is understood as a key bioactive of sesame. Research trajectory: Sesamin has a meaningful human clinical evidence base for lipid modulation and blood pressure management. It is also a CYP450 enzyme modulator with documented drug interaction potential — an important formulator consideration. Commercial source: Commercially available via black sesame seed extract. See sourcing options below.

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Evidence for Sesamin Applications

Lipid metabolism and cardiovascular: Multiple human RCTs demonstrate sesamin supplementation (40–160 mg/day) significantly reduces LDL-C and triglycerides with modest HDL increases. Mechanism involves PPAR-α activation increasing hepatic fatty acid oxidation, and inhibition of delta-5 and delta-6 desaturase enzymes regulating arachidonic acid pathway. Japanese clinical trials (many peer-reviewed) provide the strongest evidence base. Claim strength: Moderate.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory: Sesamin and its metabolite sesamol (formed by gut microbial demethylenation) are potent antioxidants. Sesamin activates Nrf2/HO-1 and suppresses NF-κB in cell models. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity in arthritis and liver injury animal models is documented. Claim strength: Moderate.

Blood pressure modulation: Human RCTs with sesamin supplementation show modest but consistent reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure over 4–8 weeks. Mechanism: delta-5 desaturase inhibition reduces arachidonic acid availability for vasoconstrictor eicosanoid synthesis (thromboxane A2, vasoconstrictor prostaglandins). Claim strength: Moderate.

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Dosage & Formulator Specification

Human clinical dose range: 40–160 mg/day sesamin for lipid and blood pressure endpoints, typically as a single daily dose with a meal. Japanese RCTs (most rigorous sesamin evidence) used concentrated sesamin preparations at 50–100 mg/day. Sesame seed contains approximately 0.5–1% sesamin by dry weight; sesame oil contains 0.3–0.5% sesamin. For concentrated supplementation, sesame lignan extract standardised to sesamin content (≥50% sesamin) is required to achieve clinical doses in practical serving sizes.

Specify sesame extract by sesamin content (HPLC). Herbuno’s Black Sesame Seed Extract (Powder and Water-Soluble Liquid) should be requested with sesamin quantification on CoA. Note the distinction between black and white sesame — black sesame extract is specified here; white sesame oil also contains sesamin but at typically lower extract-standardised concentrations.

Important CYP450 note: sesamin inhibits CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 in vitro. At supplement doses, this may affect metabolism of medications metabolised by these enzymes (including statins, warfarin, cyclosporine, and others). Include advisory language for individuals on medications metabolised by hepatic CYP enzymes.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Sesamin

Is sesame oil a practical sesamin supplement?
Sesame oil contains sesamin at approximately 0.3–0.5% by weight — a tablespoon (14 g) of sesame oil delivers approximately 42–70 mg sesamin, which overlaps the lower end of the clinical dose range. Cold-pressed sesame oil is therefore a viable dietary vehicle for sesamin at culinary doses. For supplement-level dosing above 100 mg/day, a concentrated sesame lignan extract is more practical than oil consumption.

Does sesamin interact with statin medications?
Sesamin inhibits CYP3A4, an enzyme that metabolises many statin drugs (simvastatin, lovastatin, atorvastatin). CYP3A4 inhibition increases statin plasma concentrations, potentially raising the risk of statin-associated myopathy. This is a meaningful drug interaction consideration. Advisory language recommending consultation with a healthcare provider for individuals taking CYP3A4-metabolised statins is appropriate for sesamin-containing products.

Is sesamin from white sesame the same as from black sesame?
Chemically identical. The difference is in the full phytochemical profile and the presence of anthocyanins (cyanidin glycosides) in black sesame that are absent in white. Black sesame extract provides sesamin alongside anthocyanin-derived antioxidants; white sesame is richer in sesaminol and sesamolin as co-lignans. For sesamin supplementation specifically, both are appropriate sources; black sesame extract provides broader antioxidant co-constituents.

What is sesamol and how does it relate to sesamin?
Sesamol (3,4-methylenedioxyphenol) is a phenol produced by gut microbial demethylenation of sesamin and is also present in small amounts in cold-pressed sesame oil. Sesamol has potent antioxidant activity — often more potent than sesamin in direct radical-scavenging assays. Some of sesamin’s in vivo antioxidant effects may be attributable to sesamol formation in the gut. Sesamol is not commercially supplied as a supplement ingredient but is a relevant metabolic consideration for sesamin bioactivity.

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Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.

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