Black Sesame Seed Extract
Also known as: Black sesame seed extract, black sesame oil, sesame lignans, sesame seed powder, Sesamum indicum L. extract
Overview
Black sesame seed extract is derived from the seeds of *Sesamum indicum*, specifically the black variety. It is a nutritional supplement and functional food ingredient rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), lignans (sesamin, sesamolin), and various antioxidants. Its primary uses include supporting cardiovascular health, providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and aiding in blood pressure regulation. The extract's favorable atherogenic and thrombogenic index (<1) highlights its cardioprotective potential. Research on black sesame seed extract is moderately advanced, with multiple clinical trials and meta-analyses supporting its efficacy, particularly concerning cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure.
Benefits
Black sesame seed extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily for cardiovascular health. A comprehensive meta-analysis (2025) indicated that sesame supplementation significantly improves cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers, with observed dose-response relationships. Specifically, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 controlled trials involving 843 participants demonstrated that sesame consumption significantly lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, attributed to its high PUFA, fiber, phytosterol, and lignan content. The extract also exhibits strong antioxidant activity, reducing oxidative stress markers, which contributes to overall cardiovascular and general health. Secondary benefits include anti-inflammatory effects, particularly noted in subgroup analyses for chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Potential lipid-lowering effects, such as reductions in LDL cholesterol and improvements in HDL cholesterol, have also been observed, though with some variability. These benefits are seen in both healthy individuals and those with chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The reported effect sizes, such as 5-7 mmHg reductions in systolic blood pressure, are clinically meaningful for cardiovascular risk reduction. Benefits typically manifest after at least 6 weeks of consistent use.
How it works
Black sesame seed extract exerts its effects primarily through its lignans (sesamin, sesamolin) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Lignans modulate lipid metabolism, contributing to improved cholesterol profiles, and act as potent antioxidants by scavenging free radicals and enhancing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. PUFAs, particularly omega-6 fatty acids, are incorporated into cell membranes, improving fluidity and participating in anti-inflammatory signaling pathways. The extract interacts with the cardiovascular system by improving endothelial function, reducing blood pressure, and modulating lipid profiles. It also influences the immune system through anti-inflammatory effects, likely via cytokine modulation. Molecular targets include enzymes involved in lipid metabolism (e.g., HMG-CoA reductase), antioxidant defense systems (e.g., superoxide dismutase), and inflammatory pathways (e.g., NF-κB). Lignans are absorbed and metabolized in the gut, with bioavailability potentially enhanced by oil-based formulations.
Side effects
Black sesame seed extract is generally considered safe for consumption at typical supplemental doses, with no significant toxicity reported. Common side effects (>5%) have not been reported in clinical trials. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) are rare and typically limited to mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Serious adverse events (<1%) have not been reported. Regarding drug interactions, studies in rats showed no significant interaction with diclofenac metabolism, suggesting a low potential for interactions at standard doses. However, individuals with known sesame allergies should exercise caution and avoid the extract. No specific contraindications have been identified. The extract appears safe for adults, including elderly populations, but data on its use during pregnancy and lactation are limited, warranting caution in these groups.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of black sesame seed extract, or equivalent sesame seed products, is approximately 10 g/day, as demonstrated in clinical studies. Optimal dosage ranges from 10–30 g/day of sesame seed products or standardized extracts containing lignans. While a precise maximum safe dose for humans has not been definitively established, animal toxicity studies show no adverse effects up to 2000 mg/kg body weight, indicating that typical human supplementation is well tolerated. For best absorption, daily supplementation with meals is recommended. The extract is available in various forms, including capsules, oils, seed powders, and food products, all of which have shown efficacy. Oil-based formulations may enhance the bioavailability of lipophilic lignans. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy, but a balanced diet is always recommended.
FAQs
Is black sesame seed extract safe for long-term use?
Yes, current evidence indicates that black sesame seed extract is safe for long-term use, with no significant adverse effects reported in extended studies.
Can it be used alongside medications?
No significant drug interactions have been identified, but individuals with known allergies or complex medication regimens should consult a healthcare professional.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Benefits, particularly for blood pressure and lipid profiles, typically become noticeable after 6 weeks or more of consistent daily use.
Is black sesame seed extract more effective than white sesame?
Black sesame seeds may contain higher levels of certain antioxidants, but direct comparative clinical data on the overall efficacy between black and white sesame extracts are limited.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11899564/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis (2025) of multiple randomized controlled trials found that sesame supplementation significantly improved cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers. The study included diverse populations and intervention durations of at least 6 weeks, supporting the reliability of its findings with a dose-response relationship and high-quality evidence.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1127926/full – This systematic review (2023) summarizes the nutritional and antioxidant properties of sesame seed oil. It highlights the oil's rich content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), favorable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, and strong antioxidant indices, providing a biochemical rationale for its observed cardiovascular protective effects.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9573514/ – This safety assessment review (2022) compiled findings from animal toxicity studies and drug interaction assessments related to sesame. It concluded that no significant toxicity or drug interactions were observed at typical doses, supporting the overall safety profile of sesame for human supplementation.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/jfbc/8713698 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 controlled trials involving 843 participants demonstrated that sesame consumption significantly lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The findings provide strong evidence for the cardiovascular benefits of sesame in blood pressure regulation.
- https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jsfa.8361 – This source, likely related to the previous meta-analysis, further supports the blood pressure-lowering effects of sesame. It contributes to the understanding of how sesame's rich composition of PUFAs, fiber, phytosterols, and lignans collectively contributes to its cardiovascular benefits.
Supplements Containing Black Sesame Seed Extract
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