Sesamine is a lignan found in sesame seeds. Sesame has been a part of the diet and traditional remedies since the beginning of time. In Asia and the Middle East, it was used to treat a variety of diseases, from the common cold to asthma and jaundice. Today, sesame seeds occupy an important place in ayurvedic medicine.

Research shows that sesame seeds and their lignans, particularly sesamine, offer numerous health benefits.
¤ They affect the metabolism of tocopherols, probably by inhibiting the action of an enzyme that damages them. These are constituents of vitamin E which provide powerful antioxidant protection to lipids. When animals were supplemented with sesame seeds or sesamine, for example, their tocopherol levels increased and lipid peroxidation decreased.
¤ They improve lipid profiles. A Japanese study suggests that supplementation with sesamine reduces total cholesterol.
¤ Animal and human studies indicate that sesame seeds and sesamine lower blood pressure. Sesamine reduces levels of leucotrienes and inflammatory prostaglandins, components of the immune system present in inflammatory conditions.
¤ Sesame lignans boost the beneficial effects of fish oils by protecting them from oxidation.
¤ Sesamine increases the action of CLA on reducing adipose tissue. It is a precursor of enterolactone, a lignan which is produced naturally in humans and animals by gut microflora, from precursors provided by the diet.