Sesame oil: what is its phytochemical composition?

Sesame seed oil is a good source of vitamin E, present in the form of tocopherols. As a reminder, vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that protects cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. By neutralising these reactive species, it reduces skin damage caused by UV rays and other oxidative stress factors, playing a preventive role against skin ageing. Furthermore, vitamin E has interesting anti-inflammatory properties that complement the soothing effects of the fatty acids contained in sesame oil. At a lower concentration, this oil also contains vitamin B and provitamin A, which, like vitamin E, have an antioxidant role.

Sesame seeds contain lignans, polyphenols that accumulate in woody tissues. Indeed, they are found in the seeds and roots of many plants. The main lignans in sesame oil are sesamin and sesamolin, compounds with several interesting properties. These lignans not only have antioxidant effects, but they can also reduce inflammation, normalise blood pressure, and improve lipid levels.

The precise mechanisms of action of lignans remain unclear to this day. However, in terms of their antioxidant activity, it would be due to their protective action on tocopherols. Indeed, lignans could inhibit an enzyme involved in the degradation of vitamin E, thus allowing it to exert its anti-radical properties.

Sesame oil contains phytosterols, specifically β-sitosterol and campesterol, compounds that have anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties for the skin. Indeed, they contribute to the support of the hydrolipidic film and limit water loss. Moreover, they act to slow down inflammation by inhibiting the activity of two enzymes: cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX). These enzymes play a major role in the production of inflammation factors such as prostaglandin. By inhibiting their activity, phytosterols help to reduce irritations, redness and itching associated with inflammatory processes.

Finally, sesame oil also contains a few phenolic compounds such as sesamol and sesamolinol, molecules that exert an antioxidant activity. This activity is carried out through interaction with free radicals via several mechanisms of electron and hydrogen atom transfer. Phenolic compounds also have beneficial anti-inflammatory properties for the skin. Similar to phytosterols, they work by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory factors.