Bioactive β-Carbolines Harman and Norharman in Sesame Seed Oils in China

The β-carbolines in our diet, mainly including harman and norharman, are a group of biologically active, naturally occurring plant-derived alkaloids. Fragrant sesame seed oil is one of the most popular flavor edible oils in China. Considering that sesame seeds are roasted at 200–240 °C during the processing of flavor sesame seed oils, it is meaningful to investigate the levels of β-carboline compounds in various sesame seed oils. In this work, the levels of β-carbolines (harman and norharman) in different types of sesame seed oils in China (e.g., pressed fragrant sesame oil, ground fragrant sesame oil) have been determined systematically. The results showed that the levels of total β-carbolines in pressed fragrant sesame oils (700.5~2423.2 μg/kg) were higher than that in ground fragrant sesame oils (660.4~1171.7 μg/kg). Roasting sesame seeds at high temperatures (200–240 °C) led to higher levels of β-carbolines (660~2400 μg/kg) in fragrant sesame seed oils. In addition, the loss of tryptophan might be attributed to the formation of β-carbolines in sesame seeds during the roasting process. In general, fragrant sesame seed oils (pressed fragrant sesame oils, ground fragrant sesame oils) contain higher levels of β-carbolines due to the formation of harman and norharman during the roasting sesame seed process.

Hepatorenal Protective Effects of Sesame Seeds Oil, Flaxseed Oil and their Mixture against Methotrexate Toxicity in Rats

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is an anti-metabolite drug used in the treatment of many cancers and autoimmune diseases. Methods: This study investigated the protective effect of flaxseed oil, sesame seed oil, and their mixture on the MTX-induced hepatorenal toxicity. Thirty rats divided into five groups of: normal control, MTX control, and flaxseed oil, sesame seed oil, and the mixture groups. The oils were administered to rats orally (2 ml/kg) for nine consecutive days followed by a methotrexate injection intraperitoneally (20 mg/kg) on the 9th day. Blood samples, liver and kidney tissues were collected from all rats for biochemical studies and histopathological assessments. The total phenolic content and fatty acid profiles of the oils were also determined. Results: Methotrexate induced hepatorenal toxicity as evident by the histopathological assessments of liver and kidneys, elevation of liver and kidney functions’ biomarkers, and increased plasma and liver oxidative stress associated with a rise in the tumor necrosis factor-alpha, as an inflammatory marker. Administration of flaxseed oil, sesame seed oil or the mixture prevented the MTX-toxicity at varying degrees as shown by reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and improved liver and kidney functions. The mixture was the most efficient treatment associated with the histopathological improvements in the liver and kidney tissue samples, and all biochemical parameters tested. Conclusion: Flaxseed oil, sesame seeds oil and the mixture may be used therapeutically to prevent hepatorenal toxicity induced by MTX. The effect is likely due to the presence of phenolic compounds and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the oils with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Formulation of mayonnaise recipe enriched with biological active compounds of sesame cake

Today, scientific schools have been formed to improve the recipe and technology of mayonnaise. In the present study, a byproduct of an oilseed source, namely sesame cake, containing unique antioxidant compounds, such as lignans, is studied as a biologically active additive that can be used in the place of starch and synthetic antioxidants in mayonnaise. Sesame seed purchased from local markets. Sesamol standard was obtained from Sigma Chemical Company (USA). The experimental results have shown that regarding the taste, color, mouthfeel, and overall acceptability, the samples containing 10% sesame cake powder obtained the highest score. It is therefore recommended to use sesame cake powder at the concentration of 8-10% in mayonnaise formulation. The findings of this research could be useful for food industries to improve their products qualitatively.

Rhinitis sicca anterior in children: epidemiology and treatment with sesame seed oil nasal spray

Excessive dryness in the nose is very common among the population. The diagnosis of rhinitis sicca anterior is established quite often. Therefore, such patients need multicomponent treatment, taking into account all possible factors. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of sesame seed oil nasal spray (Sezorin manufactured by JSC “Farmak”) in rhinitis sicca anterior among children. As a result of using this drug, we achieved a fairly rapid and sustained reduction in clinical symptoms in our patients, and it is important to note that the effect of treatment with Sezorin spray was long-lasting.

Degradation of β-Carbolines Harman and Norharman in Edible Oils during Heating

The β-carbolines, mainly including harman and norharman, are a group of naturally occurring, plant-derived alkaloids, and are also considered as nonpolar heterocyclic aromatic amines. Sesame seed oils contain a high level of β-carbolines (harman and norharman). In China, sesame seed oil blends are one of the most popular types of vegetable oils blends, which can be used as cooking oils or frying oils. Thus, it is meaningful to investigate the degradation of β-carbolines (harman and norharman) in sesame seed oil blends as frying oils during heating. In this work, the loss of harman and norharman in different types of sesame seed oil blends have been investigated. The results showed that the degradation of harman and norharman were dependent both on the type of oil blends, heating temperature and time. Harman and norharman were more degraded during heating (150 °C, 180 °C) in oleic acid-rich oil blends compared to polyunsaturated acid-rich oil blends. Mechanistic investigation suggested that the reduction in harman and norharman in oil blends during heating was mainly due to the oxidative degradation reaction between β-carbolines and lipid oxidation products. Therefore, the contents of β-carbolines (harman and norharman) in sesame seed oil blends when used as frying oils and heated can be decreased with prolonged cooking time.

EFFETS DES APPORTS DENGRAIS MINERAUX SUR LA CROISSANCE, LA PRODUCTIVITE ET LA RENTABILITE ECONOMIQUE DU SESAME DANS LE CENTRE SUD DU NIGER

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an annual oilseed crop cultivated for its seeds which are a source of income and nutrients for farmers. In Niger, the plant is mainly cultivated on low inputs soils some often without added fertilizers because sesame is considered as secondary crop. A study of the response of sesame to mineral fertilization was carried out on the experimental farm of the Faculty of Agronomy and Environmental Sciences of Dan Dicko Dankoulodo University of Maradi during the rainy season 2019-2020. The SN-103 cultivar was used in a split-plot design set-up with 4 replicates. Two factors were studied : the type of fertilizer with two levels (15-15-15 and 18-46-00) and the dose at five levels (0 kg ha-1 (control), 80 kg ha-1, 300 kg ha-1, 334 kg ha-1, 368 kg ha-1). Flowering time, plant height at maturity, the number of capsules per plant, the number of branches, the grain yield and the Normalized Difference of the Vegetation Index (NDVI) were the parameters monitored. The economic benefits analysis of applying these doses were also carried. The results evidenced that there is no significant difference between the two types of fertilizer in their effects on the growth and the development parameters and that only the dose effect was significant. Higher dose of 15-15-15 or 18-46-00 significantly increase the grain yield of sesame. The rate of 368 kg ha-1 was particularly more productive with a grain yield of 837 kg ha-1. The two doses of 80 kg ha-1 and 368 kg ha-1were economically superior and stable within the price variability periodes of sesame grains. NDVI 4, measured on the 66th day after sowing, alone explains 63,30% of the variability in sesame grain yield. Although sesame is considered a less fertilizer demanding crop, it responds well to fertilization and a measured NDVI during full bloom can be an effective tool for predicting sesame seed yield.

Plant-Based, Antioxidant-Rich Snacks Elevate Plasma Antioxidant Ability and Alter Gut Bacterial Composition in Older Adults

Plant-rich diets alleviate oxidative stress and gut dysbiosis and are negatively linked to age-associated chronic disorders. This study examined the effects of consuming plant-based, antioxidant-rich smoothies and sesame seed snacks (PBASS) on antioxidant ability and gut microbial composition in older adults. Healthy and sub-healthy older adults (n = 42, 79.7 ± 8.6 years old) in two senior living facilities were given PBASS for 4 months. Blood and fecal samples were collected from these individuals at the baseline and after 2 and 4 months of PBASS consumption. After 2 months, serum levels of albumin and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) had increased significantly and erythrocytic glutathione, GSH/GSSG and superoxide dismutase activity had decreased significantly compared with baseline levels (p < 0.05). After 4 months, red blood cells, hematocrit, serum blood urea nitrogen and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity had decreased significantly, whereas plasma and erythrocyte protein-bound sulfhydryl groups had increased significantly. Furthermore, plasma glutathione and total antioxidant capacity were significantly greater after 2 months and increased further after 4 months of PBASS consumption. The results of next generation sequencing showed that PBASS consumption prompted significant decreases in observed bacterial species, their richness, and the abundance of Actinobacteria and Patescibacteria and increases in Bacteroidetes in feces. Our results suggest that texture-modified, plant-based snacks are useful nutrition support to benefit healthy ageing via the elevation of antioxidant ability and alteration of gut microbiota.