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.

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.

Sesamol induces cytotoxicity via mitochondrial apoptosis in SCC-25 cells

Sesamol is the main constituent of sesame seed oil and is obtained from Sesamum indicum. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common neoplasms affecting the oral cavity. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic potentials of sesamol on human oral squamous carcinoma (SCC-25) cells. Human oral squamous carcinoma cells were treated with different concentrations (62.5, 125, and 250 μM/mL) of sesamol for 24 h. Cytotoxicity was analyzed by 3- (4, 5- dimethylthiazol -2- yl) -2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression was investigated by dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate assay. Apoptosis-related morphology was analyzed by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. Caspase-9 expression was analyzed by confocal microscopic double immunofluorescence staining. Mitochondrial apoptosis-related markers are analyzed using qPCR. Sesamol treatment caused a significant cytotoxic effect in OSCC cells. Sesamol-induced cytotoxic effect was associated with intracellular ROS generation. Sesamol treatments induced a significant increase in the early and late apoptotic cells. This treatment also induced caspase-9 expression in OSCC cells. Sesamol treatments caused downregulation of Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (HRAS) expression at protein and gene levels. Sesamol treatment modulates intrinsic apoptotic marker gene expression in OSCC cells. Overall results confirm the anti-cancer potential of sesamol and it seems to be a promising candidate for OSCC.

Effect of frying on physicochemical properties of sesame and soybean oil blend

Most common cooking oil, such as soybean oil, can not be used for high-temperature applications, as they are highly susceptible to oxidation. Sesame seed oil rich in natural antioxidants provides high oxidative stability. Therefore, blending sesame oil with soybean oil offer improved oxidative stability. This study aims to determine the effect of frying on the physicochemical properties of sesame and soyabean oil blend. Soybean oil (SO) was blended with sesame seed oil (SSO) in the ratio of A-40:60, B-60:40 and C-50:50 so as to enhance its market acceptability. The changes occurring in soybean and sesame seed oil blend during repeated frying cycles were monitored. The parameters assessed were: Refractive index, specific gravity, viscosity, saponification value, free fatty acid (FFA) , peroxide value, and acid value. Fresh and fried oil blends were also characterised by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). No significant changes were observed for refractive index and specific gravity values in oil blends. Viscosity of blend B blend was the least, making it desirable for cooking purposes. However, FFA, acid value and peroxide value increased after each frying cycle. The increment of FFA and AV was found low for blend A (10% and 10%,) than blend B (27%,13%) and blend C (13%,13%). The peroxide value of all samples was within the acceptable range. The results of the present study definitely indicated that blending sesame oil with soybean oil could produce an oil blend which is economically feasible and provide desirable physicochemical properties for cooking purposes.

Emission Characteristics of Third Grade Oil Converted Sesame Biodiesel

The demand and usage of fossil fuels has been increasing drastically, leading us to search for alternate fuels. The sesame seed is selected as an alternate fuel source, as a focus for this research paper. The sesame biodiesel is a type of fuel that has been obtained through the transesterification process from sesame oil using base catalyst transesterification. The sesame biodiesel was blended with four different ratios B10, B20, B30 and B40, among which B20 resulted with better stability, tested in the Kirloskar 240PE VCR engine at a compression ratio of 17.5:1 and 18:1 in various loads. The FTIR test was performed on sesame biodiesel, and it has shown that ester content was present in the test sample confirming its usage as the biodiesel. The fuel properties were found for all the three: sesame oil, sesame biodiesel(B20), diesel and it was found to be within the permissible limit. The result reveals that B20 is the best possible blend that has given good results in emission characteristics. The smoke emission testing was done on AVL emission analyser. It has been noted and observed that there is good reduction in CO, CO2, and HC than with standard diesel rate at all loads. An increased amount of NOx is observed as the load increases. It was also noted among the two compression ratios, 18:1 depicted best results considering the emission levels. It is observed that the sesame biodiesel can be used in IC diesel engines with a better outcome than the standard diesel rate. Hence, the work established the need for conversion of sesame seed oil to biodiesel and also suggests that sesame oil could be effectively used as feedstock for biodiesel production.

Extraction and Comparative Characterization of Oils from Edible Seeds of Glycine max and Sesamum indicum

Aim: The incidence of heart-related disease conditions due to consumption of cholesterol containing oils and the increasing global demand for oil for domestic and industrial purposes have necessitated the need for scientific evaluation of other neglected indigenous plants for potential quality oil yield. This study thus aimed at extracting and comparing physicochemical and nutritional properties of seed oils from Glycine max and Sesamum indicum with a view to diversifying alternative sources of oil to meet teeming industrial and health needs and for food security. Methodology: Solvent extraction method was employed to extract oil from seed samples which were further subjected to estimation of physicochemical indices such as free fatty acid, saponification value, iodine value, peroxide value, specific gravity, refractive index, density, pH, melting temperature and viscosity according to methods described by using titration method. Results: Findings indicated higher saponification (412.33 mgKOH/mg), acid (2.99 mgKOH/g), free fatty acid (1.49 mgKOH/g), viscosity (0.13 Pas) and melting point (5.66 oC) values for sesame seed oil than for soybean seed oil. However, soybean seed oil showed higher density (0.837 g/ml), specific gravity (0.842 Kg/m3), pH (6.21), iodine (47.25 wij’s or g/iodine/g) and peroxide (40.80 mEq/Kg) indices than that obtained for sesame seed oil though mean values were not significantly different. Conclusion: From observed measured parameters, sesame seed may be suitable for industrial purposes such as the production of soap and paint owing to its high saponification, free fatty acid, viscosity and melting point values while soybean seed oil may be excellent source for domestic and nutritional consumption in addition to industrial use.

Effects of Gossypium spp., Balanites aegyptiaca, and Sesamum indicum seeds oils on quality of chilled and frozen-thawed ram semen

Background and Aim: Essential oils found frequently in plants are well known for their activities against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to analyze egg yolk replacement by seed oils of Gossypium spp. (cotton), Balanites aegyptiaca (desert date), and Sesamum indicum (sesame) in semen extender, on ram sperm quality chilled at 4°C and frozen-thawed. Materials and Methods: Ejaculates were collected from adult rams and refrigerated at 4°C in a Tris-based extender containing 1.25%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% of Gossypium spp., B. aegyptiaca, and S. indicum seed oils, to evaluate which were the two best extenders for comparison with BIOXcell, a commercial extender for deep freezing ram semen. Results: The data showed that sperm movements analyzed by the CASA system were faster in extenders supplemented with 2.5-5% of cottonseed oil and 1.25-10% of sesame oil, whereas in the extender containing B. aegyptiaca oil, all seminal parameters studied had the worst values. During the sperm-freezing process, 5% of cottonseed oil and 5% sesame seed oil were selected from the first study, with sesame oil reaching the best sperm quality. Thus, sperm motility and velocity were 44.14±13.99%, 24.44±12.6%, and 25.92±11.50%; and 20.26±9.56%, 8.76±6.38%, and 9.42±5.40%, respectively, for sesame oil, cottonseed oil, and BIOXcell. Conclusion: In summary, 2.5-10% of cottonseed oil and 1.25-10% of sesame seed oil can replace egg yolk in a Tris–egg yolk–based extender. Moreover, a Tris-based extender supplemented with 5% sesame seed oil could be an alternative for deep freezing ram semen, even though these results need to be confirmed with semen collected from rams with appropriate sexual rest.