Abstract
Refined and bleached sesame oil (Sesamum indicum L.) contains sesame lignans, mainly sesamin and episesamin, and they are isolated from refined sesame oil. The in vitro antioxidant properties of sesame lignans and sesamol are investigated on oxidative modification of human plasma, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and erythrocyte membrane lipid. Blood samples are collected from diabetic and non-diabetic (normal) healthy individuals. Sesame lignans and sesamol are added at 0.05% and 0.1% concentrations to plasma, LDL and erythrocyte membrane isolated from the respective blood samples and peroxidations are determined against control samples. A significant increase of peroxidation levels was observed consequently in diabetic control blood and the non-diabetic control blood. Sesamol and sesame lignans decreased lipid peroxidation. The findings suggest that sesamol and sesame lignans (mainly sesamin and episesamin) are potentially effective antioxidants that can protect plasma, LDL and erythrocyte membrane from oxidation which may be effective in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease in diabetes.
