Seed

Black Sesame Seed

Provisional Moderate ScoreCompound

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 15, 2026Last updated March 15, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Black sesame seed (Sesamum indicum) contains potent lignans including sesamin (0.77-9.3 mg/g) and sesaminol (1.40 mg/g) that modulate estrogen receptors, PI3K/Akt pathways, and demonstrate superior antioxidant activity compared to synthetic BHT. These bioactive compounds induce cell cycle arrest, inhibit cholesterol synthesis via Δ5-desaturase inhibition, and provide neuroprotective effects through NF-κB/p38MAPK/BDNF modulation.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategorySeed

GroupSeed

Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate

Primary KeywordBlack Sesame Seed benefits

Black Sesame Seed — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Supports bone density

and integrity with essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Promotes healthy hair

growth and pigmentation, traditionally used to combat premature graying.

Enhances cardiovascular function

by improving lipid profiles and reducing arterial stiffness.

Provides anti-inflammatory and

antioxidant protection, supporting joint, liver, and cellular health.

Contributes to hormonal

balance and reproductive vitality, particularly supporting estrogen levels during menopause.

Aids digestive health: by promoting gut motility and microbiome balance

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Black Sesame Seeds (Sesamum indicum) are a nutrient-dense variety of sesame, originating from India, East Africa, China, and the Middle East. Revered for their intense flavor and higher antioxidant concentration than white sesame, they are prized for promoting longevity, hair health, and skeletal strength. In functional nutrition, they are valued for their comprehensive support of bone, cardiovascular, and cognitive health.

“Black Sesame Seeds have been prized for millennia in Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Middle Eastern traditions. In TCM, they are considered a "jing" tonic, believed to replenish deep essence and strengthen the liver and kidneys, while in Ayurveda, they promote reproductive vitality, skin luster, and bone health.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Numerous studies, including in vitro, animal, and human clinical trials, highlight Black Sesame Seed's lignans, particularly sesamin, for their cholesterol-lowering, liver-protective, and antioxidative properties. Research confirms its calcium bioavailability and supports its traditional uses for anti-aging, vascular health, and bone density.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Macronutrients: Omega-6 fatty acids (oleic acid, linoleic acid), dietary fiber - Vitamins: Vitamin E, B vitamins (B1, B3, B6) - Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, selenium - Phytochemicals: Sesamin, sesamol, other lignans, polyphenols

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Sesamin modulates estrogen receptors (ER-α, ER-β), HER2, EGFR, and PD-L1 while disrupting PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways to induce cell cycle arrest at G1, S, or G2/M phases. Sesaminol promotes apoptosis and inhibits angiogenesis by targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways, while sesamol provides neuroprotective effects via NF-κB/p38MAPK/BDNF/PPAR-γ modulation. The lignans collectively inhibit Δ5-desaturase and cholesterol absorption while reducing lipid peroxidation and inflammatory mediators like PGE2.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Current evidence for black sesame seed is primarily based on preclinical in vitro and animal studies demonstrating lignan activity against cancer cell lines and cholesterol metabolism. While numerous studies confirm bioavailability of calcium and other minerals from black sesame, specific human clinical trials with quantified outcomes for cardiovascular or bone health benefits are limited in the available literature. The research shows promising antioxidant activity superior to synthetic BHT in laboratory assays, but randomized controlled trials with specific numerical outcomes (such as percentage reductions in LDL cholesterol or blood pressure changes) have not been detailed in current publications. Evidence strength remains moderate, requiring more robust human clinical data.

Also Known As

Sesamum indicum L.Black sesameKala tilHei zhimaSesame seed (black variety)

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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