Sesame seeds were one of the first crops processed for oil as well as one of the earliest condiments. The addition of sesame seeds to baked goods can be traced back to ancient Egyptian times from an ancient tomb painting that depicts a baker adding the seeds to bread dough. Sesame seeds are highly valued for their high content of sesame oil, an oil that is very resistant to rancidity.
Sesame seed, a rich source of protein, is one of the first crops processed for oil production. Its non-culinary application includes its use as an ingredient in soap, cosmetics, lubricants and medicines. Sesame seeds also contain two unique substances: sesamin and sesamolin known to have a cholesterol lowering effect in humans and to prevent high blood pressure. Both of these were also reported to increase the hepatic mitochondrial and the peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation rate in experimental animals. Cephalin, a phospholipid from sesame seed has been reported to possess hemostatic activity.
The oil has wide medical and cosmetics applications. It is mildly laxative, emollient and demulcent. The seeds and fresh leaves may be used as a poultice. The antibacterial activity of seeds against Staphylococcus and Streptococcus as well as common skin fungi, such as athlete’s foot fungus has also been well recognized. The oil is also known to maintain high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). Refined sesame oil is rich with antioxidant components like lignans allowing for greater shelf-life of foods plus improving their flavor and taste. In addition to its use as an antioxidant, sesame oil contains a large amount of linoleate in triglyceride form that selectively inhibit malignant melanoma growth. Off -late, the work has also been oriented towards the production of biodiesel from sesame seed oil as a viable alternative to the diesel fuel. The ethno-botanical and medicinal uses of this commercially important, nutritionally rich oilseed need to be explored for better utilization.
SOAPS & COSMETICS ATTRIBUTES
- Sesame seed low grade oil is used in making soaps, paints, lubricants.
- Sesame seed is use in production of antifungal.
- The Sesamin and sesamolin present in sesame is used for bactericidal and insecticidal (synergist for pyrethrum insecticides).
- Sesame has myristic acid which made it an active ingredient for manufacturing cosmetics and soaps.
- Lecithin is used in reducing hepatic steatosis.
- Sesame oil is used for skin softener.
- Promoting healthy skin.