Overview
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is crop that's grown for the oil in its seed. It's found in tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, Africa, and South America.
Sesame contains chemicals that might help reduce swelling, increase wound healing, and slow how fast sugar is absorbed from food. Sesame seeds are also rich sources of protein, vitamins, and antioxidants.
People use sesame oil for high blood pressure. It is also used for cough, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
As of 2021, sesame is considered a major food allergen in the US. Sesame contents must be labeled on all packaged foods after January 2023.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Possibly Effective for
- High blood pressure. Taking sesame oil by mouth seems to slightly reduce blood pressure in people with and without high blood pressure.
Possibly Ineffective for
- Cough. Taking sesame oil by mouth doesn't reduce coughing in children with a common cold.
There is interest in using sesame for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Sesame is commonly consumed in foods. Sesame oil is possibly safe when used as a medicine, short-term. Sesame might cause allergic reactions in some people.
When applied to the skin: Sesame oil is possibly safe. Sesame might cause allergic reactions in some people.
When sprayed into the nose: Sesame oil is possibly safe when used short-term. Sesame oil can cause nasal dripping and blockage when used as a nasal spray.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Sesame is commonly consumed in foods. Sesame oil is possibly safe when used as a medicine, short-term. Sesame might cause allergic reactions in some people.
When applied to the skin: Sesame oil is possibly safe. Sesame might cause allergic reactions in some people.
When sprayed into the nose: Sesame oil is possibly safe when used short-term. Sesame oil can cause nasal dripping and blockage when used as a nasal spray.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sesame is safe to use as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Children: Sesame oil is possibly safe when taken by mouth as a medicine, short-term.
A gastric obstruction called benign anastomotic stricture: Sesame seeds contain a lot of fiber. This might increase the risk of bowel obstruction in people with this condition.
Surgery: Sesame might affect blood sugar levels, making blood sugar control difficult during and after surgery. Stop using sesame in medicinal amounts at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions ?
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with SESAME
Sesame oil might lower blood sugar levels. Taking sesame oil along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with SESAME
Sesame oil might lower blood pressure. Taking sesame oil along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with SESAME
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Sesame might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) interacts with SESAME
Sesame seed might reduce the effects of tamoxifen. People using tamoxifen should avoid taking sesame in amounts greater than those in food.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-Glycoprotein Substrates) interacts with SESAME
Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Sesame might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.
Minor Interaction
Be watchful with this combination
Dosing
Sesame seeds and sesame oil are commonly consumed in foods.
As medicine, sesame oil has most often been used by adults in doses of up to 35 grams by mouth daily for 6-12 weeks. Sesame oil has also been applied to the skin. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.
