Sesamum indicum
Sesame plant
Sesamum indicum, commonly known as sesame, is a versatile oilseed plant cherished for millennia. Renowned for its nutrient-dense seeds, it serves as a vital source of healthy fats, proteins, and antioxidants. Beyond nutrition, this botanical powerhouse offers significant medicinal benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and support for cardiovascular health.
- Scientific name: Sesamum indicum
- Family: Pedaliaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Sesamum indicum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Lamiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Pedaliaceae and is placed in the genus Sesamum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Pedaliaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Sesamum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Sesamum indicum, is recognized by various common names across different languages and cultures. In Dutch, it is referred to as sesam, while in Amharic, it is called ሰሊጥ. It is known as سمسم in Arabic, ܫܘܫܡܬܐ in Aramaic, and as Til (তিল) in Assamese.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| nl | sesam | Wikidata |
| am | ሰሊጥ | Wikidata |
| ar | سمسم | Wikidata |
| arc | ܫܘܫܡܬܐ | Wikidata |
| as | তিল | Wikidata |
| az | Hind küncütü | Wikidata |
| be | Кунжут | Wikidata |
| bg | обикновен сусам | Wikidata |
| bs | Susam | Wikidata |
| ca | sèsam | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution across various regions of the European continent. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing in Spain. Its presence extends into Southeastern Europe, where it is documented in Bulgaria and Greece. Furthermore, the species is located in the European portion of Türkiye. Finally, its range encompasses the Northwestern Balkan Peninsula.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Türkiye-in-Europe | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | NW. Balkan Pen. | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Krym | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | South European Russia | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Ukraine | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Sesamum indicum, is a versatile medicinal and nutritional resource where various components offer distinct benefits. The flowers are often used in traditional practices, while the lush green leaves serve as a source of vitamins and minerals. Most notably, it is classified as a high-value oilseed, primarily valued for the nutrient-dense seeds it produces. Within these seeds, the presence of seed storage globulins plays a crucial role in providing essential proteins, making the plant a vital component in both dietary and therapeutic applications.- Total parts
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 12
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| seed storage globulins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oilseed | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flower | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Sesamum indicum has 60 reported phytochemicals identified across 80 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include sesamin, sesamol, fatty acids, sesamolin, Sesamin.
- Total chemicals
- 60
- Scientific sources
- 80
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| sesamin | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| sesamol | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| fatty acids | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| sesamolin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Sesamin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignans | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| linoleic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oleic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Sesamum indicum has 13 reported activities identified across 28 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Analgesic, Antihypertensive, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 28
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| Antidiabetic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihypertensive | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antithrombotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Appetite-Suppressant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Sesamum indicum has 39 reported medicinal uses identified across 45 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Huntington's disease, hypertension, oxidative stress, sarcopenia, type 2 diabetes.
- Total uses
- 39
- Scientific sources
- 45
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Huntington's disease | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sarcopenia | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| type 2 diabetes | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Alzheimer's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leishmania donovani | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Toxoplasma gondii infection | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |