Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the economically important crops, having various beneficial properties in nutrition, medicine, biodiesel production, industrial importance and cosmetic utilization. It is cultivated widely in different parts of the world like tropical and subtropical regions including China, Africa, South America, India, Sudan, Egypt, Thailand, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. Sesame crops have since spread to all over the world for seed and oil purposes but still they are categorized as underutilized or neglected crops by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI). Phytochemically, sesame contains various important compounds including sesamin, tocopherol sesamolin, lignans, campesterols, and a diversity of fatty acids. Sesame provides significant nutritive values to human beings as it comprises protein and edible oils in higher quantities as well as being an excellent source of vegetable oil. The commercial value of sesame oil and seed has increased due to growing information regarding sesame's health benefits and nutritional values. It occupies a remarkable position as a nutraceutical due to its high content of crude fat, protein, crude fiber, carbohydrates, and vitamin; meanwhile various antinutritional factors are also reported. Medicinally, it is characterized with various properties including anti-cancer, anti-proliferation, proapoptosis effects, anti-inflammatory, antimetastatic effects, antiangiogenic and pro-angiogenic, pro-autophagocytic, and antioxidant potential.