The Contents of Sesamol in Iranian Sesame Seeds

Sesamol is a sesame lignan. Sesame lignans have multiple functions, including antioxidant activity and also seem to have potential as a source of phytostrogens. This study was condncted to evaluate sesamol contents of 7 brands of Iranian sesame seeds (Sesamumindicume L.). The brands were named Karaj 29, Darab 14, Ultan, Dezful, Varamin, Branching Naz, and Nonbranching Naz. After method validation, the methanolic extracts of seeds were investigated by HPLC. Their mean of total sesamol was found to be 4.67±0.92 mg/g (ranging between 2.75 and 6.13 mg/g). The brands Karaj 29 with 5.84±0.25 mg/g, Dezful with 5.48±0.08 mg/g, and Varamin with 5.4±0.1mg/g had the highest content, and Darab 14 with the content of 3.30±0.57mg/g had the lowest (p<0.05). Iranian sesame can be considered to be a good source of natural antioxidants for medicinal and commercial uses.