Scientists have found that sesaminol from sesame seeds is healthy for nerve cells. In laboratory cultures, this active ingredient protects and prevents damageSymptoms of Parkinson'sin an animal model of the disease. Sesame shells are typically a waste product in the production of sesame oil, which is, however, rich in the antioxidant sesaminol. However, further clinical studies are needed to determine whether the antioxidant could slow disease progression in people.
Can sesame seeds be healthy for the nervous system?
Parkinson's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects dopamine-producing neurons. This causes, among other things, tremors, muscle stiffness and slow movements. There is currently no cure, although various drug treatments can help relieve symptoms. One cause of cell loss in the Soemmerring ganglion (substantia nigra) of the brain is oxidative stress. This led the research team to investigate whether sesaminol could prevent neuronal death in a Parkinson's model. The researchers used a toxic chemical called 6-hydroxydopamine to model the oxidative damage that occurs in Parkinson's disease. When they applied the chemical to human nerve cells, levels of harmful reactive oxygen species increased and the cells began to die. However, the addition of sesaminol to the laboratory cultures significantly reduced the concentration of this species and prevented cell death. The drug appeared to protect cells from oxidative damage by increasing the production of two protective proteins: Nrf2 and NQO1.
Laboratory mice fed such a diet for 36 days had higher levels of dopamine and performed better on a standard test of motor skills. This showed a significant difference in contrast to the control group who received a normal diet. The intestinal motility of the mice in the test group was also normal. In particular, the protective effect was observed when a small amount of sesaminol was administered. These results show that sesame seeds are healthy and good for the preventative treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, further detailed elucidation of the mechanism of action will be required for practical application. The study authors suspect that sesaminol may be able to cross the blood-brain barrier in humans. This barrier prevents pathogens and large molecules from entering the brain. However, further research is needed tothese study resultsto support. Overall, it should be noted that the data from cell cultures and animal models do not always reflect what happens in the human body.
