Medicinal Significance of Sesamum radiatum Leaves: Phytochemicals, Bioactivities, and Therapeutic Applications
Emmanuel O. Eromosele *
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.
Nkeonyeasua Julius Ehiwario
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Nigeria.
Madu Peace Chioma
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.
Oseghale Emmanuel Ehilen
Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Sesame (Sesamum radiatum) belongs to the Pedaliaceae family and is a genus of Sesamum, which has been domesticated for well over 5000 years. Important bioactive compounds found in Sesamum radiatum leaves are helpful against cancer and cancer-related risk factors, including biological agents and carcinogens, high blood pressure, ulcers, infertility, osteoarthritis, bacterial and fungal infections.
Aim: This review is aimed at providing an outline and assess to the reported nutritional, anti-nutritional, phytochemical, and pharmacological potentials of Sesamum radiatum leaves.
Method: An extensive literature survey was done on various search engines like PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Science direct, etc. Other literature sources like Wikipedia, Ethnobotanical books, Chapters were also studied to get maximum information possible on the plant.
Results: The health-influencing chemicals found in Sesamum radiatum leave that exhibit antitumoural, antimutagenic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-hyperglycemic properties are responsible for these wide-ranging effects. The combination of lignans (sesamin, sesamol, sesamolin, and sesaminol), tocopherol (vitamin E), homologues, and phytosterols are responsible for the bioactivities of Sesamum radiatum leaves.
Conclusion: While this review explores the bioactive compounds of Sesamum radiatum leaves and their potentials in managing various disease conditions, more research is needed to uncover its key features in medical practice, such as structure-activity relationships.
Keywords: Sesamum radiatum, lignans, tocopherol, phytosterols, disease conditions