The protective effects of sesamin against metabolic syndrome: A mechanistic review

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Sesamin, a lignan isolated from sesame seeds, has been shown to have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Recent studies have suggested that sesamin may also have a positive impact on metabolic syndrome. Purpose: The aim of present systematic review was to summarize the current scientific literature on the effects of sesamin on metabolic syndrome, including its potential to improve insulin resistance, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and decrease cholesterol levels. Study design: mechanistic review Methods: Five databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched electronically from inception to May 2023 to identify previous studies that assessed the impact of sesamin on lipid profile, T2DM, obesity, dyslipidemia, blood pressure, and fat liver. Results: This systematic review highlights the mechanisms underlying the anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity, lipolytic effects of sesamin both in vivo and in vitro, and identifies the signaling pathways targeted by sesamin and its metabolites. The data indicates that RAS/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, ERK1/2, p38, p53, IL-6, TNFα, and NF-κB signaling networks are all involved in moderating the various effects of sesamin on MetS. Conclusion: In conclusion, the data indicates that sesamin can reduce metabolic syndrome and its risk factors. Thus, sesamin can be potentially useful as an adjuvant therapeutic agent to combat metabolic syndrome and its multitude of risk factors. However, further research is needed to determine optimal dosages and long-term safety.

Keywords

• Metabolic syndrome
• Sesamin
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Systematic review