Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceHeart & metabolic

Sesamin

The main lignan of sesame seed. A meta-analysis points to small reductions in cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, but it pools only seven trials with a couple of hundred people in total.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Cholesterol and blood pressure Limited evidence

    A meta-analysis of seven randomised trials with 212 participants found sesamin lowered total cholesterol by about 11 mg/dL, LDL by about 8 mg/dL and systolic blood pressure by about 3.7 mmHg, with no effect on HDL, triglycerides, diastolic pressure or weight. The total sample is very small for a meta-analysis.

  • Inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis Limited evidence

    A randomised, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial in women with rheumatoid arthritis reported reductions in inflammatory markers and clinical indices with sesamin over 6 weeks. It is one trial in a specific population, not evidence for general anti-inflammatory use.

  • Fat oxidation and body composition Limited evidence

    The claim that sesamin increases fat burning comes from rodent studies of hepatic beta-oxidation enzymes; the human meta-analysis found no effect on body weight.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseTrials used roughly 50–200 mg/day of sesamin, usually split into two doses, for 4–12 weeks. Most commercial products sit in that range.
SafetyWell tolerated in short trials. Not for anyone with a sesame allergy, which can be severe. The blood-pressure and lipid effects are small but may add to medication. Long-term safety data are lacking, and there is no data in pregnancy.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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