Acute and long-term hemodynamic effects of sesame oil consumption in hypertensive men

The possible effects of sesame oil on hemodynamics are unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate the acute and long-term effects of sesame oil on hemodynamic responses in hypertensive men. The authors enrolled 30 hypertensive men in a two-phase study. In the first phase, patients consumed 35 g of either sesame oil or control oil. Central and peripheral blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, augmentation index (AI), C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor α, malonydealdehyde, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed at fast and 2 hours postprandially. In the second phase, patients consumed 35 g of either sesame oil or control oil daily for 2 months. The above-mentioned parameters were assessed before and following 15, 30, and 60 days of oil consumption. Sesame oil decreased central and peripheral diastolic pressures 1 hour postprandially (P=.006). Fifteen days of sesame oil intake decreased peripheral systolic blood pressure (P=.016) and heart rate-corrected AI75 (P=.017) and increased TAC (P=.007). This is the first study to demonstrate a favorable acute and long-term effect of sesame oil on hemodynamics in hypertensive men. Further research is warranted to establish the potential protective role of sesame oil.