Integrative Evidence on Sesame Supplementation for Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Relevant to Retinopathy

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Cardiology
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Cardiometabolic disorders (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, etc.) pose global health challenges.
• Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) supplementation is explored for its potential to modulate cardiometabolic risk factors.
• Existing clinical trial findings on sesame's effects are inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically assess the impact of sesame supplementation on key cardiometabolic parameters.
• To evaluate sesame's potential as an adjunctive therapy for retinopathy linked to cardiometabolic conditions.
• To analyze effects on lipid profiles, blood pressure, glycemic control, liver enzymes, and BMI.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to July 2025.
• Meta-analysis utilized a random-effects model to pool effect sizes.
• Included 10 studies with 441 participants comparing sesame to placebo or active controls.

Main Results:

• Sesame supplementation significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
• Improvements observed in glycemic control, including fasting blood glucose and HbA1c.
• Significant reduction in liver enzymes (ALT) and no increased effect with longer supplementation duration.

Conclusions:

• Sesame supplementation demonstrates beneficial effects on multiple cardiometabolic risk factors.
• Dietary incorporation of sesame may serve as a valuable adjunctive therapy for cardiometabolic disorders.
• Sesame shows potential in managing conditions like retinopathy associated with metabolic dysfunction.