Background: Sesamin is one of the most abundant lignans in sesame and has multiple functions and high values such as antioxidative effect and promoting-immunity function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sesamin supplementation on glycemic status, serum levels of inflammatory markers and adiponectinin patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Material and methods: Forty-eight patients with type 2 diabetes participated in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: intervention group (sesamin capsules; 200 mg/day, n = 24) and control group (placebo capsules; 200 mg/day starch, n = 24). Anthropometric indices and serum levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and adiponectin were assessed at the baseline and after 8 weeks.
Result: Sesamin supplementation caused a significant reduction in FBS, HbA1C and TNF-α levels compared with the placebo (p < 0.05). Waist circumference, hip circumference, body adiposity index (BAI), FBS, HbA1c, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were decreased, and adiponectin levels were increased significantly in the intervention group at the end of study (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: According to the beneficial effects of sesamin supplement on glycemic status and inflammatory factors, it may be considered as a supplementary therapeutic approach for diabetic patients. However, future investigations are needed in this field.
Keywords: blood glucose; cytokines; diabetes; inflammation; sesamin.