Sesame (Sesamum indicum)
Sesame (Sesamum indicum)
1- Scientific Name
Sesamum indicum – English Name: Sesame
2- Family
Sesame family: Pedaliaceae
3- Botanical Description
An annual herbaceous plant with a taproot that penetrates the soil to a depth of 50–80 cm. The stem is herbaceous, erect, branched, reaching about 150–200 cm, hairy, green, and ridged. The leaves are large, ovate, entire or serrated at the margins, hairy, with long stalks; the upper leaves are usually undivided while the lower ones are lobed. The flowers gather in axillary inflorescences appearing successively from bottom to top, each cluster consisting of 3–5 flowers; the flower is hermaphrodite and pink in color. The fruit is a capsule, rectangular, with four valves, covered with hairs. The number of fruit capsules per plant ranges from 100–200, each containing 70–80 seeds.
The dry seed is ovate in shape, small, shiny, and varies in color, gathered in regular rows.
4- Part Used
Mature seeds.
5- Active Compounds
Sesame seeds contain a fixed fatty oil ranging between 30–60%, and the oil percentage depends on the variety, growing region, and climatic factors. Unsaturated fatty acids make up 86% of the oil’s constituents, namely: Oleic acid, Linolenic acid, Palmitic acid, and Myristic acid. The seeds also contain protein compounds at a rate of 26%, containing most amino acids, the most important being Glutamic acid, Arginine acid, and Leucine acid. The seeds also contain organic acids such as Oxalic acid, and sugary substances at 12–13%, and numerous vitamins, the most important being A and E, and mineral elements such as zinc, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron.
6- Medicinal Importance
Sesame oil is used in pharmaceutical or food industries through formulation of products that work to:
- Lower high blood pressure and reduce diabetic stress due to its magnesium compound content.
- Act as a laxative for the digestive system and protect the colon from inflammation and chronic spasms.
- Moisturize the skin and protect it from weather factors, and stimulate collagen production.
- Treat itching, scabies, and some skin ulcers.
- Promote hair health and stimulate its growth.
7- Acceptance Card
| No. | Property | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Color | Light to dark brown – shiny |
| 2 | Texture | Hard |
| 3 | Odor | None |
| 4 | Fungal & Insect Infestation | Indicator: No unpleasant odors, foreign colors, or flying insects of any kind Limits: Infestation by storage insects (larvae, adult insects) not to exceed 1% |
| 5 | % Impurities | Not to exceed 5% |
| 6 | % Fatty Oil | Not less than 30% Note: oil quality and economic feasibility should be considered if the percentage falls below this |
| 7 | % Moisture | Not to exceed 10% |
8- General Notes
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