Written by Chrystal Moulton, Staff Writer. In a randomized, double-blind controlled study, 28 g of Ardeh (or Tahini) caused a 10 % (-15.3 mg/L) decrease in serum triglycerides.
Sesame seeds contain lignans (polyphenols found in plants) that are widely known to have positive effects on lipid profiles when tested in animals and it is believed to exhibit the same positive effects in humans.(1) However, studies testing sesame seed effect on humans have been inconsistent. (2)
This year, Iranian researchers decided to test whether ground unhulled sesame seed paste called Ardeh (called Tahini in the USA) may positively effect lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic patients. (2) Sesame seed is a common food consumed in Middle Eastern countries. Traditionally, Iranians use sesame seed oil in cooking and consume sesame bars, Halva (a kind of dessert that sometimes contains sesame), and Ardeh. So researchers wanted to see what affect consumption of sesame seed in the form of Ardeh would have on individuals with type 2 diabetes, who commonly suffer from cardiovascular problems as well.
They recruited type 2 diabetic patients aged 18-60 years old from the Iran Diabetes Society. Patients were excluded if they had severe heart, liver or kidney conditions, were pregnant, lactating, using insulin injections, or taking antioxidant supplements. A total of 41 patients were eligible to participate and were randomized into two groups: group A who were to take Ardeh (28g/d, n=21) and group B who were not supplemented (control). The protocol was a parallel, randomized, double-blind controlled study. During the first two weeks (considered their washout period), all 41 volunteers were advised not to eat foods containing sesame. They were also regulated to consume a breakfast meal delivering within 270kcal of energy each day for the duration of the study. After 2 weeks, individuals randomized to take Ardeh simply replaced part of their usual breakfast with 2 tablespoons of Ardeh (28g). By replacing a part of the breakfast with Ardeh, researchers could maintain the energy content of the breakfast for all participants to 270kcal/d within 1%. The test period lasted for six weeks.
Participants were contacted 3 times a week to assess compliance, to study protocols and inquire about any side effects, especially linked to Ardeh consumption. Before and after the intervention period, researchers measured weight, height, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure. Blood samples were also taken before and after 6 week test periods in order to determine total cholesterol, triglycerides, and general lipid profile. Statistical calculations were designed to detect 25mg/dL change in total cholesterol with 95% confidence. P-values <0.05 were considered significant.
Of the 41 eligible participants, 36 completed the protocol. Demographic measurements between both groups were similar with no significant differences in age, weight, height, and duration of diabetes. All patients were treated with anti-diabetic drugs such as metformin or glibeclamide, as well as some form of cardiac drug. Regular breakfast for most of the patients was bread and cheese, which was replaced by bread and Ardeh for individuals randomized into the intervention group. After six weeks, there were significant decreases in serum triglycerides (group A: 144 ±9.8, group B: 175 ±11.4, p<0.05) and the ratio of triglycerides to high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, good cholesterol) (group A: 0.42 ±0.04, group B: 0.54 ±0.05, p=0.05). Researchers also saw a moderate, non-significant increase in HDL-C among patients in the intervention group versus control (group A: 51.4 ±1.6, group B: 46.8 ±1.8, p=0.07). No adverse effects were reported by either group.
Overall, researchers found that individuals who took Ardeh for six weeks had a 10% (-15.3mg/L) decrease in serum triglycerides and 39% decrease in the ratio of serum triglycerides to HDL-C compared to control.
Source: Rajab, Asadolah, and Fereidoun Azizi. “Ardeh (Sesamum indicum) could improve serum triglycerides and atherogenic lipid parameters in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized clinical trial.” Archives of Iranian medicine 16.11 (2013): 652.
Posted January 20, 2014.
Chrystal Moulton BA, PMP, is a 2008 graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology with a focus on premedical studies and is a licensed project manager. She currently resides in Indianapolis, IN.
References:
- Lignans of sesame: purification methods, biological activities and biosynthesis–a review. Dar AA, Arumugam N. Bioorg Chem. 2013 Oct;50:1-10.
- Ardeh (Sesamum indicum) Could Improve Serum Triglycerides and Atherogenic Lipid Parameters in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Mirmiran P, et al. Arch Iran Med. 2013 Nov;16(11):651-6.
