Abstract
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.