Sesame (Sesamum indicum L) seeds has been authenticated for its medicinal value in both Chinese and Indian systems of medicine. Its numerous potential nutritional benefits are attributed to its main bioactive constituents, sesamol. As a result of those studies several molecular mechanisms are emerging describing the pleotropic biological effects of sesamol.This review summarizes the most interesting in vitro and in vivo studies on the biological effects of sesamol.The present work sumarises data available from Pubmed and Scopus database.Several molecular mechanisms are emerging describing the pleiotropic biological effects of sesamol. Its major thereapeutic effects have been elicited in managing oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome and mood disorders. Further, compelling evidences reflected the ability of sesamol in inhibiting proliferation of the inflammatory cell, prevention of invasion and angiogenesis via affecting multiple molecular targets and downstream mechanisms. Sesamol is a safe, non-toxic chemical which mediates anti-inflammatory effects by down-regulating the transcription of inflammatory markers such as cytokines, redox status, protein kinases, and enzymes which promote inflammation. In addition, sesamol also induces apoptosis in cancer cells via mitochondrial and receptor-mediated pathways, as well as activation of caspase cascades.In the present review, pharmacological effects of sesamol are summarized with the available mechanistic data. Several pharmacological effects of sesamol are reported namely, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, radioprotective, anti-aging, anti-ulcer, anti-dementia, anti-depressant, antiplatelet, anticonvulsant, anti-anxiolytic, wound healing, cosmetic (skin whitening), anti-microbial, Matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) inhibition, hepatoprotective activity and other biological effects. Here we have summarized the proposed mechanism behind these pharmacological effects.
