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Sesamum indicum L., (Sesamum orientale L.), Pedaliaceae, the sesame or gingelly, an important oil seed. The chief producers are India, China, Sudan, Mexico, Venezuela and Burma. The black seeds are important in religion and medicine in India, since ancient times. The seeds are illustrated.
Fresh leaves are used in afflictions of kidneys and the bladder. They are externally applied in ophthalmic and cutaneous complaints.
The seeds are an emollient, tonic, diuretic, lactagoguic, and useful in piles. The seed decoction is an emmenagogue and applied as poultice on ulcers.
The seed and its oil are demulcent, effective in dysentery and urinary complaints, used in combination with other medicines.
The seeds are an ‘umami’ (yummy) ingredient in various food preparations and the seed oil is a good cooking medium.
Sesame (gingelly or til) oil is a medium of preparation and also the vehicle for the delivery of several Ayurvedic medicines. The seeds are also rich in thiamine and niacin. The oil is high in unsaturated fatty acids and is the best vegetable oil from the point of cardiac care.
The leaves, as an infusion, are used as a demulcent in southern USA.
Gingelly oil is extensively used in the manufacture of soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, insecticides and pharmaceutical products. The seed cake is a cattle feed.
The seeds are a rich source of protein and edible oil. The leaves contain a gummy matter. Sesamine, a lignan, present in the plant is an insecticide synergic to pyrethrum.