Sesamin Heads Off UV Damage

Sesamin Heads Off UV Damage

KANSAI, Japan--Sesamin, a lignan compound found in sesame, mayprevent skin problems caused by ultraviolet light by boosting vitamin E levels.According to researchers from Suntory Health Care Science Laboratory andSugiyama Jogakuen University, the extract increases the concentration oftocotrienols in the skin.

In the experiment, rats were given one of three types of feed: 1) no vitaminE, 2) a highly concentrated tocotrienol solution or 3) tocotrienol and sesamin.After rats were exposed to UV rays, researchers investigated the changes intocotrienol levels in the rats' skin. Those in the sesamin group maintained thehighest level of tocotrienols and had the least amount of skin problems betweenthe three groups.