Physicochemical Properties, Nutritional Assessment, and Bioactive Composition of Sesamum indicum (Sesame Seed) Oil: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a prized oil seed crop due to its versatility and exceptional nutritional value and are used traditionally for treatments of various health conditions, such as respiratory ailments, diarrhea, and dysentery. Despite the seeds are rich in nutrients, antioxidants and secondary metabolites with significant health benefits, but it industrial and pharmacological applications remains limited due to the limited scientific evaluations of the oil’s physicochemical, bioactive and nutritional composition. This study investigates the physicochemical properties, nutritional composition, and bioactive components of sesame oil to evaluate its suitability for various industrial or therapeutic applications. The result revealed moisture content of 20%, contributing to a high yield of pure oil. The oil exhibited a specific gravity of 0.73 with proteins and carbohydrates having 22.4% and 22% respectively. Chemical analysis revealed an acid value of 176.6 mg KOH/g, indicating a higher susceptibility to spoilage compared to other seed oils, and a saponification value of 303.9 mg KOH/g, suggesting a higher proportion of short-chain fatty acids. The iodine value of 91.21 g/100g, indicative of the oil’s unsaturation, positions it as non-drying oil which might be more suited for food applications. Fatty acid analysis showed a predominance of saturated fatty acids (29.65%). Furthermore, bioactive compounds such as sesamin (1.09%) were detected. FTIR spectroscopy identified key functional groups such as ester carbonyl and alkane groups at different peaks (1742.5 and 1455.5 respectively). Generally, sesame oil exhibits a promising bioactive and nutritional profile for various industrial applications. However, further research is recommended to determine its shelf life and preservation methods. Keywords: GC-MS, FTIR, Sesame oil, Sesamin.