SESAMOL & ITS DERIVATIVES: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON PHYTOCHEMISTRY, PHARMACOLOGY, AND ADVANCED FORMULATION STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCED BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

Abstract

Sesame-derived phytoconstituents have long been recognized as valuable bioactive agents in both nutritional and therapeutic applications. Among these, sesamol—one of the principal phenolic lignans present in sesame oil—has garnered significant scientific interest due to its broad-spectrum pharmacological potential. Empirical evidence from preclinical and clinical studies underscores sesamol’s efficacy in the prevention and management of multiple pathological conditions, including oncological, hepatic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative disorders. The compound exhibits a diverse pharmacodynamic profile encompassing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties, which contribute to its therapeutic relevance. However, the clinical translation of sesamol remains constrained due to inherent limitations such as poor aqueous solubility, chemical instability, low oral bioavailability, and rapid systemic elimination. To address these biopharmaceutical challenges, various advanced drug delivery strategies have been developed, including nano formulations, lipid-based carriers, and polymeric systems, aimed at enhancing its pharmacokinetic and therapeutic profiles. This comprehensive review delineates the recent advances in the pharmacological characterization of sesamol, with a particular focus on its mechanism of action across different disease models. Additionally, the manuscript explores the formulation-based interventions designed to overcome the physicochemical limitations of sesamol, thereby proposing novel carrier systems as viable platforms to augment its clinical efficacy. The insights provided herein aim to facilitate the rational design of sesamol-based therapeutics for potential use as frontline interventions in chronic and degenerative diseases.