Chemical characterization and oxidative stability of seeds and oil of sesame grown in Morocco

The objective of this research work was to determine the characteristic features of the oil content and composition of nutrients of sesame seeds grown in Morocco. Characteristic features of the seed oil revealed a high degree of unsaturation and as determined by gas chromatography reported herein, the major unsaturated fatty acids were linoleic acid (46.9%) followed by oleic acid (37.4%), while the main saturated fatty acid was palmitic acid (9.1%). Sesame seed oil was also found to be rich in tocopherols with a predominance of γ-tocopherol (90.5%). The phytosterol marker β-sitosterol accounted for 59.9% of total sterols contained in sesame seed oil. This oil, therefore, has a potential for its use in human nutrition or industrial applications. Compositional analysis revealed that the sesame seeds contained considerable amounts of protein (22%) and high amounts of lipids (52%). Nutrient information reported herein illustrates the benefits to public health for consumers of these plant seeds. In terms of oil, sesame seed oil may be considered as a valuable source for new multi-purpose products as industrial, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical uses.