Some nutriceutical potential of beniseed oil

Beniseed (Sesame indicum) and its oil were evaluated for their physicochemical and nutritional profile, and also for possible pharmaceutical application as an adjunct in self- emulsifying oil formulations (SEOFS) for future use as drug delivery vehicle for poorly aqueous soluble drugs. Beniseed oil was extracted using standard procedure. Both the seed and oil were subjected to proximate, physicochemical, phytochemical, and toxicological evaluations following standard methods, and SEOFS were developed and evaluated accordingly. The results obtained demonstrated their notable good safety profile, while their nutritional and phytochemical compositions indicate their obvious usefulness as health promoting nutritional supplements. The developed SEOFS formulations containing Beniseed oil were found to be stable and the recorded emulsification times indicate its potential ability to facilitate fast and efficient release of any embedded drug. Industrial Relevance: Beniseed (Sesame indicum) belongs to the family Pedaliacea. It is commonly called Beniseed in Nigeria. The tiny spherical seeds are edible, having milky flowering flavour. The oil is widely employed in cooking and in the manufacture of margarine and pharmaceuticals. The antioxidant beta-carotene and steroid have also been found in Beniseed oil. Given the findings in this present study, seeds and oil extract from the seeds of Sesame indicum present useful applications as nutritional supplements, and also as possible pharmaceutical adjunct in self- emulsifying oil formulations (SEOFS) for future use as drug delivery vehicle for poorly aqueous soluble drugs. The developed SEOFS formulation containing Beniseed oil is expected to be a welcome addition to the clinical arsenal for the delivery of poorly water soluble drugs. There is also need for further pre-clinical and clinical researches involving the oil towards pharmaceutical applications in the delivery of specific drug agents. © 2009-2010 Healthy Synergies Publications.