BACKGROUND

Data suggest that sesame seeds have properties beneficial to modulating lipid disorders and decreasing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ardeh, paste of ground unhulled sesame seeds, on lipid profiles and atherogenic lipid parameters.

METHODS

This randomized clinical trial included 41 patients with type 2 diabetes, who were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: group A (Ardeh 28 g/d, n = 21) and group B (control, n = 20). After an initial two-week washout period, the patients in group A, replaced a part of their usual breakfast with two tablespoon (tbsp) (~ 28 g) Ardeh, while group B patients continued the usual breakfast meal for six weeks; energy content of both breakfast meals was maintained in the same range. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, HDL-C, and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP; log TG/HDL-C), TC/HDL-C ratio, and LDL/HDL-C ratio were determined at baseline and six weeks later.

RESULTS

After six weeks, there were significant decreases in serum TG (15.3 mg/dL) and AIP (39 %) in group A. Moreover, slight decreases in serum TC, LDL-C, and other atherogenic lipid parameters and a mild increase in HDL-C also were observed during Ardeh supplementation. Anthropometric measures and blood pressure were unchanged during the study period in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Ardeh could have favorable effects in decreasing CVD risk factors in type 2 diabetics.