An integrative review of Sesamum indicum L. oil in Unani and other ethnomedicine, its pharmacology, and clinical practice

Abstract

Kunjad (Sesamum indicum Linn. [Syah Til in Hindi, Dahan al-Simsim in Arabic]), a member of the Pedaliaceae family, holds a significant position in Unani and other traditional medicine systems due to its diverse therapeutic applications. This study consolidates classical ethnomedicinal knowledge and modern pharmacological evidence on S. indicum oil ( Ravghan-i-Kunjad ), emphasizing its relevance in wound healing, inflammation, and pain management. A comprehensive review of Unani and ethnomedicinal literature, alongside pharmacological and clinical data from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, AYUSH portal, and Google Scholar, was conducted. Analyses encompassed ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological mechanisms, and therapeutic potential. In Unani medicine, S. indicum is described as Muḥallil-i-Awrām (anti-inflammatory), Ḥābis-i-Khūn Bawāsīr (haemostatic for piles), Mulayyin (laxative), Mulayyin-i-Jild (skin emollient), and Dāfi’- i-Khārish (anti-pruritic). Its oil contains a balanced profile of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds such as rhamnetin, mequelianin, verbascoside, and ferulic acid. Lignans, including sesamin and sesamolin, augment its biological activity. Modern studies corroborate its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-thrombotic, and wound-healing effects, validating traditional claims, especially in postpartum wound care. Collectively, these findings provide a pharmacological basis for the broad-spectrum bioactivity of S. indicum and therapeutic potential. Its integration into evidence-based medicine may offer a promising approach for managing inflammation, wounds, and pain, warranting further systematic clinical evaluation to enhance its applicability in contemporary health care.