Background

Aerobic exercise improves fitness but can induce oxidative stress, muscle damage, and inflammation. Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), rich in lignans and antioxidants, may help reduce these effects and support immune function.

Aim

This systematic review examines the synergistic effects of sesame supplementation and aerobic exercise on oxidative stress, muscle damage, immune response, and inflammatory markers in athletes.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and EMBASE was conducted up to September 2024. Eligible randomized controlled trials included semiprofessional athletes receiving sesame supplementation (oil, extract, capsule, or whole seed) for ≥4 weeks, with placebo or no-supplement comparators under identical training protocols. Primary outcomes assessed oxidative stress biomarkers, muscle damage markers, inflammatory cytokines, and immune response parameters.

Results

A total of 290 studies were initially identified, with four randomized controlled trials meeting the inclusion criteria after screening. These trials, spanning 4–10 weeks with a total of 140 participants, revealed that sesame supplementation significantly enhanced antioxidant defenses, as indicated by increased levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and vitamins A, C, and E, while reducing oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA). Additionally, the combination of aerobic exercise and sesame improved anti-inflammatory markers, including a reduction in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), though cytokine modulation appeared to be primarily attributable to exercise alone.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the potential of sesame supplementation as a natural adjunct to exercise regimens in mitigating oxidative and inflammatory stress, with implications for enhancing athletic performance and recovery.

Graphical Abstract