Sesame seeds commonly known as gingelly seeds or til is one of the oldest oilseed cultivated all over the world with India and China being the largest producers. Both black and white sesame seeds are abundant in not only macro or micronutrients but also contain plethora of bioactive components such as lignans and phytosterols contributing to it being a good source of antioxidants. Presence of sesamin, sesaminol, myristic acid and lecithin in sesame seeds attributes to its antiinflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-cancer properties. Sesame oil is also known for its anti-microbial activity. Sesame is also an important crop mentioned in Ayurveda and is used in shirodhara, a body relaxing technique. Its oil is also used as skin softener and is utilized in the treatment of cracked heels. Seasame oil can also be substituted with regular oil and its seeds are used as garnishes in breads, biscuits and crackers. Til chikki and laddo’s are also prepared in Indian households. Though it is widely used, consumption of even two sesame seeds might trigger allergic reactions in few people. In this review article topics like nutritional composition, therapeutic benefits, uses, products developed and safety and dosage of sesame is discussed. Keywords: sesame, sesamin, sesaminol, lignans, phytosterols

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of dried mixture of four herbal plant seeds as feed additives and some environmental factors on growth performance, milk yield and its composition of Rahmani and Chios sheep. Fifty four pregnant Rahmani and Chios ewes, during the last periods of pregnancy were divided into 3 groups (8 Rahmani and 10 Chios ewes each) using complete random block design. Group2 (G2) and group3 (G3) were supplemented with polyherbal combination at the rate of 3 and 6 g/100kg-1 LBW, respectively. Ewes without polyherbal combination served as a control (CTR). Body weight and ADG of G2 lambs was significantly (P<0.05) higher than G1 and control. Variations among genetic groups regarding body weights, TG and ADG were highly significant (P<0.01). Male lambs were significantly heavier (P<0.05 or P<0.01) than female except at birth, male lambs have attained TG heavier (P<0.01) than female lambs. There was a significant (P<0.01) effect of medical and aromatic plant seeds on colostrum yield at birth, 12, 24 and 36 hours, TMY and ADMY was affected significantly. There were significant difference between the two breeds in the production of milk per week, TMY and ADMY. Sex of lambs had a significant (p<0.05) effect on milk produced at the 2nd, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th weeks of lactation. TMY and ADMY was affected significantly by sex of lambs. TMY and ADMY was (P<0.01) greater in ewes rearing twin lambs compared with ewes rearing singles. Colostrum fat and energy was affected (P<0.05) by treatments. As well as, milk components except lactose are (P<0.01) affected. Colostrum ingredient, except TS were not significantly affected by breed of ewes. TS level significantly increased in colostrum of Chios than Rahmani ewes. The ewe breed had a significant (P<0.01) effect on fat, TS, ash, SNF and milk energy. All colostrum components were not significantly affected by age of ewes. But, TS, ash and energy of milk were affected (P<0.01) by age of ewes. Milk constituents were affected significantly (P<0.01) by different lactation stages. The results of this study indicated that the inclusion of some medical and aromatic plant seeds as feed additives in Rahmani and Chios diet improves growth performance, feed intake and milk yield.