Effects of Dietary Sesame Seed Supplementation on Alleviating Oxidative Stress–Induced Damage and Restoring Immune Homeostasis in Experimental Rats

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of dietary sesame seed supplementation against oxidative stress-induced biochemical and immunological alterations in experimental rats. Thirty adult male albino rats (150 ± 10 g) were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 6 per group). Group 1 served as the negative control and received a standard basal diet without any intervention. Group 2 represented the positive control group, in which oxidative stress was induced and animals were maintained on a basal diet without supplementation. Groups 3, 4, and 5 consisted of oxidatively stressed rats fed a basal diet supplemented with sesame seed powder at concentrations of 2%, 6%, and 8%, respectively. The experimental period lasted 28 days. At the end of the study, animals were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for biochemical and immunological analyses to evaluate oxidative stress markers and immune function parameters. Dietary sesame seed supplementation significantly and dose-dependently ameliorated these alterations. The 8% sesame group demonstrated the most pronounced effects, restoring antioxidant defenses, reducing oxidant and inflammatory marker (including Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha), improving lipid profile, and normalizing liver and kidney function parameters. In addition, sesame supplementation improved hematological indices and enhanced immunoglobulin levels toward normal values. In conclusion, sesame seed exerts dose-dependent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, effectively mitigating Carbon Tetrachloride-induced oxidative damage and restoring physiological homeostasis in experimental rats.