Sesamol

• 3,4- methylenedioxyphenol
• 5-hydroxy -1 ,3- benzodioxole

White crystals

Fixed

62-65 ° C

Attention

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Sesamol, IUPAC 3,4- methylenedioxyphenol, a natural derivative of the phenol. It is in traces in sesame oil containing ( name origin).

Occurrence and properties

It is easily formed from sesamolin contained 0.3 to 0.5% of sesame oil, such as in the storage of sesame oil. Sesamol is a powerful antioxidant. The substance therefore be attributed to health-promoting properties.

Sesamol was formerly used against head lice. It enhances the effects of pyrethrins. In certain animal models, sesamol improves the function of the blood- brain barrier.

Sesamol forms white crystals which readily take to the air by oxidation, a beige color. It is poor in water, soluble in oils and non-polar solvents. It can be prepared from piperonal artificially and is in turn a building block for the synthesis of the antidepressant paroxetine, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

Toxicity

In the model organism pet rat and mouse color sesame oil is carcinogenic according to the RTECS criteria for oral administration and ranked accordingly. It causes proliferative lesions in the stomach, which are largely reversible, but promote the formation of tumors in continuous administration by the stimulation of the epithelium.