Sesamin is the most prominent lignan compound found in sesame seeds, one of the two highest sources of lignans in the human diet (the other being flax). A lignan is a molecule that combines with another entity acting as an "activator." In the case of sesamin, it binds to and activates a receptor called Peroxisome Proliferator-Activator Receptor Alpha (PPARalpha).

Sesamin has a few mechanisms, and when looking at it holistically it can be summed up as a fatty acid metabolism modifier. It increases the oxidation of fat which decrease the lipogenesis (fat storage) by decreasing lipogenic enzymes in the liver.

As a food ingredient, sesamin seeds enhances the flavor and texture of food dishes. When used as a dietary supplement ingredient, sesamin increases energy levels, supports healthy hormone function and optimal liver and kidney health.

Sesamin supplementation also has many health benefits like antihypertensive & anti-inflammatory properties, it is an antioxidant itself and increases the recycling of vitamin E, it provides liver protection against alcohol and improves liver function, it decreases cholesterol levels, while increasing high density lipoprotein (HDL aka "good cholesterol") levels.