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<p>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian cancer are complex hormone-related disorders that share many overlapping endocrine, metabolic, and inflammatory abnormalities, including hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, and altered ovarian steroid production. There is growing evidence that dysregulation of key molecular pathways, such as CYP17A1-mediated androgen biosynthesis, androgen receptor (AR) signaling, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), contributes to disease progression in both conditions. Sesamum indicum L. (sesame) is a widely consumed functional food rich in bioactive lignans and phytosterols, notably sesamin, β-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. These compounds exhibit multiple biological effects, including modulation of endocrine function, improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism, suppression of inflammatory signaling, and reduction of oxidative stress. Experimental studies suggest that sesame-derived phytochemicals may influence androgen production and action by regulating cytochrome P450 17A1 enzyme (CYP17A1) activity and AR signaling, while also enhancing insulin sensitivity through activation of AMPK and promotion of GLUT4-mediated glucose uptake. This review compiles current experimental, preclinical, and emerging clinical evidence regarding the role of sesame-derived phytochemicals in balancing hormonal levels, reducing insulin resistance, mitigating inflammatory pathways, and preventing abnormal cellular growth related to both PCOS and ovarian cancer. Emphasizing their mechanistic actions, the review highlights targeting the CYP17A1–AR signaling axis and the AMPK–GLUT4 metabolic pathway, key intersections between endocrine disturbances and metabolic dysregulation. It also notes gaps in current knowledge, underscoring the need for well-designed translational studies and randomized clinical trials to determine proper dosing, safety, and long-term effectiveness before these compounds can be fully used in clinical practice.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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From Seed to Therapy: Sesamin and Phytosterols of Sesamum indicum in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Ovarian Cancer

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月20日

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  • Fatima Iftikhar Shah,
  • Shaiza Khalid Butt,
  • Fatima Akram,
  • Somia Shehzadi,
  • Hammad Ali,
  • Sadeed Sabir

摘要

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian cancer are complex hormone-related disorders that share many overlapping endocrine, metabolic, and inflammatory abnormalities, including hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, and altered ovarian steroid production. There is growing evidence that dysregulation of key molecular pathways, such as CYP17A1-mediated androgen biosynthesis, androgen receptor (AR) signaling, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), contributes to disease progression in both conditions. Sesamum indicum L. (sesame) is a widely consumed functional food rich in bioactive lignans and phytosterols, notably sesamin, β-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. These compounds exhibit multiple biological effects, including modulation of endocrine function, improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism, suppression of inflammatory signaling, and reduction of oxidative stress. Experimental studies suggest that sesame-derived phytochemicals may influence androgen production and action by regulating cytochrome P450 17A1 enzyme (CYP17A1) activity and AR signaling, while also enhancing insulin sensitivity through activation of AMPK and promotion of GLUT4-mediated glucose uptake. This review compiles current experimental, preclinical, and emerging clinical evidence regarding the role of sesame-derived phytochemicals in balancing hormonal levels, reducing insulin resistance, mitigating inflammatory pathways, and preventing abnormal cellular growth related to both PCOS and ovarian cancer. Emphasizing their mechanistic actions, the review highlights targeting the CYP17A1–AR signaling axis and the AMPK–GLUT4 metabolic pathway, key intersections between endocrine disturbances and metabolic dysregulation. It also notes gaps in current knowledge, underscoring the need for well-designed translational studies and randomized clinical trials to determine proper dosing, safety, and long-term effectiveness before these compounds can be fully used in clinical practice.

Graphical Abstract