Phytochemical characterization of sesame bran: an unexploited by-product rich in bioactive compounds

Sesame bran (SB) is a by-product of the food industry. The objective of the present study was to characterize SB for its content of bioactive compounds (individual phenolic and lignan compounds, fiber, minerals, and calcium bioaccessibility), antioxidant capacity and proximate analysis. SB presented high levels of insoluble fiber, free calcium (~1400 mg/kg), protein (~90 g/kg), and free ferulic acid (~1950 mg/kg). Likewise, sesamol was identified as one of the major lignans (~550 mg/kg) in SB, which has been regarded as a promising antimutagenic antioxidant compound. Results indicate that SB can be considered an adequate source of bioactive compounds and used in the formulation of low calorie and high fiber foods.