Scientists discovered a special enzyme in gut bacteria that transforms sesamin, a beneficial compound found in sesame seeds, into even more useful forms your body can absorb. This enzyme, called LacAMT, works like a tiny molecular machine that breaks apart sesamin’s structure and converts it into compounds that may have health benefits. The research reveals how your gut bacteria act as a processing plant for plant-based foods, turning them into substances your body can actually use. This discovery helps explain why eating plant-rich foods is good for you and opens doors for future health treatments based on how our gut bacteria work.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How a specific enzyme in gut bacteria converts sesamin (a compound in sesame seeds) into other compounds that your body might be able to use better
  • Who participated: This was laboratory research studying bacterial enzymes, not a human study with participants
  • Key finding: Researchers identified a unique enzyme that breaks down sesamin more efficiently than previously known methods, with specific mutations making it work 2-3 times better
  • What it means for you: This suggests that eating sesame seeds may provide health benefits through your gut bacteria’s natural processing, though more research is needed to confirm health effects in humans

The Research Details

Scientists used laboratory techniques to identify and study a specific enzyme found in a type of gut bacteria called Lactonifactor longoviformis. They examined the enzyme’s structure using advanced imaging technology and tested how well it performed its job of breaking down sesamin. The researchers also made intentional changes to the enzyme’s structure to understand which parts were most important for its function. This type of research is called ‘in vitro’ study, meaning it happens in test tubes and lab equipment rather than in living organisms.

Understanding exactly how gut bacteria process plant compounds helps scientists figure out why certain foods are healthy and could lead to new ways to improve health through diet or targeted treatments. This research bridges the gap between what we eat and how our bodies benefit from it.

This is specialized laboratory research published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed it before publication. However, because this is basic science research (not testing effects in humans), the findings need further study to confirm they matter for human health. The specific enzyme studied appears to be relatively rare in human gut bacteria, which means it may not affect everyone equally.

What the Results Show

The researchers identified an enzyme called LacAMT that works like a specialized tool for breaking apart sesamin molecules. The enzyme operates through a unique mechanism involving two specific amino acids (Y218 and H222) that work together like a pair of hands to grab and transform the sesamin. When scientists made small changes to the enzyme’s structure, they found that certain modifications made it work 2-3 times more efficiently. The enzyme appears to be relatively uncommon in human gut bacteria, found mainly in two bacterial families called Lachnospiraceae and Clostridiaceae.

The research showed that the enzyme’s efficiency depends heavily on how well it can grab onto sesamin molecules and move protons (tiny charged particles) around. The enzyme works through a completely different mechanism than other known enzymes that do similar jobs, suggesting nature has multiple ways of accomplishing the same task. This diversity in how different bacteria process plant compounds could explain why different people might get different health benefits from the same foods.

Previous research knew that gut bacteria could transform sesamin, but scientists didn’t understand exactly which enzyme did this or how it worked. This study identifies the specific enzyme and reveals its unique working mechanism, which is different from how liver enzymes or other known bacterial enzymes handle similar tasks. This fills an important gap in understanding how our gut bacteria process plant compounds.

This research was conducted entirely in laboratory conditions with isolated enzymes, not in living organisms. The enzyme studied appears to be uncommon in human gut bacteria, so it may not be relevant for everyone. The study doesn’t show whether converting sesamin actually produces health benefits in humans. More research is needed to understand whether people who have this enzyme in their gut bacteria experience different health outcomes, and whether eating more sesame seeds would increase the activity of this enzyme.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research alone, there’s no specific recommendation to change your diet. However, this finding supports the general advice to eat plant-based foods like sesame seeds as part of a healthy diet. If you enjoy sesame seeds, there’s no reason to avoid them based on this research. Confidence level: Low for specific health recommendations, as human studies are needed.

This research is most interesting for scientists studying gut health, nutrition researchers, and people interested in how food becomes useful in our bodies. It may eventually matter for people with digestive issues or those looking to optimize their diet, but that’s not yet proven. This research doesn’t apply to people with sesame allergies.

This is very early-stage research. Even if the findings prove important for human health, it typically takes 5-10 years of additional research before new treatments or dietary recommendations based on this work would become available.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track sesame seed consumption (in grams or servings) and note any digestive changes or energy levels over 2-4 weeks to see if you notice personal patterns
  • Add sesame seeds to meals 2-3 times per week (sprinkle on salads, yogurt, or in smoothies) and log the amount consumed to build awareness of plant-based food intake
  • Create a simple log tracking sesame consumption frequency, portion sizes, and any observed health markers (digestion, energy, mood) over 8-12 weeks to identify personal patterns

This research describes laboratory findings about how gut bacteria process sesame compounds and does not establish health benefits in humans. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. Consult with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have allergies, digestive disorders, or take medications. This research is preliminary and requires further human studies before clinical applications can be recommended.