Can sesame oil extract help treat people suffering from Crohn’s disease? A UCF College of Medicine Phase II clinical trial is trying to find out.

Sesame oil extract has anti-inflammatory properties that have proven effective in treating heart disease. And now the medical school is looking at whether those same properties can help Crohn’s patients.

UCF researchers are seeking 20 to 25 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 75 who have been diagnosed with Crohn’s and have no known nut allergies or current infections. Volunteers will not be compensated for their participation.

At the onset of the study, volunteers will have their blood drawn before taking an extract from sesame oil and will be given a supplement to take each day in the morning and evening for one month. They will be asked to keep a log detailing their diet and symptoms. Blood drawn at the end of the study will be compared with the initial draw to see if inflammatory markers have decreased.

For more information about the clinical trial (IRB: SBE-17-13152), please call (407) 266-7120.