Sesame, (Sesamum indicum), also called benne, erect annual plant of the family Pedaliaceae, grown since antiquity for its seeds, which are used as food and flavouring and from which a prized oil is extracted. Pedaliaceae is one of the largest valuable families from agricultural and pharmacological point of view. The Pedaliaceae plants are cultivated throughout the world. They are distributed in plains as well as hills. Sesame is a good source of oils.