In mice that mimic postmenopausal women, eating sesame seeds and taking tamoxifen together helps bones get stronger better than either one alone.

What we've found so far suggests that in mice designed to mimic postmenopausal women, combining sesame seeds and tamoxifen may lead to greater improvements in bone strength than using either one alone [1]. Our analysis of the available research shows this effect is supported by one claim based on a rating of 9.0 supporting studies and no studies that refute it [1]. We looked at evidence from animal studies that model postmenopausal bone changes. In these mice, the combination of dietary sesame seeds and tamoxifen—a medication sometimes used in breast cancer treatment—appears to support bone strength more effectively than either intervention on its own [1]. The data we’ve reviewed leans toward a beneficial interaction between the two, though we don’t yet know exactly how this happens. It’s possible that sesame seeds, which contain plant compounds like lignans, may work alongside tamoxifen’s hormonal effects to support bone health [1]. Still, it’s important to remember that these findings are based on studies in mice, not humans. Our current analysis does not tell us whether this combination would have the same effect in people, especially postmenopausal women. Also, while the evidence we’ve reviewed leans toward a positive effect, we don’t have enough information to say how much sesame would be needed, or whether long-term use is safe when combined with tamoxifen. Based on what we’ve reviewed so far, it seems promising that combining sesame seeds and tamoxifen could offer extra bone benefits in this mouse model. But we don’t yet know if this applies to humans or how best to use these together. Practical takeaway: In mice that mimic postmenopausal women, eating sesame seeds while taking tamoxifen might help bones more than one alone—but we don’t know if this works the same way in people.