Health Benefits of Perilla Frutescens

perilla frutescens

Perrilla frutescens, commonly referred to as perilla, is a food and traditional medicine in Asian countries, particularly Japan and China. A member of the mint family, the leaves are used in Chinese herbal medicine for symptoms of asthma and cough and contain calcium, iron, and vitamin C. Its seeds support healthy immune function and are a rich source of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

Benefits of Perilla Frutescens

Research has found that perilla is effective at fighting harmful organisms, especially in the mouth. [1] Japan’s Asahi University School of Dentistry tested the action of perilla seed and found that it contains a compound, Luteolin, which may help reduce cavities and lessen the occurrence of some dental concerns. [2]

Like many botanicals, perilla is a great source of antioxidants. Also known as nature’s answer to aging, antioxidants help lessen the systemic damage caused by free radicals. Japanese research suggests that perilla’s antioxidant action supports healthy circulation and has a positive effect on cholesterol. [3] [4]

Perilla contains rosmarinic acid, which is known to resist redness and swelling. If you have allergies, you’ve liked experienced allergic rhinitis, an irritation of the airways. Perilla leaf extract has been reported to promote a healthy response when such irritations flare up. [5]

Supplementing With Perilla

The benefits of therapeutic plants are available through many forms of ingestion. Sometimes a tea is made from the leaves, sometimes extracts can offer much more potent and concentrated servings of the active, beneficial compounds.

References (5)
  1. Solórzano-Santos F, Miranda-Novales MG. Essential oils from aromatic herbs as antimicrobial agents. Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2012 Apr;23(2):136-41. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2011.08.005. Epub 2011 Sep 6. Review.
  2. Yamamoto H, Ogawa T. Antimicrobial activity of perilla seed polyphenols against oral pathogenic bacteria. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2002 Apr;66(4):921-4.
  3. Makino T, Ono T, Muso E, Honda G. Effect of Perilla frutescens on nitric oxide production and DNA synthesis in cultured murine vascular smooth muscle cells. Phytother Res. 2002 Mar;16 Suppl 1:S19-23.
  4. Saita E, Kishimoto Y, Tani M, Iizuka M, Toyozaki M, Sugihara N, Kondo K. Antioxidant activities of Perilla frutescens against low-density lipoprotein oxidation in vitro and in human subjects. J Oleo Sci. 2012;61(3):113-20.
  5. Oh HA, Park CS, Ahn HJ, Park YS, Kim HM. Effect of Perilla frutescens var. acuta Kudo and rosmarinic acid on allergic inflammatory reactions. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2011 Jan;236(1):99-106. doi: 10.1258/ebm.2010.010252.

†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.


Top
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATE

Dr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.

Related Posts
Castor Oil Packs have been used successfully over the years for lung cleansing. Castor oil has long been used as a folk remedy for a broad spectrum of ailments, including...
Garlic (Allium sativum) is a plant used in cooking and medicine, best known for its distinctive flavor and aroma. While frequently used as a seasoning, garlic is technically a vegetable....
I have recently been receiving many concerned e-mails and phone calls regarding the effectiveness of detox foot pads. Some reports are incorrectly stating that ALL detox foot pads are a...
Yesterday, we had a contest on our Facebook page. We asked everybody to share their favorite healthy eating tips with everybody, and the winners got a free T-Shirt and copy...
Oxygen is, by far, the most vital component humans need to live. We can go weeks without food, days without water, but only a few minutes without air. To get...
Proponents of the alkaline diet claim that eating certain foods influences the body’s acid-base homeostasis, or pH levels. It's believed that encouraging a healthy, pH balanced environment within the body...
Back to blog