Scientific name
Perilla frutescens
Family
Labiatae
Origin
China
Used Parts
Drug consisting of leaves and seeds
Chemical constituents
- terpenes;
- Flavonoids;
- Anthocyanins;
- Essential oil;
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid).
Perilla in Herbalist: Property of Perilla
The plant is commonly used in the diet of the eastern populations, but it also has strong pharmacological activities. In fact, the main properties of perilla include anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-reactive properties.
Biological activity
Perilla contains various properties, among which we find the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, sedative and antibacterial ones.
The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory action are mainly attributed to perilla leaves.
The antibacterial and sedative properties, on the other hand, are ascribed mainly to the perillic aldehyde contained within the essential oil extracted from the plant.
The perilla ketone - always contained within the essential oil of the plant - has instead shown to exert a propulsive effect at the level of the gastrointestinal tract. However, this compound has a certain toxicity, therefore it cannot be used in therapy.
Perilla seed oil, on the other hand, is widely used in the culinary field and is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols. These latter compounds are particularly useful in decreasing the absorption of dietary cholesterol and this action has been confirmed by several studies conducted on animals.
Furthermore, perilla seed oil also has anti-reactive properties, exercised through a mechanism of action that involves the reduction of allergic inflammation, the inhibition of lipoxygenase and the inhibition of IgE formation.
For more information about the properties and uses of perilla seed oil, we recommend reading the article dedicated to " Perilla frutescens - Benefits of perilla oil ".
However, the use of this plant has not obtained official approval for any kind of therapeutic indication.
Perilla in folk medicine and homeopathy
Perilla is used in Chinese folk medicine to treat a wide variety of disorders, such as: fever, colds, chills, headache, cough, shortness of breath and swelling of the nasal mucosa.
As far as homeopathic medicine is concerned, however, perilla does not currently have significant uses in this area.
Side effects
Perilla can cause sensitization reactions in sensitive individuals. Furthermore, some studies conducted in vitro showed that the plant is endowed with a potential mutagenic activity, therefore a lot of caution should be used.
Contraindications
Avoid the use of perilla in case of hypersensitivity to one or more components. Furthermore, the use of the plant is also contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.
Pharmacological Interactions
- not known.
