# Perilla (Perilla frutescens)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/perilla
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-20
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Perilla frutescens, Shiso, Beefsteak plant, Purple mint, Wild coleus, Zi Su, Korean mint, Japanese basil

## Overview

Perilla (Perilla frutescens) is a flowering herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine whose primary bioactive compounds—rosmarinic acid and luteolin—inhibit [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mediators including COX-2, LOX-5, and histamine release. These mechanisms underlie its clinically studied effects on joint pain, digestive discomfort, and allergic responses.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces knee osteoarthritis pain significantly compared to placebo (RCT, PMID: 36998613). • Alleviates gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating and gas (Pilot study, NCT01931930). • Decreases symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, especially in youth (Systematic review, PMID: 36978975). • Exhibits potential hypolipidemic action and improved [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) status (Systematic review, PMC10045045). • May aid in [cognitive function](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) enhancement (Systematic review, PMC10045045).

## Mechanism of Action

Rosmarinic acid, the dominant polyphenol in Perilla frutescens, suppresses NF-κB activation and downregulates COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes, reducing [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) E2 and leukotriene B4 synthesis that drive inflammation in joint tissue and nasal mucosa. Luteolin inhibits IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation by blocking phospholipase C and downstream calcium influx, which reduces histamine and IL-4 release relevant to allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Perillaldehyde, a monoterpene constituent, modulates gastrointestinal smooth muscle tone via TRPA1 channels and may contribute to relief of bloating and intestinal spasm.

## Clinical Summary

A randomized controlled trial (PMID: 36998613) found that Perilla frutescens extract supplementation significantly reduced knee osteoarthritis pain scores compared to placebo, though exact sample size and dosage details from the published record should be confirmed. A pilot clinical study (NCT01931930) demonstrated alleviation of gastrointestinal symptoms including bloating and gas in adult participants, though the small-scale design limits generalizability. A systematic review (PMID: 36978975) concluded that Perilla-based interventions decreased allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptom scores, particularly in pediatric and adolescent populations, across multiple included trials. Overall, evidence is promising but constrained by small sample sizes and heterogeneous study designs; larger Phase III RCTs are needed to confirm efficacy and optimal dosing.

## Nutritional Profile

Perilla (Perilla frutescens) leaves contain approximately 30-40% protein by dry weight, making them notably protein-rich among herbs. Fat content is 3-5% fresh weight basis, with seed oil containing exceptionally high alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, omega-3) at 54-64% of total fatty acids, followed by linoleic acid (omega-6) at 14-20%. Fresh leaves provide approximately 3-4g dietary fiber per 100g. Key micronutrients per 100g fresh weight include: Vitamin C (26-70mg), Vitamin A as beta-carotene (approximately 880mcg RAE), Vitamin K1 (notably high at ~690mcg), Calcium (230mg), Iron (7.2mg), Magnesium (70mg), Potassium (500mg), and Manganese (1.2mg). Primary bioactive compounds include rosmarinic acid (1-4% dry weight in leaves, the dominant polyphenol), luteolin (0.1-0.7% dry weight), apigenin, chrysoeriol, and flavonoid glycosides including scutellarein. Perillaldehyde (responsible for aroma) constitutes 30-60% of essential oil. Anthocyanins, particularly shisonin and malonylshisonin, are present in red/purple varieties at 2-5mg/g dry weight. Bioavailability notes: Rosmarinic acid demonstrates relatively high oral bioavailability (~30-45%) compared to many polyphenols; ALA from seeds has conversion efficiency to EPA of approximately 5-10% in humans; Vitamin K1 bioavailability is enhanced when consumed with dietary fat.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied doses include 1400 mg/day of Perilla frutescens leaf extract for osteoarthritis and unspecified doses for gastrointestinal discomfort. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Perilla frutescens is generally well tolerated at studied doses, with mild gastrointestinal upset being the most commonly reported adverse effect in clinical trials. Because rosmarinic acid exhibits antiplatelet and mild anticoagulant properties via thromboxane A2 inhibition, concurrent use with warfarin, aspirin, or other anticoagulants may increase bleeding risk and warrants medical supervision. Perilla seed oil is high in alpha-linolenic acid and may have additive hypotensive effects when combined with antihypertensive medications. Safety data in pregnancy and lactation are insufficient; use should be avoided or only undertaken under physician guidance during these periods.

## Scientific Research

Clinical trials have shown perilla extract to be effective in reducing knee osteoarthritis pain and improving gastrointestinal symptoms. A systematic review highlighted its potential benefits for allergies and [cognitive function](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) (PMID: 36998613, NCT01931930, PMID: 36978975).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Perilla frutescens has been used for over 2000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo, and Korean medicine for treating allergies, [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), asthma, and gastrointestinal issues. It is recognized in China as a 'medicine and food homologous' plant.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric, ginger, boswellia, bromelain, omega-3

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much perilla extract should I take for knee pain?

The RCT published under PMID 36998613 evaluated a standardized Perilla frutescens extract for knee osteoarthritis, but the precise dose used in the trial should be confirmed in the full publication as commercial products vary in rosmarinic acid concentration. Most commercial extracts are standardized to 5–10% rosmarinic acid, with typical daily doses ranging from 200–600 mg. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, particularly if taking NSAIDs or other joint-pain medications.

### Does perilla help with allergies and hay fever?

Yes, a systematic review (PMID: 36978975) found that Perilla frutescens supplementation reduced symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis—including sneezing, nasal congestion, and eye irritation—particularly in younger populations. The mechanism involves luteolin inhibiting IgE-triggered mast cell histamine release and rosmarinic acid suppressing IL-4 and leukotriene production. Evidence is strongest for seasonal allergic rhinitis, though head-to-head comparisons with standard antihistamines are still limited.

### What is the difference between perilla oil and perilla leaf extract?

Perilla seed oil is primarily valued for its exceptionally high alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content—often 50–60% by weight—making it one of the richest plant-based omega-3 sources for anti-inflammatory support. Perilla leaf extract, by contrast, is standardized for polyphenols such as rosmarinic acid and luteolin, which directly inhibit COX-2, 5-LOX, and mast cell degranulation pathways. The two preparations have overlapping but distinct applications: oil is more relevant for cardiovascular and inflammatory lipid profiles, while leaf extract is studied for joint pain, allergies, and GI symptoms.

### Can perilla interact with blood thinners like warfarin?

Rosmarinic acid in perilla inhibits thromboxane A2-mediated platelet aggregation and has demonstrated anticoagulant-adjacent activity in preclinical studies, meaning it could potentiate the effects of warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel, or aspirin. Concurrent use may elevate INR values or increase bruising and bleeding time, though human pharmacokinetic interaction data are limited. Patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy should disclose perilla supplementation to their prescribing physician and may require more frequent INR monitoring.

### Is perilla safe for children with allergies?

The systematic review (PMID: 36978975) specifically highlighted benefit in youth, suggesting Perilla frutescens is effective for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms in pediatric populations. Perilla is a common culinary herb in East Asian diets and is generally regarded as food-safe; however, therapeutic-dose extracts have not been rigorously studied for pediatric safety in long-term trials. Parents should consult a pediatrician before giving standardized perilla supplements to children, particularly to confirm appropriate dosing by body weight and rule out herb-drug interactions with any existing medications.

### What does clinical research show about perilla for digestive health?

A pilot study (NCT01931930) demonstrated that perilla alleviates gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating and gas. While results are promising, this research was small-scale, and larger randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the strength of evidence for digestive applications. The active compounds in perilla, including rosmarinic acid, may help reduce inflammation in the gut.

### Who benefits most from perilla supplementation?

Perilla appears most beneficial for individuals with knee osteoarthritis pain, allergic rhinitis symptoms, or gastrointestinal bloating and discomfort. Those with elevated lipid profiles may also benefit from perilla's potential hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects. People with existing blood clotting disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications should consult a healthcare provider before use.

### What is the difference between perilla's effects on seasonal allergies versus year-round allergies?

Research on perilla, particularly systematic reviews examining allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, has focused primarily on seasonal allergic responses and youth populations. Limited evidence directly compares perilla's effectiveness for seasonal versus perennial (year-round) allergies, so individual response may vary. Consistent supplementation may be needed to assess benefits across different allergy types.

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