# Perilla frutescens (Perilla Leaves)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/perilla-frutescens
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-05
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Herb
**Also Known As:** Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton, Beefsteak plant, Perilla, Shiso, Korean perilla, Wild coleus, Purple mint, Chinese basil, Egoma, Zi su ye, Japanese basil, Wild sesame

## Overview

Perilla frutescens leaves contain rosmarinic acid and luteolin as primary bioactives that inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes COX-2 and lipoxygenase, reducing both joint inflammation and gastrointestinal distress. Clinical trials support its use for knee joint pain relief and improved gut comfort through these [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mechanisms.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces knee joint pain: RCT with 80 participants showed significant VAS pain score reduction (Δ19.6 vs Δ6.8 placebo, p<0.001) after 8 weeks (Strong evidence)
• Improves gastrointestinal comfort: Double-blind RCT with 50 adults demonstrated significant improvements in bloating (-0.44, p=0.0003) and gas passage (-0.30, p=0.0264) (Moderate evidence)
• Alleviates allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: Systematic review highlighted strong effects particularly in youth populations (Moderate evidence)
• Supports healthy cholesterol levels: Systematic review noted hypolipidemic action with [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) benefits (Preliminary evidence)
• Enhances [cognitive function](/ingredients/condition/cognitive): Antioxidant properties shown to improve cognition according to systematic review (Preliminary evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Rosmarinic acid in perilla leaves suppresses NF-κB signaling and inhibits both COX-2 and 5-lipoxygenase enzymes, reducing synthesis of prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4 respectively. Luteolin further modulates mast cell degranulation and histamine release, contributing to anti-allergic and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects. Additionally, perilla-derived apigenin and alpha-linolenic acid shift eicosanoid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) toward less inflammatory prostaglandin series-3 and leukotriene series-5 compounds.

## Clinical Summary

An 8-week RCT with 80 participants found perilla leaf extract produced a VAS pain score reduction of 19.6 points versus 6.8 in placebo (p<0.001), indicating strong evidence for knee joint pain relief. A separate double-blind RCT in 50 adults demonstrated statistically significant improvements in bloating scores (-0.44, p=0.0003), supporting gastrointestinal benefit. Evidence for joint and gut outcomes is considered strong based on controlled trial design, though larger multi-site trials are needed to confirm generalizability. Most studies use standardized rosmarinic acid extracts at doses ranging from 50 to 200 mg daily, making raw leaf equivalence estimates less precise.

## Nutritional Profile

Per 100g fresh perilla leaves: Energy ~37 kcal; Protein ~3.9g; Total fat ~1.0g (rich in alpha-linolenic acid, ALA, comprising ~50-64% of seed oil fatty acids); Carbohydrates ~5.2g; Dietary fiber ~3.4g. Vitamins: Vitamin A (as beta-carotene) ~5,520 IU; Vitamin C ~11.2mg; Vitamin K ~approximately 300-400 µg (estimated, significant source); Folate ~39 µg; Riboflavin (B2) ~0.34mg; Niacin (B3) ~1.7mg. Minerals: Calcium ~230mg; Iron ~5.6mg (non-heme, bioavailability enhanced by co-consumed vitamin C); Potassium ~508mg; Magnesium ~63mg; Phosphorus ~70mg; Manganese ~1.1mg; Zinc ~1.1mg. Key bioactive compounds: Rosmarinic acid (~1.0-4.5% dry weight, primary polyphenolic compound, high oral bioavailability ~60-65% in animal models); Perillaldehyde (~50-60% of essential oil, responsible for characteristic aroma, also [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)); Luteolin and apigenin (flavonoids, ~0.05-0.25% dry weight, moderate bioavailability improved with fat co-ingestion); Perillyl alcohol (monoterpene, studied for chemopreventive properties); Vicenin-2 (C-glycosylated flavonoid); Caffeic acid and ferulic acid (hydroxycinnamic acids); Anthocyanins including malonyl-shisonin (primarily in red/purple cultivars, ~1.5-2.5 mg/g dry weight in purple varieties); Total polyphenol content ~25-80 mg GAE/g dry weight depending on cultivar and growing conditions. Essential oil yield ~0.3-0.7% fresh weight, containing limonene, beta-caryophyllene, linalool, and perilla ketone (note: perilla ketone content varies by chemotype; PA chemotype is preferred for culinary/medicinal use as it is low in perilla ketone, which can be a pulmonary toxin in ruminants). Omega-3 (ALA) content in perilla seeds is exceptionally high (~54-64% of total fatty acids), making perilla seed oil one of the richest plant sources of ALA, though conversion to EPA/DHA in humans is limited (~5-10% to EPA, <1% to DHA). Rosmarinic acid is the most pharmacologically significant compound, exhibiting strong [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and anti-allergic activity via inhibition of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways, and suppression of IgE production.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied dose: 700mg extract capsules twice daily (1400mg/day) for joint pain over 8 weeks. For gastrointestinal discomfort, extract was used for 4 weeks (specific dose unspecified in trial). Traditional decoctions used 500mg/kg in animal models, but human equivalent doses not established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Perilla leaf is generally well-tolerated at supplemental doses, with mild gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea reported infrequently in clinical trials. Due to its [COX-2](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) inhibitory activity, perilla may additively potentiate the effects of NSAIDs or anticoagulants such as warfarin, warranting caution and medical supervision in those on such medications. Perilla seed oil contains high concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid and should be used cautiously alongside other blood-thinning agents. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been adequately studied in controlled trials, and use should be avoided without physician guidance in these populations.

## Scientific Research

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (PMID: 36998613) with 80 participants demonstrated that 700mg Perilla frutescens extract twice daily for 8 weeks significantly reduced knee pain and improved WOMAC scores. Another RCT pilot study (PMID: 24885816) with 50 adults showed significant improvements in GI symptoms after 4 weeks. A systematic review (PMID: 36978975) evaluated multiple human interventional studies, confirming effects on allergies, lipids, and cognition.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Perilla frutescens has been used for over 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Japanese Kampo as both a medicinal and edible plant for treating allergies, [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), GI discomfort, and respiratory issues. Recognized as one of China's first 'medicine and food homologous' plants by the Ministry of Health, it has been traditionally prepared as decoctions from leaves, stems, and seeds.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric, Boswellia serrata, Ginger, Quercetin, Green tea extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much perilla leaf extract should I take for joint pain?

Clinical trials demonstrating knee pain relief used standardized perilla leaf extracts providing approximately 50–200 mg of rosmarinic acid daily over 8 weeks. The RCT showing a 19.6-point VAS score reduction used a specific standardized extract, so choosing a product with verified rosmarinic acid content is important. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, particularly if taking NSAIDs or other pain medications.

### What is rosmarinic acid and why does it matter in perilla?

Rosmarinic acid is a polyphenolic ester found in high concentrations in Perilla frutescens leaves and is considered the primary bioactive responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects. It inhibits COX-2 and 5-lipoxygenase enzymes, directly reducing production of prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4, which are key mediators of pain and inflammation. Standardized perilla extracts are typically titrated to 10–30% rosmarinic acid content to ensure consistent potency.

### Can perilla leaves help with bloating and digestive issues?

A double-blind RCT in 50 adults found that perilla leaf supplementation produced a statistically significant reduction in bloating scores of -0.44 (p=0.0003) compared to placebo. The proposed mechanism involves luteolin and rosmarinic acid suppressing gut mast cell activation and reducing intestinal inflammation. These results are promising, though larger trials are needed to confirm optimal dosing for gastrointestinal applications.

### Is perilla leaf the same as shiso used in Japanese cooking?

Yes, shiso is the Japanese culinary name for Perilla frutescens, and both green and red varieties are the same species used in supplements. The red variety (var. purpurea) contains higher levels of anthocyanins such as shisonin, while the green variety is richer in rosmarinic acid and luteolin relevant to anti-inflammatory research. Most clinical research on perilla leaf extract uses standardized green leaf preparations rather than whole culinary shiso.

### Does perilla leaf interact with blood thinners or medications?

Perilla leaf extract contains rosmarinic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, both of which have antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory properties that may enhance the effects of anticoagulants like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin and clopidogrel. This combination could increase bleeding risk, and INR monitoring may be advisable for patients on warfarin who begin perilla supplementation. Patients on NSAIDs should also exercise caution due to additive COX-2 inhibition, and a physician should be consulted before combining these agents.

### What clinical evidence supports perilla leaf for reducing joint pain?

A randomized controlled trial with 80 participants demonstrated that perilla leaf extract produced significantly greater reductions in knee joint pain compared to placebo after 8 weeks, with a pain score decrease of 19.6 points versus 6.8 for placebo (p<0.001). This strong evidence suggests perilla's rosmarinic acid content may help modulate inflammatory pathways responsible for joint discomfort. The magnitude of pain reduction observed was clinically meaningful, making perilla a candidate ingredient for those seeking natural joint support.

### Is perilla leaf safe for children or elderly individuals?

While perilla has a long history of culinary use in East Asian cuisines and shows favorable safety profiles in adult clinical trials, specific safety data for children and elderly populations remains limited in published research. Elderly individuals taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications should consult healthcare providers before supplementing, as perilla may have mild antiplatelet effects. Parents considering perilla for children should seek professional guidance, as dosing protocols for pediatric populations have not been established.

### What is the difference between perilla leaf extract and whole perilla leaf powder in terms of effectiveness?

Clinical trials demonstrating perilla's benefits for joint pain and digestive comfort have primarily used standardized extracts rather than whole leaf powders, suggesting extracts may deliver more concentrated bioactive compounds like rosmarinic acid. Whole leaf powders contain the complete plant matrix but with lower concentrations of active constituents per serving, potentially requiring larger doses to achieve comparable effects. Extract forms typically offer better standardization and dosage consistency, which is important for reproducible health outcomes.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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