# Perilla Leaves (Perilla frutescens)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/perilla-leaves
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-23
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Perilla frutescens, Shiso, Zi Su, Purple Su, Korean Mint, Wild Sesame, Beefsteak Plant, Chinese Basil

## Overview

Perilla leaves (Perilla frutescens) contain rosmarinic acid and luteolin as primary bioactive compounds that provide [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects. These compounds inhibit inflammatory mediators like NF-κB and cyclooxygenase enzymes to reduce joint pain and gastrointestinal discomfort.

## Health Benefits

["\u2022 May reduce joint pain and stiffness: In a double-blind RCT with 75 adults, 1400 mg/day of Perilla leaf extract significantly reduced pain scores (VAS and WOMAC) compared to placebo over 8 weeks (PMID: 36998613).", "\u2022 Alleviates gastrointestinal discomfort: A pilot RCT involving 50 adults found that a Perilla leaf extract significantly improved symptoms of bloating, gas, and GI rumbling over 4 weeks (NCT01931930).", "\u2022 Supports allergic rhinoconjunctivitis relief: A systematic review of human studies identified clinical benefits for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, with notable effects observed in youth (PMID: 36978975).", "\u2022 Exhibits hypolipidemic effects: The same systematic review noted that Perilla extracts may have lipid-lowering properties, though further research is needed to confirm this effect in larger populations (PMID: 36978975).", "\u2022 May improve [cognitive function](/ingredients/condition/cognitive): The systematic review also highlighted a potential for cognitive improvement associated with increased [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) following supplementation (PMID: 36978975)."]

## Mechanism of Action

Perilla leaves' rosmarinic acid inhibits nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and suppresses cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase enzymes, reducing [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine production. Luteolin acts as a potent antioxidant by scavenging [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s and chelating metal ions. These compounds also modulate histamine release from mast cells and inhibit inflammatory mediator synthesis.

## Clinical Summary

A double-blind RCT with 75 adults demonstrated that 1400 mg/day of Perilla leaf extract significantly reduced joint pain scores (VAS and WOMAC) compared to placebo over 8 weeks. A pilot RCT with 50 adults showed improvements in gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms. The clinical evidence is promising but limited to small-scale studies. Additional larger trials are needed to establish optimal dosing protocols and long-term safety profiles.

## Nutritional Profile

Perilla leaves (Perilla frutescens) are a nutrient-dense herb with the following approximate profile per 100g fresh weight: Calories: ~37 kcal; Protein: ~3.9g; Carbohydrates: ~7g; Dietary Fiber: ~3.5–4g; Fat: ~1g (predominantly polyunsaturated, including alpha-linolenic acid/ALA omega-3 at ~0.5–1g per 100g fresh leaf). Key micronutrients include Calcium (~230mg, ~23% DV), Iron (~1.7–3.9mg), Potassium (~470mg), Phosphorus (~70mg), Magnesium (~70mg), Vitamin C (~26mg, ~29% DV), Vitamin A (as beta-carotene, ~370 mcg RAE, notably high), Vitamin K (~35–50 mcg), Folate (~105 mcg, ~26% DV), and Riboflavin (~0.13mg). Primary bioactive compounds include: Rosmarinic acid (dominant polyphenol, ~12–100mg/g dry weight, a potent [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)); Luteolin and Apigenin (flavonoids, present at ~1–5mg/g dry weight); Perillaldehyde (monoterpene, primary volatile, ~50–70% of essential oil); Perilla ketone and Isoegomaketone (terpenoids in essential oil); Anthocyanins (particularly in red/purple varieties, primarily Shisonin); Tormentic acid and Oleanolic acid (triterpenoids). Bioavailability notes: Rosmarinic acid is well-absorbed via passive diffusion in the small intestine, with peak plasma levels within 1–2 hours of ingestion; lipid co-ingestion may enhance absorption of fat-soluble compounds such as beta-carotene and Vitamin K; ALA bioconversion to EPA/DHA is limited (~5–10% conversion efficiency in humans). Dried or extracted forms concentrate rosmarinic acid significantly compared to fresh leaves.

## Dosage & Preparation

For joint pain, a clinically studied dose is 1400 mg per day of Perilla frutescens leaf extract, taken as 700 mg capsules twice daily for 8 weeks. For gastrointestinal discomfort, a proprietary extract was used for 4 weeks, though the specific milligram dosage was not detailed. Standardization of extracts is not consistent across studies. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Perilla leaves are generally well-tolerated with minimal reported adverse effects in clinical studies. Potential interactions may occur with anticoagulant medications due to mild blood-thinning properties. Individuals with severe allergies to mint family plants should exercise caution as perilla belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established through adequate clinical research.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence is supported by a double-blind, randomized controlled trial (PMID: 36998613) of 75 adults which demonstrated significant pain reduction. A separate pilot trial (NCT01931930) on 50 adults showed improvements in GI discomfort. A 2023 systematic review of human trials (PMID: 36978975) confirmed these findings but reported no available meta-analyses, indicating a need for larger studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Known as zi su in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and shiso in Japan, Perilla has been used for over 2,000 years to address allergic conditions like asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation). In China, it is officially recognized as a medicinal and edible homologous plant, with its leaves, stems, and seeds all used historically.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric (Curcumin), Boswellia Serrata, Quercetin, Ginger

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the effective dosage of perilla leaf extract?

Clinical studies have used 1400 mg/day of perilla leaf extract for joint health benefits. This dosage was administered over 8 weeks and showed significant improvements in pain scores compared to placebo.

### How long does it take for perilla leaves to work?

In clinical trials, participants experienced significant reduction in joint pain and stiffness after 8 weeks of consistent perilla leaf extract supplementation at 1400 mg daily. Individual responses may vary based on condition severity and baseline inflammation levels.

### What are the active compounds in perilla leaves?

The primary bioactive compounds in perilla leaves are rosmarinic acid and luteolin, which provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Rosmarinic acid concentrations can reach 3-4% of dry leaf weight in high-quality extracts.

### Can perilla leaves help with digestive issues?

A pilot clinical trial with 50 adults showed that perilla leaf extract helped alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. The anti-inflammatory compounds may reduce intestinal inflammation and improve digestive function, though more research is needed.

### Are there any side effects of perilla leaf supplements?

Perilla leaf supplements are generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects reported in clinical studies. Some individuals may experience mild digestive upset when first starting supplementation, and those allergic to mint family plants should use caution.

### Is perilla leaf extract safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

There is limited clinical safety data on perilla leaf extract use during pregnancy and lactation, so it is generally recommended to avoid supplementation during these periods unless under medical supervision. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with their healthcare provider before using perilla leaf products. Traditional use suggests perilla has been consumed as food in Asian cuisines, but supplement-level doses have not been adequately studied in these populations.

### Does perilla leaf interact with blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications?

Perilla leaves contain compounds with mild anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may potentially interact with blood-thinning medications like warfarin or NSAIDs, though clinical interaction studies are limited. Individuals taking prescription anticoagulants or chronic anti-inflammatory medications should inform their healthcare provider before starting perilla leaf supplementation. It is advisable to maintain consistent dosing and monitor for any unexpected bleeding or bruising if combining perilla with blood thinners.

### What is the most bioavailable form of perilla leaf—whole leaf, extract, or oil?

Standardized perilla leaf extracts (typically standardized to rosmarinic acid content) generally demonstrate superior bioavailability compared to whole leaf preparations in clinical studies. The extract form allows for consistent dosing of active compounds and has been used in most published RCTs showing efficacy for joint pain and GI symptoms. Perilla seed oil, which is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, is a different product form with distinct applications and bioavailability characteristics compared to leaf extracts.

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