Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Perilla seed (Perilla frutescens) is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), rosmarinic acid, and bioactive peptides that activate NRF2/heme oxygenase-1 antioxidant pathways, inhibit NF-κB-mediated inflammation, and protect the gut-brain axis—with cold-pressed perilla seed oil demonstrating neuroprotective effects against rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease in murine models (PMID 39554352). Recent research also confirms its anti-atopic dermatitis activity by suppressing TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated inflammatory responses in human keratinocytes (PMID 41085638), while comprehensive reviews highlight its proteins and peptides as potent antioxidant, antihypertensive, and anticancer agents (PMID 39796337).
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Perilla frutescens, commonly known as Perilla, is an annual herb native to East Asia, particularly China, Japan, and Korea. It thrives in temperate climates, commonly found in fields and gardens, and is valued for its distinctive flavor and rich omega-3 fatty acid content.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
A 2024 study by Techaniyom et al. demonstrated that cold-pressed perilla seed oil protected the gut-brain axis and attenuated dopaminergic neurodegeneration in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease mice (Food Sci Nutr, PMID 39554352). Choi et al. (2025) showed that perilla seed oil and ethanol extract significantly suppressed TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated inflammatory cytokine release (IL-6, IL-8, TARC, MDC) in human HaCaT keratinocytes, confirming anti-atopic dermatitis potential (Mol Biotechnol, PMID 41085638). Hu et al. (2024) comprehensively reviewed perilla seed meal proteins and peptides, identifying antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer bioactivities with specific peptide sequences responsible for ACE inhibition and DPPH radical scavenging (Foods, PMID 39796337). Huang et al. (2023) elucidated the anticancer mechanisms of Perilla frutescens compounds including luteolin, apigenin, and rosmarinic acid via induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and autophagy across multiple cancer cell lines (Molecules, PMID 37570851).
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, omega-3 fatty acid) - Rosmarinic acid - Flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin) - Carotenoids (lutein) - Plant sterols - Dietary fiber - Essential minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium) - Vitamins (A, C)
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Rosmarinic acid and perillaldehyde in perilla seed activate the NRF2/Keap1 signaling cascade, upregulating phase II detoxification enzymes including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and glutathione S-transferase (GST), thereby neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protecting against oxidative cellular damage. Anti-inflammatory action occurs through direct inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation and suppression of COX-2, iNOS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), as confirmed in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated keratinocyte models (PMID 41085638). The high alpha-linolenic acid content (54–64% of seed oil fatty acids) serves as a precursor to EPA and DHA, modulating eicosanoid biosynthesis away from pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid metabolites. Neuroprotective effects involve preservation of dopaminergic neurons through gut-brain axis modulation, reducing intestinal permeability and neuroinflammatory markers as demonstrated in Parkinson's disease models (PMID 39554352).
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Human clinical data remains limited, with one 20-patient study showing >60% improvement in nasal congestion and 50% improvement in itchy eyes from allergy symptoms. In vivo animal studies demonstrate significant reduction in liver enzymes AST and ALT with rosmarinic acid administration. Field studies reported 68% reduction in dengue fever transmission through larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Most evidence derives from in vitro and animal studies, requiring more robust human clinical trials.
Also Known As
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