# PerillaOil (Perilla frutescens)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/perillaoil
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-02
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Perilla frutescens oil, Korean perilla oil, Japanese perilla oil, Chinese perilla oil, Perilla seed oil, Wild sesame oil, Shiso oil, Egoma oil, Wild coleus oil, Purple mint oil

## Overview

Perilla oil, cold-pressed from Perilla frutescens seeds, is one of the richest plant-based sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid comprising 54–64% of its fatty acid profile. ALA undergoes enzymatic conversion via delta-6-desaturase and elongase enzymes toward EPA and DHA, supporting [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) eicosanoid signaling pathways.

## Health Benefits

• Limited clinical evidence available - no human trials documented in the research
• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties noted in laboratory studies only
• Antibacterial activity observed in vitro from leaf/seed extracts
• Rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids based on chemical composition analysis
• No specific health benefits verified through human clinical trials

## Mechanism of Action

Perilla oil's primary bioactive compound, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), competes with arachidonic acid for cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, reducing synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4). ALA is converted via delta-6-desaturase to stearidonic acid and subsequently elongated to EPA, which serves as a substrate for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) resolvins and protectins. Additionally, rosmarinic acid and luteolin present in perilla leaf extracts inhibit NF-κB signaling, further modulating inflammatory cytokine transcription.

## Clinical Summary

Human clinical evidence specifically for perilla oil supplementation is extremely limited, with no large-scale randomized controlled trials documented as of current literature. Observational and small pilot studies suggest that diets enriched in ALA-rich oils may correlate with modest reductions in [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers such as C-reactive protein, though perilla oil has not been independently validated at defined doses. In vitro and animal studies using perilla seed or leaf extracts demonstrate [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, and suppression of allergic mediator release from mast cells, but these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to human supplementation outcomes. Overall, the evidence base for perilla oil as a standalone supplement remains preliminary, and it should currently be regarded as a theoretical omega-3 source rather than a clinically validated therapeutic agent.

## Nutritional Profile

Perilla oil is extracted from the seeds of Perilla frutescens and is composed almost entirely of fat (~100% lipid content by weight as a refined oil). Its defining characteristic is an exceptionally high alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, omega-3) content, typically ranging from 54–64% of total fatty acids, making it one of the richest plant-based sources of ALA. Remaining fatty acids include linoleic acid (omega-6) at approximately 14–20%, oleic acid (omega-9) at 12–18%, palmitic acid (saturated) at 5–7%, and stearic acid (saturated) at 1–3%, yielding a highly favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio of approximately 4:1 to 6:1. As a fat source, it provides approximately 884 kcal per 100g with negligible protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Micronutrient content includes vitamin E (tocopherols), primarily gamma-tocopherol at approximately 30–50 mg per 100g, which contributes to oxidative stability. Bioactive compounds include rosmarinic acid, luteolin, and apigenin (predominantly in leaf extracts rather than refined oil), as well as phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, campesterol) at approximately 200–400 mg per 100g. Polyphenolic content is largely removed during commercial oil refining. Bioavailability note: ALA from perilla oil is absorbed efficiently via the lymphatic system as with other dietary fats, but conversion to longer-chain omega-3s (EPA, DHA) in humans is metabolically limited, typically less than 5–10% conversion to EPA and under 1% to DHA, consistent with all plant-based ALA sources.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges have been established for perilla oil in any form. Manufacturing parameters describe extraction ratios like 1 kg perilla powder to 5 L butane, but these are not therapeutic doses. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Perilla oil is generally considered safe when consumed in culinary amounts, but supplemental doses have not been rigorously evaluated for safety in controlled human trials. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications such as warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like clopidogrel should exercise caution, as high ALA intake may additively inhibit platelet aggregation and prolong bleeding time. Perilla leaf extracts containing perillaldehyde have demonstrated contact sensitization potential in some individuals, and those with known plant-family (Lamiaceae) allergies should consult a physician before use. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid supplemental doses beyond dietary amounts due to insufficient safety data, though food-level consumption is not documented to pose harm.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on perilla oil were found in the available research. Evidence is limited to in vitro assessments of chemical compositions and extraction optimizations without human trial data or PubMed PMIDs.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research provides no specific information about traditional or historical medicinal uses of perilla oil. While the plant is noted in East Asian agricultural contexts, no details on traditional medicine systems or historical applications are documented.

## Synergistic Combinations

Other omega-3 sources, vitamin E, [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) compounds

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is perilla oil and where does it come from?

Perilla oil is extracted from the seeds of Perilla frutescens, an annual herb native to East Asia including China, Japan, and Korea. The oil is typically extracted using subcritical butane extraction at 55-65°C and 0.9-1.1 MPa for 6-8 hours, or through ultrasound-assisted aqueous enzymatic extraction methods.

### What are the omega-3 fatty acids in perilla oil?

Perilla oil is recognized as a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid. The chemical composition analysis shows it contains significant amounts of these beneficial fatty acids, making it a plant-based omega-3 source.

### Are there any proven health benefits of perilla oil?

Currently, there are no verified health benefits of perilla oil from human clinical trials. While laboratory studies have shown antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity from leaf and seed extracts in vitro, no human trials have been documented to confirm these effects in people.

### How is perilla oil different from other plant oils?

Perilla oil is distinguished by its high content of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) omega-3 fatty acids and its extraction from Perilla frutescens seeds native to East Asia. Unlike many other plant oils, it has demonstrated antibacterial activity in laboratory studies, though this has only been observed in vitro.

### What extraction methods are used to produce perilla oil?

Perilla oil is extracted using specialized methods including subcritical butane extraction at temperatures of 55-65°C and pressure of 0.9-1.1 MPa for 6-8 hours. Alternative methods include ultrasound-assisted aqueous enzymatic extraction, which helps preserve the oil's beneficial compounds.

### Is perilla oil safe to take with blood thinners or anticoagulant medications?

Perilla oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid that may have mild blood-thinning properties, raising potential interaction concerns with anticoagulants like warfarin or aspirin. While no human clinical trials have documented specific interactions with perilla oil, individuals taking blood thinners should consult their healthcare provider before supplementing. The lack of human safety data makes it difficult to establish safe co-administration guidelines.

### What is the difference between perilla oil supplements and perilla leaf extracts?

Perilla oil is derived from the seeds and is primarily composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids (especially ALA), while perilla leaf extracts concentrate other bioactive compounds that demonstrated antibacterial and antioxidant activity in laboratory studies. Seed oil supplements are designed to deliver omega-3 fatty acids, whereas leaf extracts may target different therapeutic properties, though neither has been validated in human clinical trials. The extraction method and plant part used significantly affect the nutritional and phytochemical profile of the final product.

### Why is there limited clinical evidence for perilla oil compared to other omega-3 supplements?

Perilla oil has not been studied extensively in human clinical trials, with most available research limited to laboratory chemical composition analysis and in vitro antibacterial or antioxidant testing. While well-established omega-3 sources like fish oil and flaxseed have decades of human research, perilla remains a niche ingredient with minimal investment in human efficacy studies. This evidence gap makes it difficult to confirm specific health benefits or establish standardized dosing recommendations for supplementation.

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