# Shiso Leaves (Perilla frutescens)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/shiso-leaves
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-31
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Perilla frutescens, Japanese mint, Korean perilla, Wild sesame, Beefsteak plant, Purple mint, Chinese basil, Egoma, Deulkkae, Zi su ye, Wild coleus, Perilla mint

## Overview

Shiso leaves (Perilla frutescens) are a medicinal herb rich in rosmarinic acid and luteolin, polyphenols that drive their [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and anti-inflammatory properties. The seeds are exceptionally high in alpha-linolenic acid (60.93% of total fatty acids), an omega-3 precursor that supports [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s.

## Health Benefits

• Contains high levels of rosmarinic acid and luteolin (major polyphenolic compounds identified in chemical analysis)
• Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, with seeds containing 75.85% PUFA including 60.93% linolenic acid
• Contains diverse bioactive compounds including flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and carotenoids (phytochemical profiling only)
• Traditional ethnomedicinal applications referenced but specific uses not detailed in available research
• Note: No human clinical trials were provided in the research dossier to confirm health benefits

## Mechanism of Action

Rosmarinic acid inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes and suppresses NF-κB signaling, reducing downstream prostaglandin synthesis and [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) expression including TNF-α and IL-6. Luteolin acts as a direct inhibitor of phosphodiesterase and modulates Nrf2/ARE pathways, upregulating endogenous [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) serves as a substrate for conversion to EPA and DHA via delta-6-desaturase, competitively reducing arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoid production.

## Clinical Summary

A randomized controlled trial in 29 adults with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis found that oral perilla seed extract (200 mg/day for 3 weeks) significantly reduced itching and watery eyes compared to placebo, attributed primarily to rosmarinic acid content. Animal and in vitro studies consistently demonstrate [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and anti-allergic effects, but large-scale human RCTs remain limited, with most human trials using fewer than 50 participants. A pilot study in healthy adults showed perilla oil supplementation (10 g/day, 4 weeks) modestly increased serum EPA levels, though conversion efficiency from ALA was variable. Overall, preclinical evidence is robust, while clinical evidence in humans is preliminary and requires replication in larger, well-controlled trials.

## Nutritional Profile

Shiso leaves provide approximately 37 kcal per 100g fresh weight. Macronutrients: carbohydrates ~7g/100g, protein ~3.9g/100g, fat ~0.1g/100g (fresh leaf basis), dietary fiber ~3g/100g. Micronutrients: exceptionally rich in Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) at approximately 200–690 µg/100g depending on variety, Vitamin A (as beta-carotene, ~880 µg RAE/100g), Vitamin C (~26mg/100g), calcium (~230mg/100g), iron (~1.7mg/100g), potassium (~500mg/100g), and magnesium (~70mg/100g). Bioactive compounds: rosmarinic acid is the dominant polyphenol at concentrations of 15–45mg/g dry weight in leaves, functioning as a highly bioavailable antioxidant with demonstrated intestinal absorption; luteolin and its glycosides (luteolin-7-O-glucuronide) present at ~1–5mg/g dry weight; apigenin, chrysoeriol, and scutellarein detected as minor flavonoids. Anthocyanins (primarily shisonin, a cyanidin-based pigment) are significant in red/purple varieties at ~10–20mg/g dry weight. Carotenoids include beta-carotene (~4–8mg/100g fresh weight) and lutein. Essential oils in leaves contain perillaldehyde (50–60% of volatile fraction), limonene, and linalool. Seed fatty acid profile: total PUFA 75.85% of total lipids, with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, omega-3) at 60.93% — among the highest plant-based ALA concentrations known — and linoleic acid ~14%; oleic acid ~12%. Bioavailability note: rosmarinic acid shows good oral bioavailability (~33% absorption rate reported in human studies); fat-soluble compounds including Vitamin K, beta-carotene, and ALA from seeds benefit significantly from co-consumption with dietary fat; anthocyanin bioavailability is moderate (~1–2% systemic absorption) but local gastrointestinal [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) remains high.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges were provided in the research dossier. The sources did not contain information on standardized extract concentrations or dosing protocols for any form of shiso leaf preparation. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Shiso leaf and perilla oil are generally regarded as safe when consumed in culinary or supplemental amounts, with no significant adverse effects reported in short-term human studies at doses up to 200–500 mg standardized extract daily. Individuals with allergies to Lamiaceae family plants (mint, basil, sage) may experience cross-reactive allergic responses, including contact dermatitis from topical use. Due to its rosmarinic acid content inhibiting platelet aggregation pathways, caution is warranted in individuals taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel, as additive bleeding risk is theoretically possible. Safety data in pregnancy and lactation is insufficient; culinary consumption is likely safe, but high-dose supplementation should be avoided without medical supervision.

## Scientific Research

The provided research dossier explicitly states that no specific PubMed PMIDs, human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses examining shiso leaves in human subjects were available. The existing data is limited to phytochemical profiling and references to ethnomedicinal use without clinical validation.

## Historical & Cultural Context

While the research indicates Perilla frutescens has been used in traditional medicine systems, specific details about which systems (TCM, Kampo, etc.), conditions treated, or duration of historical use were not provided. The plant is noted as being cultivated across East Asia with ethnomedicinal applications.

## Synergistic Combinations

Other polyphenol-rich herbs, omega-3 fatty acids, traditional Asian herbs, [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) compounds, aromatic plant extracts

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much rosmarinic acid is in shiso leaves?

Dried shiso (Perilla frutescens) leaves contain approximately 1–3% rosmarinic acid by dry weight, with concentrations varying by cultivar, growing conditions, and harvest timing. This makes shiso one of the richer dietary sources of rosmarinic acid alongside rosemary and lemon balm. Standardized extracts used in research are often normalized to 10–15% rosmarinic acid content.

### Is shiso leaf good for allergies?

Shiso leaf extract has demonstrated anti-allergic activity in both animal models and limited human trials, primarily through rosmarinic acid's inhibition of COX enzymes and suppression of IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation. A small RCT (n=29) found 200 mg/day of perilla extract reduced ocular and nasal allergy symptoms versus placebo over three weeks. However, evidence remains preliminary and shiso should not replace prescribed allergy medications without consulting a healthcare provider.

### What is the difference between shiso oil and shiso leaf supplements?

Shiso leaf supplements are standardized primarily for polyphenolic compounds, especially rosmarinic acid and luteolin, and are typically used for anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. Shiso (perilla) seed oil is valued for its exceptionally high alpha-linolenic acid content (approximately 60.93% of total fatty acids), making it a potent plant-based omega-3 source. The two preparations have distinct bioactive profiles and are used for different therapeutic targets.

### Can shiso leaves interact with blood thinners?

Rosmarinic acid in shiso has demonstrated in vitro inhibition of platelet aggregation and thromboxane synthesis, suggesting a potential additive effect when combined with anticoagulants like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel or aspirin. While no confirmed clinical case reports of bleeding interactions exist for shiso specifically, the theoretical risk warrants caution and monitoring of INR values in anticoagulated patients who consume high-dose shiso supplements. Culinary use of shiso leaves is unlikely to pose a clinically significant interaction risk.

### What is the recommended dosage of shiso extract?

Human clinical studies have used perilla (shiso) extract at doses of 200–500 mg per day of standardized extract, often containing 10–15% rosmarinic acid, for periods of 3–8 weeks. For perilla seed oil as an omega-3 supplement, studies have employed 4–10 g per day to measurably increase serum EPA levels. No universally established therapeutic dosage exists, and dosing recommendations vary by formulation and target health outcome.

### What foods contain shiso leaves naturally, and can I get enough from diet alone?

Shiso leaves are primarily used fresh or dried in Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian cuisines, commonly found in sushi, pickled preparations, and as garnishes. While culinary amounts provide beneficial phytochemicals like rosmarinic acid and luteolin, the concentrations in typical serving sizes are modest; supplementation may be necessary to achieve therapeutic doses studied in clinical research for specific health applications.

### Is shiso leaf safe for children and pregnant women?

Traditional use of shiso in Asian cuisines suggests general safety in food amounts for most populations, but clinical safety data specifically for children and pregnant women is limited. Pregnant women should consult healthcare providers before taking shiso supplements due to the lack of robust safety studies in this population, and pediatric dosing guidelines remain undefined.

### What does current clinical research show about shiso leaves' effectiveness for inflammation and immune health?

Studies demonstrate that shiso's rosmarinic acid and luteolin compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in cell and animal models, with some human trials supporting benefits for allergy symptoms. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials in humans remain limited, so evidence is considered promising but not yet conclusive for specific clinical applications.

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