Perilla frutescens's therapeutic uses
Perilla frutescens, a member of the mint family, is recognized for its therapeutic uses, particularly in traditional Asian medicine and cuisine. It is primarily noted for its potential benefits in treating allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever. Research has shown that extracts of Perilla frutescens contain high levels of rosmarinic acid, which exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Clinical studies suggest that both moderate and high doses of this extract can significantly alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergies compared to a placebo.
In addition to allergic rhinitis, Perilla is being explored for its possible effects on depression, rheumatoid arthritis, and cholesterol control. Animal studies indicate that it might help mitigate severe allergic reactions and could have anticancer properties. However, its safety profile remains largely untested in certain populations, including young children and pregnant or nursing women. While generally considered safe in common culinary amounts, high doses have been linked to serious allergic reactions, underscoring the need for caution. Overall, Perilla frutescens presents a promising area of interest for both traditional and modern therapeutic applications.
Perilla frutescens's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Depression, rheumatoid arthritis, cholesterol control
Overview
A member of the mint family, perilla is used in a variety of Asian foods to add both flavor and color. It is also grown ornamentally in gardens. The stem of the plant is used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of morning sickness. The leaves are said to be helpful for asthma, colds, flu, and other lung problems.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dosage of perilla should supply 50 to 200 milligrams (mg) of rosmarinic acid daily. Perilla also contains luteolin, a substance that may also have anti-allergic actions. For this reason, perilla products are often enriched with luteolin as well, typically providing five to ten mg daily.
Therapeutic Uses
Perilla extracts have undergone study as a treatment for allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Perilla contains high levels of the substance rosmarinic acid (also found in the herb rosemary and many other plants). Rosmarinic acid appears to have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic actions. In a three-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study of twenty-nine people with seasonal allergic rhinitis, participants received one of three treatments: a placebo, Perilla frutescens extract enriched to contain 50 mg of rosmarinic acid, or an extract enhanced to contain 200 mg of rosmarinic acid. The results showed that both perilla products reduced symptoms to a greater extent than a placebo.
Animal studies hint that perilla might also be useful for a different type of allergy: the severe, rapid reaction known as anaphylaxis, commonly associated with shellfish, peanut, and bee sting allergies. Weak evidence suggests that rosmarinic acid, perilla, or both may have anticancer effects and might also have benefits for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, as well as for depression.
Other animal studies found that using Perilla frutescens when eating a high-fat diet resulted in lower fat accumulation in the body and lower cholesterol levels. Other studies found uses for osteoporosis, kidney disease, and wound healing, but these results were limited.
Safety Issues
In the small clinical trials and animal studies conducted thus far, the use of perilla or rosmarinic acid (or both) has not been associated with significant adverse effects. Because of the wide use of perilla in Asian cooking and the prevalence of rosmarinic acid in many spices, these substances are assumed to have a relatively high level of safety. However, comprehensive safety testing has not been reported. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established. Taking supplements in quantities over 500 milligrams have resulted in anaphylaxis. Additionally, many patients wish to use Perilla frutescens before surgery, which can be dangerous and should be avoided.
Bibliography
Adam, Gigi, et al. “Applications of Perilla frutescens Extracts in Clinical Practice.” Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), vol. 12, no. 3, 16 Mar. 2023, p. 727, doi:10.3390/antiox12030727.
Ahmed, Hiwa M. “Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Investigations of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt.” Molecules, vol. 24, no. 1, 2018, p. 102. doi:10.3390/molecules24010102.
Osakabe, N., A. Yasuda, et al. “Rosmarinic Acid Inhibits Epidermal Inflammatory Responses: Anticarcinogenic Effect of Perilla frutescens Extract in the Murine Two-Stage Skin Model.” Carcinogenesis, vol. 25, 2004, pp. 549-57.
"Perilla." Drugs.com, 1 Nov 2022, www.drugs.com/npp/perilla.html. Accessed 15 Aug. 2023.
Renzulli, C., et al. “Effects of Rosmarinic Acid Against Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin-A-Induced Cell Damage in a Human Hepatoma Cell Line (Hep G2).” Journal of Applied Toxicology, vol. 24, 2004, pp. 289-296.
Takano, H., et al. “Extract of Perilla frutescens Enriched for Rosmarinic Acid, a Polyphenolic Phytochemical, Inhibits Seasonal Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis in Humans.” Experimental Biology and Medicine, vol. 229, 2004, pp. 247-54.
Wu, Xinling. "Perilla Frutescens: A Traditional Medicine and Food Homologous Plant." Chinese Herbal Medicines, vol. 15, no. 3, July 2023, pp. 369-75. doi.org/10.1016/j.chmed.2023.03.002.