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Organic perilla oil

Also known as: Perilla oil, perilla seed oil, shiso oil, Organic perilla oil, Perilla frutescens oil

Overview

Organic perilla oil is extracted from the seeds of *Perilla frutescens*, an annual herbaceous plant. It is notably rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid, constituting approximately 57% of its fatty acid content, with total polyunsaturated fatty acids around 75%. Primarily used as a dietary supplement, it is explored for its potential benefits in cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant support, and metabolic syndrome risk reduction. Research also suggests neuroprotective effects and gut microbiota modulation. While promising, especially in animal models, human clinical data are still emerging, and its susceptibility to oxidation necessitates development of encapsulation methods to improve stability and bioavailability.

Benefits

Perilla oil demonstrates significant benefits, primarily in animal models, including lipid-lowering effects, where it reduced triglycerides by 38-42% and total cholesterol by 16-17% in hyperlipidemic rats. It also exhibits strong antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative stress biomarkers like malondialdehyde (MDA) by 29-68%, and anti-inflammatory effects, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 by 15-64%. Secondary benefits include neuroprotection, observed in Parkinson’s disease mouse models, and positive modulation of gut microbiota. While these effects are robust in preclinical studies, human clinical data are limited, and large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy and optimal dosing in humans. Benefits in animal studies typically appear after 8 weeks of supplementation.

How it works

Perilla oil exerts its effects primarily through its high content of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid. ALA is metabolized in the body into anti-inflammatory eicosanoids and resolvins, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties. The oil also contains phenolic compounds and tocopherols, which provide antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. It modulates lipid metabolism by influencing enzymes involved in cholesterol and triglyceride synthesis, and can positively alter gut microbiota composition. Its neuroprotective effects are thought to stem from its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, protecting neuronal cells from damage.

Side effects

Perilla oil is generally regarded as safe, with no major adverse effects reported in animal studies. Human safety data are limited, but no significant toxicity has been reported, and it is considered a food-grade oil with low risk. Common and uncommon side effects are not well-documented in the literature. There are no established contraindications. While no well-documented drug interactions exist, caution is advised when co-administering with anticoagulants due to its omega-3 fatty acid content, which could theoretically increase bleeding risk. For special populations like pregnant or breastfeeding women, data are insufficient, and consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.

Dosage

Optimal dosage ranges for perilla oil are not standardized for human use, as most research has been conducted in animal models. Animal studies have used doses approximately equivalent to 0.67 g/kg body weight/day, but human equivalent doses are not well established. There is no established maximum safe dose. For consistent benefits, daily intake is likely required. Encapsulated forms are recommended to enhance stability and absorption, as the oil is susceptible to oxidation. Co-administration with antioxidants may also improve bioavailability. No specific cofactors are identified as required for its efficacy.

FAQs

Is perilla oil effective for lowering cholesterol?

Animal studies show significant reductions in triglycerides and total cholesterol, but human data are limited and further research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.

Is it safe to consume daily?

Yes, perilla oil is generally considered safe for daily consumption as a food-grade oil, with no significant adverse effects reported in studies to date.

How long until benefits appear?

Animal studies suggest that benefits, such as lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects, may appear after approximately 8 weeks of consistent supplementation. Human timelines are currently unknown.

Can it replace fish oil?

Perilla oil provides ALA, a plant-based omega-3. While beneficial, the human body's conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA (found in fish oil) is limited, so it may not fully replace fish oil for all omega-3 needs.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11593517/ – This review summarizes the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, and neuroprotective effects of perilla oil, highlighting its potential as a functional food. It emphasizes the need for more human clinical trials to validate these preclinical findings and establish optimal dosages.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12026981/ – This animal study demonstrated that perilla oil significantly reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol, and markers of oxidative stress (MDA) and inflammation (IL-6) in hyperlipidemic rats. The findings suggest strong lipid-lowering, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential, though results may not fully translate to humans.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.4265 – This animal study investigated the neuroprotective effects of cold-pressed perilla oil in a Parkinson's disease mouse model. It found that perilla oil improved Parkinson's symptoms and pathology, suggesting its potential in neurodegenerative conditions, although it was an animal model with a small sample size.
https://qascf.com/index.php/qas/article/view/1509 – This source provides general information about Perilla frutescens, including its classification and chemical composition, particularly its richness in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). It supports the understanding of perilla oil's basic characteristics and potential applications.