Perilla Aerial Parts Extract
Also known as: Perilla, Perilla leaf, Shiso, Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. var. frutescens, Perilla frutescens
Overview
Perilla frutescens aerial parts extract, commonly known as Perilla or Shiso, is derived from the leaves and stems of the Perilla plant, a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). It has a long history of traditional use in East Asian medicine and cuisine. The extract is rich in bioactive compounds such as rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, and various phenolic acids, which contribute to its therapeutic properties. Primary applications include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-allergic, and respiratory protective uses. Research on Perilla extract is moderately mature, encompassing in vitro, animal studies, and a growing number of human clinical trials, though the quality and scope of human data are still developing. It is available as a botanical extract and herbal supplement.
Benefits
Perilla frutescens extract offers several evidence-based benefits. It demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and respiratory protective effects, particularly in preclinical models. For instance, in a COPD mouse model, Perilla leaf extract (PLE) reduced airway inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory cell infiltration and cytokine production (IL-6, TNF-α) via the NF-κB pathway. It also showed protective effects against PM2.5-induced respiratory damage in experimental models. Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies indicated nephroprotective effects, reducing proteinuria and cell proliferation markers in IgA nephropathy. Clinical intervention studies have shown improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms over time. A randomized controlled trial involving 75 participants found that Perilla frutescens extract improved knee joint pain and function in individuals with mild symptoms, highlighting its potential for musculoskeletal support with a good safety profile. Preclinical studies also suggest anti-allergic, antioxidant, anticancer, and cardioprotective effects, though these require further human validation.
How it works
Perilla frutescens extract exerts its therapeutic effects primarily by modulating inflammatory pathways. It inhibits NF-κB signaling, which in turn reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α. Rosmarinic acid, a key active component, acts as a potent antioxidant, scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting stress-activated kinases like JNK and ERK. The anti-allergic properties are thought to be mediated by reducing immunoglobulin levels and inflammatory cell recruitment in lung tissues. The bioactive compounds in the extract are absorbed with moderate bioavailability, with specific extraction methods like ethanol and ethyl acetate concentrating the active phenolics, thereby enhancing their efficacy.
Side effects
Perilla aerial parts extract is generally well tolerated in human studies, with no serious adverse events reported. Minor adverse events, when observed, occurred at similar rates in both treatment and placebo groups in clinical trials, suggesting they may not be directly attributable to the extract. While animal studies have indicated potential toxicity at very high doses, warranting caution, these findings have not been replicated in human trials at typical supplemental dosages. Currently, there are no significant drug interactions or contraindications documented in the reviewed literature. However, due to the limited scope of human safety data, particularly for long-term use and specific populations, continued vigilance and further research are advisable.
Dosage
Specific human dosage guidelines for Perilla frutescens extract are still being established, as clinical trials have used varying standardized extract doses. One randomized controlled trial demonstrating positive effects on knee pain utilized unspecified standardized extract doses over several weeks. Animal studies, while showing nephroprotective effects, often employ high doses that require careful conversion to human equivalent doses. The concentration of active compounds in the extract is significantly influenced by extraction methods, such as 70% ethanol reflux or ethyl acetate partition. Currently, there is no established maximum safe dose in humans. Therefore, it is recommended to start with low to moderate doses under professional guidance, pending further large-scale human research to determine optimal dosing, timing considerations, and upper safety limits for various therapeutic purposes.
FAQs
Is Perilla extract safe for long-term use?
Current human data suggest good short-term safety, with no serious adverse events reported in clinical trials. However, long-term safety beyond several weeks or months remains to be definitively established through further research.
Can it be used for respiratory conditions?
Preclinical evidence, particularly in animal models of COPD and allergic asthma, strongly supports its anti-inflammatory effects beneficial for respiratory health. Some clinical evidence also points to its potential in this area.
Does it interact with medications?
No significant drug interactions have been documented in the reviewed literature. However, due to limited comprehensive data, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional, especially if taking other medications.
How soon are benefits seen?
Clinical improvements, such as reduced knee pain and improved gastrointestinal symptoms, have been observed over several weeks of consistent supplementation in human studies.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.763624/full – This preclinical study in a mouse COPD model demonstrated that Perilla leaf extract significantly reduced airway inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory cell infiltration and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) via the NF-κB pathway. The findings suggest a strong anti-inflammatory potential for respiratory conditions.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10385934/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies focused on IgA nephropathy. It concluded that Perilla frutescens extracts significantly reduced proteinuria and markers of cell proliferation (PCNA), indicating anti-inflammatory and nephroprotective effects. The review highlighted the need for human trials despite strong animal data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10045045/ – This clinical intervention study reported improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms over time with Perilla extract supplementation. It also noted the extract's antioxidant and anti-allergic properties, suggesting broader systemic benefits beyond gut health. The study, however, had limitations in its design compared to a full RCT.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1114410/full – A randomized controlled trial involving 75 adults with mild knee pain showed that Perilla frutescens extract improved knee joint pain and function over an 8-week period. The study also reported a good safety profile with only minor adverse events, suggesting its potential for musculoskeletal support in sub-healthy individuals.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.4708 – This research indicated that Perilla extracts provided protective effects against PM2.5-induced respiratory damage in experimental models. The findings contribute to the understanding of Perilla's potential in mitigating environmental pollutant-induced respiratory issues, reinforcing its role in respiratory health.