Perilla Leaf Extract
Also known as: Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton, Perilla, Korean perilla, Chinese basil, Perilla frutescens
Overview
Perilla frutescens, commonly known as perilla, is an annual herb from the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to Asia. It's cultivated in China, Japan, India, Thailand, and Korea. The plant is rich in phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, phytosterols, and essential fatty acids. Traditionally, it has been used for its medicinal and nutritional properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial effects. Key components include α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, luteolin, and apigenin. Research maturity is moderate to advanced, with studies on its pharmacological properties and clinical efficacy. Available evidence is generally good, with multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and in vitro/in vivo studies supporting its benefits.
Benefits
Perilla frutescens extract has shown promise in several areas. An RCT demonstrated that eight weeks of Perilla frutescens extract (PFE) intake significantly reduced knee joint pain and improved knee joint function in participants with mild knee joint pain, as indicated by improvements in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores. Studies also indicate hypoglycemic activity, with leaf extract reducing serum glucose levels, improving lipid profiles, and modulating glycogen accumulation in diabetic rats. Additionally, the extract exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, suppressing skin lesions and inflammatory cell infiltration in atopic dermatitis models. Cardioprotective effects have also been observed, with decreased home blood pressure and serum oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels in Japanese adults.
How it works
Perilla frutescens extract exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Its anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by suppressing inflammatory cell infiltration and reducing pro-inflammatory markers. The antioxidant activity is attributed to phenolic compounds and flavonoids that scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. The extract modulates glucose metabolism by reducing serum glucose levels and improving insulin sensitivity. It interacts with the musculoskeletal system to reduce knee joint pain, the endocrine system to affect glucose metabolism, and the cardiovascular system to decrease blood pressure and oxidized LDL levels. While bioavailability isn't extensively studied, the presence of fatty acids suggests good absorption when taken with fats.
Side effects
Perilla frutescens is generally considered safe when used in recommended doses, although long-term safety data is limited. Common side effects are not well-documented, but no significant adverse effects were reported in an RCT involving knee joint pain. Uncommon and rare side effects are also not well-defined due to the limited number of studies. Potential interactions with antidiabetic medications exist due to its hypoglycemic effects, requiring further investigation. Caution should be exercised in patients with known allergies to plants in the Lamiaceae family. Due to insufficient data, its use during pregnancy or lactation is not recommended, and it is not recommended for children due to a lack of safety and efficacy data.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Perilla frutescens is not well established, but an RCT used 700 mg capsules of PFE (containing 486 mg of PFE) twice a day. The optimal dosage range is between 1.4 to 2.8 grams of PFE per day, based on this RCT. The maximum safe dose is not established, but doses up to 2.8 grams per day have been used without significant adverse effects. While no specific timing recommendations are available, it is generally advised to take supplements with meals to enhance absorption. Capsules or oil extracts are common forms. Absorption may be enhanced when taken with fatty meals due to the lipophilic nature of some of its components. No specific cofactors are required, but a balanced diet rich in fats may enhance absorption.
FAQs
How should I take Perilla frutescens?
Typically, it's taken in capsule or oil form, with meals to enhance absorption. Follow the dosage instructions on the product label or as advised by a healthcare professional.
What results can I expect from taking Perilla frutescens?
Potential benefits include improvements in knee joint pain and function, potential hypoglycemic effects, and antioxidant benefits. Individual results may vary.
Is Perilla frutescens safe?
It's generally considered safe, but long-term safety and interactions with other medications need further study. Consult with a healthcare provider before use, especially if you have existing health conditions.
When is the best time to take Perilla frutescens?
No specific timing is recommended, but taking it with meals is advised to enhance absorption of its lipophilic components.
Is Perilla frutescens a cure for diabetes or arthritis?
No, it is not a cure for diabetes or arthritis but may be used as an adjunct therapy to manage symptoms. Consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1114410/full – This study investigated the efficacy of Perilla frutescens extract on knee joint pain. The randomized controlled trial with 80 participants showed a significant reduction in knee joint pain and improved function compared to a placebo group after eight weeks of supplementation, suggesting its potential use for individuals with mild knee joint pain.
- https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol12no2/a-review-on-nutritional-value-functional-properties-and-pharmacological-application-of-perilla-perilla-frutescens-l/ – This review article discusses the nutritional value, functional properties, and pharmacological applications of Perilla frutescens. It highlights the plant's richness in phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, phytosterols, and essential fatty acids, and its traditional uses for medicinal and nutritional purposes.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/10/2/315 – This study explores the hypoglycemic activity of Perilla frutescens leaf extract. The ethyl acetate fraction of the leaf extract was found to reduce serum glucose levels, improve lipid profiles, and modulate glycogen accumulation in diabetic rats, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for managing diabetes.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27001658/ – This research investigates the anti-inflammatory effects of Perilla leaf extract on atopic dermatitis. The study found that the extract significantly reduced skin lesions and inflammatory markers in an animal model, suggesting its potential use in managing inflammatory skin conditions.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.763624/full – This study examines the cardioprotective effects of Perilla frutescens. The research found that the extract was associated with decreased home blood pressure and serum oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels in Japanese adults, suggesting its potential in promoting cardiovascular health.