• Basic Info

Category

Herbs & Supplements

Synonyms

L-perillyl alcohol, alpha-linolenic acid, ao shiso, apigenin, baisu, ban tulsi (Bengali), beefsteak plant, bhanjira (Hindi), caffeic acid, Chinese basil, chi-ssu (Chinese), common perilla, d-limonene, dihydroperillic acid, egoma (Japanese), hung-sha-yao (Chinese), ji soo, kkaennip namul (Korean), Labiatae (family), Lamiaceae (family), limonene, luteolin, m-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid, methyl caffeate, monoterpene, monoterpene perillyl alcohol, perilla seed oil, perilla seed perillaldehyde, perilla oil, perillic acid, perilloside A, perilloside C, perillyl alcohol, Perilla frutescens, purple mint, purple perilla, rattlesnake weed, red perilla, rosmarinic acid, trans-caffeic acid, shiso (Japanese), shisonoha (Japanese, red leaved form), summer coleus, trans-carveol, trans-m-coumaric acid, ts'ao-t'ou (Chinese), tsu-shih ts'ao (Chinese), tzu ssu (Chinese), wild basil, wild coleus, wild red basil, yeh-ssu (Chinese), zisu.

Background

Perilla is a traditional crop of China, India, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and other Asian countries. In North America, it is occasionally called by its Japanese name, shiso. In North America, it is also known as purple mint, Chinese basil, or wild coleus. Perilla seed oil is used for cooking, as a drying oil, and as a fuel. Perilla seed oil is high in the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid.

Asian practitioners prescribe perilla for respiratory afflictions and prevention, pregnancy concerns, seafood poisoning, and 'incorrect energy balance.'

Some evidence is available for the use of perilla oil for reduction in asthma symptoms, as well as use of perilla extract for seasonal allergies. More clinical evidence is required before recommendations can be made for any clinical usage of perilla.

Evidence

DISCLAIMER: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Allergies: Preliminary evidence suggests some benefit of perilla extract for seasonal allergies. Further clinical trials are required before a firm recommendation can be made.
Grade: C

Aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcer or canker sore): Preliminary evidence suggests there is no benefit of perilla oil over soybean oil for aphthous stomatitis prevention. Further clinical trials are required before a firm recommendation can be made.
Grade: C

Asthma: Preliminary evidence suggests some benefit of perilla oil for symptoms of asthma. Further clinical trials are required before a firm recommendation can be made.
Grade: C

Tradition

WARNING: DISCLAIMER: The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older):

There is no proven safe or effective dose for perilla. Traditionally, a tea (boiling water to ¼ cup dry herb, steep 10 to 15 minutes), consumed throughout the day has been used for colds, flu, sore throat, and congestion. For asthma, perilla seed oil for four weeks has been used. For seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, Perilla frutescens enriched with rosmarinic acid (200 milligrams or 50 milligrams) for three weeks has been used. Perilla has also been boiled and the steam has been inhaled to clear the sinuses.

Children (younger than 18 years):

There is no proven safe or effective dose for perilla in children.