Botanical Overview
Perilla (Perilla frutescens) is a flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family. This plant has earned a place in traditional medicine through its consistent therapeutic benefits, recorded across multiple cultures. The mint family (Lamiaceae) includes aromatic herbs and shrubs with square stems, opposite leaves, and two-lipped flowers. Many species produce essential oils in glandular trichomes on their leaves and stems. This family is one of the most important sources of culinary and medicinal herbs worldwide.
General Description
It is an annual plant native to Southeast Asia and Indian highlands, and is traditionally grown in the Korean peninsula, southern China, Japan and India as a crop. A variety of this plant, P. frutescens var. crispa known as “shiso”, is widely grown in Japan. An edible plant, perilla is grown in gardens and attracts butterflies. It has a strong mint-like smell. The major volatile compound responsible for this characteristic aroma is perilla ketone, which is present in particularly high amounts in the leaves of Perilla frutescens described in this article. In the United States, Perilla frutescens is a pest weed, toxic to cattle after ingestion.
Family Context
The Lamiaceae family is large and widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Basil — 86 documented uses
- Rosemary — 60 documented uses
- Agbo — 54 documented uses
- Sage — 49 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Perilla has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Canada, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and others.
Traditional Uses
Perilla has been traditionally used for digestive health, respiratory conditions, and pain and inflammation, among other applications.
Digestive health.
- Carminative
- Stomachic
For digestive complaints, the herb is typically prepared as a tea or decoction taken before meals. The bitter compounds stimulate digestive secretions and improve nutrient absorption. Some traditions use the powdered root or leaves in small doses as a stomachic tonic.
Respiratory conditions.
- Asthma
- Cold
- Cough
- Expectorant
- Pectoral
Respiratory conditions are addressed through steam inhalation of the herb’s vapors or internal use as a warm tea. The hot infusion acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen phlegm and clear congestion. Some traditions combine it with honey for coughs.
Pain and inflammation.
- Anodyne
- Rheumatism
For pain and inflammation, preparations are applied both topically as compresses and taken internally. A warm poultice draws blood to the area and promotes healing, while internal preparations address systemic inflammation.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 30 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Flavonoid: antioxidant compounds that protect cells from oxidative damage
- Coumarin: aromatic compounds with anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effects
- Sterol: cholesterol-like compounds with anti-inflammatory properties