| Herbs & Supplements:

Perilla frutescens

Supplement Forms/Alternate Names:
  • Perilla, Korean perilla, beefsteak plant, perilla oil, perilla seed oil

 

---

Introduction

Perilla frutescens is an herb in the mint family. The leaves and seeds have been used to slow damage to cells. Perilla frutescens has also been used to help digestion and ease allergy symptoms. It can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract. Perilla frutescens can also be used as an oil or made into a tea.

Dosages

There are no advised doses for perilla frutescens

 

---

What Research Shows

May Be Effective

• Allergic rhinitis—may ease symptoms ^A1 

Not Enough Data to Assess

• Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis^B1 
• Gastrointestinal pain^C1 

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

 

---

Safety Notes

It is likely safe to take perilla frutescens in small doses for a short time, but allergic reaction may happen in some people.^D1  Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. It is also not known whether it is safe to take by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

---

References [ + ]

A. Allergic Rhinitis

A1. Guo R, Pittler MH, et al. Herbal medicines for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a systematic review. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2007 Dec;99(6):483-495.

B. Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis

B1. Takano H, Osakabe N, et al. Extract of Perilla frutescens enriched for rosmarinic acid, a polyphenolic phytochemical, inhibits seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in humans. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2004 Mar;229(3):247-254.

C. Gastrointestinal Pain

C1. Buchwald-Werner S, Fuji H, et al. Perilla extract improves gastrointestinal discomfort in a randomized placebo controlled double blind human pilot study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014;14:173.

D. Safety

D1. Yu H, Qiu JF, et al. Phytochemical and phytopharmacological review of Perilla frutescens L. (Labiatae), a traditional edible-medicinal herb in China. Food Chem Toxicol. 2017 Oct;108(Pt B):375-391.

---

Last reviewed July 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 5/1/2020

Back to Top