Health & Well-Being A-Z

Perilla

Perilla plant
Description

Perilla (Perilla frutescens) is an edible herb native to many countries in Asia. Its leaves and oil are used in cooking and as medicine.

Perilla leaf, seed, and stem are used as three different Chinese medicines. It contains chemicals that might decrease swelling and help reduce the growth of cancer cells. Perilla seed oil is also high in the fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid.

People use perilla for hay fever, asthma, canker sores, dementia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse perilla with other plants with similar common names, including alpha-linolenic acid, coleus, salvia divinorum, English horsemint, Japanese mint, peppermint, spearmint, and wild mint. These are not the same.


Is It Effective?

Effective

There is interest in using perilla for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Is it Safe?

Safety

When taken by mouth: Perilla extract and perilla oil are possibly safe when used for up to 12 months. It seems to be well-tolerated, but some people might be allergic to perilla.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if perilla is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Drug interactions

It is not known if Perilla interacts with any medicines. Before taking Perilla, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of perilla might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Other names

Basilic Japonais, Beefsteak Plant, Dentidia nankinensis, Huile de Graines de Pérille, Huile de Graines de Shiso, Huile de Pérille, Huile de Shiso, Ja-So-Yeop, Japanese Basil, Japanese Melissea, Menthe Pourpre, Ocimum frutescens, Perilla arguta, Perilla frutescens, Perilla nankinensis, Perilla ocymoides, Perilla Oil, Perilla Seed Oil, Pérille, Pérille de Nankin, Pérille de Nankin Pourpre, Pérille de Nankin Vert, Purple Mint, Purple Perilla, Shiso, Shiso Japonais, Silam, Wild Coleus, Zi Su.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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