When we classify perilla frutescens among the kings of herbs, it is not to over rate it; we are stating the fact. Perilla seeds, just as perilla leaves, ppossess a broad spectrum of nutritional and pharmacological benefits. It is one of the best vegetable oil, and the foremost among Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) containing vegetable oil. The seed powder is used as a thickener in Korean soups, while the oil is used in cooking perilla rice.
Perilla, also called shisho is widely cultivated in the Asian regions of China, Korea, Japan, and Kuwait. Its leaves and seeds are used in formulation nutraceuticals and herbal teas. They are also used as spices for various foods, where it tastes great and adds sweet smelling aroma to the food. So we are going to X-ray the nutritional as well as health benefits of perilla seeds. If you would want to learn more about the health benefits of perilla leaves, click on the link above.
Nutritional benefits of perilla seed oil
Some of the benefits of perilla seed powder of oil is in the seeds nutritional content. The seed is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, and carbohydrates. The seeds also possess amino acids, and minerals, which your body do require for effective and optimum performance.
Amino acids present in perilla seeds
The amino acids present in perilla seeds include Valine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Lysine, Tryptophan, Threonine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Cysteine, Methionine, Histidine, Aspartate, Serine, Glutamate, Proline. These amino acids are needed for protein biosynthesis and for building structural and functional parts of the cells. Some of the amino acids cannot be synthesized in human body. They sourced from plants, and are therefore termed, essential amino acids.
Fatty acids present in perilla seed
Perilla seed contains a large quantity of oil. The percentage oil content in the seed is about 42%. The fatty acids present in the seed oil are linolenic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid and stearic acid. Perilla seed oil is also the richest source of alpha-linoleic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Some of the fatty acids present i ln the seeds are of medicinal values. alpha-linoleic acid is a crucial cardioprotective oil. It prevents the formation of plaques on the arterial wall of blood vessels, thereby protecting you from atherosclerosis and possible cardiac arrest.
Perilla seed mineral content
There are not so many minerals in perilla seeds. However, the mineral present are of medicinal values. These minerals are calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, chromium, copper, and zinc. Calcium and magnesium are very important for building strong and maintaining strong bones. Iron is required for the production of hemoglobin, and for the transportation of oxygenated blood from the lung to various parts of the body. When iron is deficient in your body, you would experience a painful health condition known as anemia, and you would likely feel fatigued.
Health benefits of perilla seeds
Aside the nutritional components of perilla seeds, such as the proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and minerals, perilla seeds are also rich in bioactive phytochemicals like polyphenol, flavonoids, sterols, policosanol, and tocopherols. These active compounds are the reasons for the great health benefits of perilla seeds.
Perilla seed oil is beneficial for Asthma treatment
In China and some parts of Asia, Perilla seed oil is a major constituent in various folk medicines used for the treatment of Asthma. This is because of the active flavone compound, luteolin which is present in Perilla, and gives relaxant action to the smooth muscles of the trachea.
A clinical study on asthma patients, conducted by W. C. Ko, showed that Perilla seed oil improves pulmonary function and also suppresses the leukotriene LB4 andLC4 release from leucocytes, which are responsible for asthma. This anti-asthmatic activity of perilla seed oil have been shown to be more efficient than corn oil. Unlike perilla, which is rich in α- linolenic acid (Omega-3) oil, corn oil is rich in linoleic acid (Omage-6) oil. It therefore shows that linolenic acid is more efficient at leukotriene inhibition than linoleic acid.
Benefits of perilla seeds on diabetes
Type II diabetes is caused by insulin resistance. The inability of the body cells to recognize insulin makes it impossible for insulin to transport glucose across the cell membrane. This in turn causes hyperglycemia and diabetes. But the good thing about the perilla seed oil is its ability to restore glucose level to normal by improving insulin resistance and increasing glucose transportation across the cell membrane. The seed oil can also induce AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and regulate gluconeogenesis.
In another study, chlorogenic and rosmarinic acid, were found to inhibit Aldose reductase enzyme activity, thereby reducing the diabetic complications. Also, another study suggested that Perilla seed oil supplementation significantly reduced the microfora blautia, which is a gram positive anaerobe bacterium. This bacterium is responsible for glucose metabolism disturbances. Perilla seed oil also increased the microfora Lactobacillus, which is considered to be a beneficial bacteria as it converts sugars to lactic acid. The improvement in insulin resistance in type II diabetes, by perilla seed oil is through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Perilla seed oil is effective against cancer
Both the leaves and seeds of perilla frutescens possess anticancer and antitumor properties, due to the presence of rosmarinic and caffeic acids. A new study have also shown that isoegomaketone, a new isolated compound of perilla also exhibit anticancer activity.
There are several studies which demonstrated that perilla is effective against several cancer cell lines. In hepatocellular carcinoma, Wang, Y et al demonstrated that isoegomaketone significantly inhibited cell viability and xenograft tumor formation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
In another study, Perilla oil showed protection against MNU- induced colon tumors female f3344 rats. This activity was found to be more efficient than sunflower seed oil. It also inhibited apoptosis in H9C2 cardiac muscle cells induced by Adriamycin (ADR) by inhibiting reactive oxygen species and the activations of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase.
What this means is that both perilla leaves and seed oil can be given to patients with colon and hepatocellular cancers either alone or with other supplements, as a combination of perilla oil and beta-carotene increased in it anticancer activity. Soursop leaf bitters and seed oil may be combined with perilla seed oil supplementation for a cancer patients, as soursop leaves are very rich in anticancer bioactive compounds
Perilla seed oil reduces cholesterol level
Perilla seed is rich in linolenic acid, which are essential for lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This is done through the inhibition of lipogenesis and upregulation of fatty acid β-Oxidation. A study on the hypolipidemic activity of Alpha-linolenic acid showed significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in high fat fed rats.
Aside regulating cholesterol level, α-linolenic acid reduces the expression of mRNA for HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme essential for cholesterol biosynthesis.
Hypocholesterolemia is one of major benefits of perilla seed oil. The presence of omega-3 fatty acids in a large quantity set it apart as a good vegetable oil for cooking and for pharmaceutical purposes.
Perilla seed oil improves cardiovascular health
The strong anti-hypercholesterolemic benefits of perilla seed oil is crucial to the heart. This is because through its antihypercholsterol activity, α-linolenic acid clears off low density lipoprotein. The seed oil also exhibited its cardiac benefits by increasing the plasma concentration of docosapentaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. This way, perilla seed oil prevents the incidence of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. Also, perilla seed oil functions as antihypertensive agent.
Through its role in the prevention of atherosclerosis, and reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides levels, α-linolenic acid also protects the heart from risk factors of high blood pressure and ischemic stroke.
Another plant with such strong cardioprotective benefits like perilla seed oil is avocado seed tea or powder. So, if you are treating any heart related diseases, mixing the seed powders of both perilla and avocado can be a great idea, with numerous health benefits.
Is Perilla seed oil god for skin?
Perilla seed oil protects your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays due to its rich content of linolenic, oleic and linoleic acids. UV radiations are well known as the main cause of skin photoaging in mammals. When exposed to UV radiation, the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory mediators would be greatly enhanced. This alteration would then stimulate the structural and functional changes like the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and the upregulation of MMPs; this way, UV radiations promotes skin photoaging.
In a study conducted by Hyeon Jun Choi and colleagues, cold-pressed perilla oil (CPO) exhibited remarkable improvement of UV-induced reductions in NHDF cell viability, ROS production, SOD activity, and G2/M cell cycle arrest, in a a UV+CPO treated NHDF cells compared to that of UV+vehicle treated controls.
CPO also suppresses UV-induced increases in MMP-1Protein and galactosidase levels. When applied topically, it inhibited an increase in wrinkle formation, trans-epidermal water loss, erythema value, hydration and melanin index on dorsal skin .
Perilla oil also exhibited an anti-melanogenic effect on B16F10 cells without inducing cytotoxicity of cells. When applied in a cream it clinically improved skin elasticity and reduce hyperpigmentation without any skin irritations. This makes perilla seed oil a good skin lightening oil and best for cosmetic industries.
Is perilla seed oil good for hair growth?
Perilla seed oil is beneficial for improving hair growth, when applied topically. This is because the rosmarinic acid present in the seed oil possess in vivo anti-androgenic activity. Perilla seed oil may also inhibit the binding of dihydrotestosterone to androgen receptors. This activities of perilla seed oil on hair growth and skin tone makes it a potential therapeutic agent for the promotion of hair growth and prevention of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). You may also want to add coriander seed oil to your perilla seed oil for improved hair growth and stability. Coriander seed oil, just like perilla seed oil is beneficial for treating hair breakage and dandruff.
Is perilla seed oil good for treating Ulcers?
Another benefits of perilla seed oil is in prevention of gastrointestinal diseases. The seed oil can prevent or stop constipation and also protects the gastrointestinal mucosa from ulcers by reducing the volume of gastric acid and increasing gastric pH. Perilla seed oil can also provide significant protection against reflux esophagitis by inhibiting esophagitis index.
You may combine the oil with the dry leaf powder of perilla and take orally if you are suffering any gastrointestinal diseases. But if you are treating chronic peptic or gastric ulcer, adding cabbage juice to your daily routine may be more efficient. In another way, you may add perilla leaves and seed powders to your cabbage when making the juice.
Perilla oil is good for the brain and neurological functions
Perilla oil is rich in both linolenic, oleic and linoleic acids. These compounds are very essential for brain functions. The seed oil of perilla can substitute fish oil due to its neuroprotective and mitochondrial functions in the brain. As an antioxidative therapy perilla seed oil effectiveness has been proved in patients with mild to moderate dementia.
Cold pressed seed oil of Perilla showed protective effect against beta-amyloid induced neurotoxicity in PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells and could be used as a functional food in Alzheimer disease.
Another compound, luteolin which is present in perilla seed can improve spatial cognition deficits and neuronal damage induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion when administered on for a long term.
Perilla seed extract can protect against dental carriers
The antimicrobial activity of perilla seed is utilized in the treatment of dental diseases such as toothache and oral infection. Some of the active components of perilla seeds such as rosmarinic acid, luteolin, and quercetin possess antimicrobial activities against gut microbes.
What are the possible side effects of perilla seed oil?
When taken orally, perilla seed oil does not have any serious side effect for a short time. However, for people with certain condition, it may not advisable to be exposed to perilla for a longer time.
Increased blood sugar level in diabetic patients
If you are diabetic, it is good not to use perilla seed oil for a longer period or in high doses, as the high Omega-3 fatty acid is known to increase blood sugar level in diabetic patients.
May cause bleeding
High intake of perilla seed oil may cause bleeding gum and nose. Perilla seed oil should not be given to a person that’s taking aspirin or related medications. This is because the oil interferes with blood clotting.
May cause stroke
High intake of perilla oil may cause Hemorrhagic stroke, a condition characterized by ruptures in the weakened brain blood vessels. This may be due to the inhibition of blood clotting by Omega-3 fatty acid.
References
W.C. Ko, C.M. Shih, I.J. Leu, T.T. Chen, J.P. Chang, Mechanisms of relaxant action of luteolin in isolated guinea pig trachea, Planta Med. 71 (2005) 406–411. doi:10.1055/s-2005-864133.
D. Kim, S.J. Kim, K. Yu, S. Jeong, S. Kim, Anti-hyperglycemic effects and signaling mechanism of Perilla frutescens sprout extract, Nutr. Res. Pract. 12 (2018) 20–28.
J.H. Paek, K.H. Shin, Y.-H. Kang, J.-Y. Lee, S.S. Lim, Rapid Identification of Aldose Reductase Inhibitory Compounds from Perilla frutescens, Biomed Res. Int. (2013).
Wang, Y., Huang, X., Han, J., Zheng, W., & Ma, W. (2012). Extract of Perilla frutescens inhibits tumor proliferation of HCC via PI3K/AKT signal pathway. African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM, 10(2), 251–257.
O. Ezaki, M. Takahashi, T. Shigematsu, K. Shimamura, J. Kimura, T. Gotoh, Long-Term Effects of Dietary a-Linolenic Acid from Perilla Oil on Serum Fatty Acids Composition and on the Risk Factors of Coronary Heart Disease in Japanese Elderly Subjects, J. Nutr. Sci Vitaminol. 45 (1999) 759–772.
H.-J. Myoung, G. Kim, K.-W. Nam, Apigenin Isolated from the Seeds of Perilla frutescens Britton var crispa ( Benth .) Inhibits Food Intake in C57BL / 6J Mice, Arch Pharm Res. 33 (2010) 1741–1746. doi:10.1007/s12272-010-1105-5.
Li JJ, Li Z, Gu LJ, Choi KJ, Kim DS, Kim HK, Sung CK. The promotion of hair regrowth by topical application of a Perilla frutescens extract through increased cell viability and antagonism of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. J Nat Med. 2018 Jan;72(1):96-105. doi: 10.1007/s11418-017-1116-3. Epub 2017 Sep 13. PMID: 28905175.
M. Hashimoto, K. Yamashita, K. Matsuzaki, S. Kato, O. Shido, Beneficial Effects of Perilla oil and brain training intervention on cognition in elderly Japanese, 2017. doi:10.1093/geroni/igx004.1665.
Tian, Y., Wang, H., Yuan, F., Li, N., Huang, Q., He, L., … & Liu, Z. (2016). Perilla oil has similar protective effects of fish oil on high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and gut dysbiosis. BioMed research international, 2016.
3 comments
Comments are closed.