Perilla frutescens, a mint-family herb long used in East Asian cuisine, contains over 270 identified bioactive compounds, including rosmarinic acid, luteolin and omega-3-rich seed oil, that show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in preclinical research. A small human trial found oral rosmarinic acid-enriched Perilla extract improved symptoms in seasonal allergic rhinitis patients, though it didn’t significantly suppress systemic IgE or key inflammatory markers, pointing to a more targeted effect. Animal studies suggest Perilla leaf and seed extracts can boost regulatory T-cells, reduce inflammatory cytokines, improve gut barrier integrity and support healthier microbiota, with some seed-residue extracts even slowing early markers of colorectal cancer. However, most evidence remains confined to lab and animal models, and researchers stress that large, standardized human trials are still needed before clear clinical guidelines can be established.
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