Perilla Seed TCM (Perilla frutescens var. frutescens): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Perilla seed work for cough and respiratory conditions?

Perilla seed contains bioactive compounds including alpha-linolenic acid, rosmarinic acid, and luteolin that exhibit anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the seed directs lung qi downward and transforms phlegm, addressing the root pattern of rebellious qi. Rosmarinic acid inhibits inflammatory mediators, while luteolin provides antioxidant support for respiratory tissues. Evidence Level: C.

Does Perilla seed interact with any medications?

Perilla seed may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications such as warfarin or aspirin due to its alpha-linolenic acid content, which can enhance blood-thinning effects. The herb's immunomodulatory compounds may also affect immunosuppressant medications. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a qualified healthcare provider before using Perilla seed supplements. Evidence Level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for Perilla seed?

The standard adult dosage for Perilla seed is 3-10 grams of dried seed prepared as a decoction, taken once or twice daily. For standardized extracts, 300-500mg daily is typical. Dosage varies based on individual constitution and condition severity. Those with Qi deficiency or loose stools should use lower doses or avoid the herb entirely. Evidence Level: Traditional.

Is Perilla seed safe during pregnancy?

Perilla seed is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. In TCM theory, its downward-directing properties may affect pregnancy, and therapeutic doses of omega-3 fatty acids have not been established as safe for pregnant women. Pregnant individuals should not use Perilla seed without explicit guidance from a qualified healthcare practitioner. Evidence Level: Traditional.

What is Perilla seed used for in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Perilla seed is used to direct lung qi downward, transform phlegm, and moisten the intestines. It treats respiratory conditions characterized by cough, wheezing, and phlegm obstruction where qi rebels upward. The seed also addresses constipation by moistening the intestines. It is particularly suited to patterns involving phlegm with underlying dryness. Evidence Level: Traditional.

Who should not take Perilla seed?

Perilla seed is contraindicated for individuals with diarrhea, loose stools, or Qi deficiency patterns, as its moistening and downward-directing properties may worsen these conditions. Pregnant women should avoid this herb entirely. Those with known allergies to Lamiaceae family plants should exercise caution. Always consult a qualified practitioner before use. Evidence Level: Traditional.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Perilla seed (Perilla frutescens var. frutescens) is an annual herb used medicinally in Asia, valued for its rich oil and protein content with diverse pharmacological effects [PMID:37570851, PMID:39598647].

Background

Perilla frutescens is an annual herbaceous plant of the Labiatae family grown widely in several Asian countries [PMID:37570851, PMID:39594031]. The plant is used medicinally in its entirety, including seeds, stalks, and leaves [PMID:37570851].

Traditional uses

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a formula containing perilla seed known as Zi-Su-Zi decoction is clinically used for the treatment of cough and asthma, specifically cough-variant asthma (CVA), which is categorized as 'wind cough' [PMID:37187363].

Active compounds

Key active components include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), rosmarinic acid, luteolin, apigenin, perilla aldehyde, lignan, isoestrogen, tocopherols, phytosterols, and various bioactive peptides and polysaccharides [PMID:37570851, PMID:39598647, PMID:40943103, PMID:41227657, PMID:37958887].

Mechanism of action

Perilla seed extracts may act through the inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase [PMID:39796337, PMID:37576065], activation of the Nrf2 pathway [PMID:39796337], and suppression of MAPK/NF-kappaB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways [PMID:41085638]. In diabetic models, it has been shown to enhance insulin secretion and restore gut microbial balance [PMID:40943103]. In hair loss models, it may downregulate SRD5A1-3 and TGF-beta1 expression [PMID:40807520].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DDiabetes

Perilla seed residue crude extract (PCE) improved metabolic parameters, reduced blood glucose levels, and enhanced insulin secretion in diabetic rats [PMID:40943103]

Evidence DUlcerative Colitis

Perilla seed oil (PSO) and rosmarinic acid-enriched perilla seed meal/extracts demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and suppressed proinflammatory cytokines in mouse models [PMID:38731431, PMID:34522194]

Evidence DCognitive Dysfunction

Perilla seed pomace extract (PSE) protected against oxidative stress and reversed apoptotic markers in SAMP8 mice [PMID:40537890]

Evidence DAndrogenetic Alopecia

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) perilla seed extract promoted the proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells in vitro [PMID:40807520]

Evidence DCancer

Perilla seed extract (PSE) induced apoptosis in human colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cells [PMID:41227657]; a purified polysaccharide (PFSP-2-1) also exhibited antitumor activity [PMID:37958887]

Safety & adverse effects

Perilla seeds are known to cause immediate allergic reactions in some individuals, including anaphylaxis in 28.6% of a small pediatric cohort studied [PMID:34643183].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models (rats/mice), and a small clinical characterization of allergy. There is a lack of large-scale human clinical trials to validate the health benefits [PMID:39594031].

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 37687222 (2023) — The Chemical Composition and Health-Promoting Benefits of Vegetable Oils-A Review. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 37570851 (2023) — The Role and Mechanism of Perilla frutescens in Cancer Treatment. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 39598647 (2024) — Perilla Seed Oil and Protein: Composition, Health Benefits, and Potential Applications in Functional Foods. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 39594031 (2024) — Perilla Seed Oil: A Review of Health Effects, Encapsulation Strategies and Applications in Food. · Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 40943103 (2025) — Perilla frutescens Seed Residue Extract Restores Gut Microbial Balance and Enhances Insulin Function in High-Fat Diet and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Perilla Seed TCM

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Perilla Seed TCM

Polypodium vulgare

Gladiolus communis

Terminalia Chebula Var

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Perilla Seed TCM

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Perilla Seed TCM

Related Herbs

Polypodium vulgare

Gladiolus communis

Terminalia Chebula Var

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources