The cultivation and consumption of Perilla dates back to Antiquity where South-East Asians already used it in cooking to flavor their preparations but also in traditional therapy. Today, it is from the seeds of Perilla that we draw a large part of its riches. By cold pressing, they offer a vegetable oil surprisingly rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This polyunsaturated fatty acid, also known as omega 3, is of major interest in preventing cardiovascular problems or fighting inflammatory conditions. Latin name: Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton Part used: seeds (first cold pressing)

This article was updated on 28/07/2023
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Main properties

  • nutritious :

    perilla oil is recognized as being the vegetable oil richest in omega 3. Among them, we find alpha-linolenic acid, a so-called essential fatty acid because the body cannot produce it, we must bring it through our diet. This fatty acid is the precursor of two polyunsaturated fatty acids, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Perilla oil thus contributes to nutritional balance.

  • hypocholesterolemic, cardiovascular protector :

    by participating in nutritional balance via its rich composition in omega 3, Perilla oil has numerous beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and chronic diseases in general.

  • anti-inflammatory :

    perilla oil, rich in omega-3, helps inhibit the body's inflammatory processes. Its intake helps to compensate for the omega 3/omega 6 imbalance observed today and seeming to be involved in chronic inflammation.

  • soothing, nourishing :

    perilla oil, rich in fatty acids, quickly penetrates the skin for a moisturizing and nourishing effect. It helps strengthen the skin barrier and provides flexibility to prevent skin aging. It is also used in hair care to deeply nourish dry hair and obtain shiny and supple hair.

Characteristics and composition

Cosmetic features
  • Skin type: dry, irritated, mature, sensitive.
  • Hair type: dry, brittle.
Organoleptic characteristics
  • Appearance: liquid
  • Color: pale yellow
  • Odor: characteristic, powerful.
  • Touch: dry.
Characteristics for formulation
  • Unsaponifiable and active ingredients: vitamin E, β-carotene (provitamin A).
  • Comedogenicity index: 2 (=low comedogenic)
  • Average saponification index: 190
  • Oxidation stability: sensitive
  • High temperature stability: sensitive
  • Inci name: perilla ocymoides seed oil
Fatty acid composition
  • palmitic acid (AGS): 5 to 8%
  • stearic acid (SFA): 1 to 3%
  • oleic acid (omega 9 MUFA): 10 to 18%
  • linoleic acid (omega 6 PUFA): 12 to 20%
  • linolenic acid (omega 3 PUFA): ≥ 60%
  • unsaponifiable: ≤ 1.5%
Physical characteristics
  • Density at 20°C: 0.920 to 0.940
  • Peroxide value: 15
  • Acid number: 4,000
  • Iodine index: 180 to 215
Botanical characteristics
  • Botanical family: Labiaceae
  • Country of origin: China.
  • Distilled part: seeds
  • Obtaining process: first cold pressing
  • Latin name: Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton

Precautions for use

  • Perilla oil is sensitive to oxidation. It should be stored in a cool place, away from light and air.
  • Sensitive to high temperatures, Perilla oil must be used as a cold seasoning so as not to alter its benefits.
  • It is often recommended to dilute Perilla oil to 20% in other vegetable oils for any skin application.
  • As a precaution, it is best to limit Perilla oil for people on anticoagulant treatment.

Authorized ways of use

Dermal Dermal
Oral route Oral route

Authorized users

Adults and Teenagers Adults and Teenagers
Children under 6 years old Children under 6 years old
Pregnant & breastfeeding women Pregnant & breastfeeding women
Babies under 3 years old Babies under 3 years old

Storage

Store preferably in a cool place, away from light and heat.

In case of'Atherosclerosis, Cholesterol, Cardiovascular pathology

Efficiency: ++++

Several studies have demonstrated the action of Perilla oil on cholesterol levels. One of them is a randomized, double-blind study on patients with dementia. The primary goal of this study was to demonstrate the action of Perilla on cognitive functions. At this level, no significant effect was observed, but the LDL level significantly decreased in patients in the experimental group, proving another benefit of Perilla oil. Another study on mice this time demonstrated that Perilla oil helped reduce cholesterol levels, but also reduced the risk of atherosclerosis and the accumulation of lipids in the liver. This is mainly due to a very low omega-6/omega-3 ratio. In short, Perilla would improve the balance of expression of lipogenic and lipolytic proteins and thus limit metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases induced by an excessively fatty diet.

  • Application advice :

    1 to 2 teaspoons of Perilla oil per day, as a seasoning in the dish or at the start of meals.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    several vegetable oils are rich in omega-3 and have the same benefits such as coconut oil Linen or Cameline.

In case of'Respiratory allergy, Asthma

Efficiency: +++

Perilla oil contains a small part of essential oil, partly composed of rosmarinic acid. This compound has anti-allergic properties, which it imparts to vegetable oil. Perilla oil would therefore be capable of inhibiting most allergy mediators, and would have beneficial effects on the lungs and breathing in general. It is commonly used to support asthma. In addition, the anti-inflammatory and soothing properties conferred by omega-3 fatty acids reinforce its action on allergies.

  • Application advice :

    Dermal : apply a few drops of Perilla vegetable oil locally.
    Orally : 1 to 2 teaspoons as a seasoning or at the start of meals.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    against allergies, you must use essential oils with antihistamine or antispasmodic properties such as Annual Tansy, Camomile, Roman Chamomile or even Tarragon.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    the oil of Nigella it also helps to act against allergies and allergic asthma.

In case of Dry skin, Irritated skin, Sensitive skin

Efficiency: ++

Perilla oil is rich in fatty acids beneficial for the skin, including essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and 6, but also omega-9. This composition allows it to strengthen the skin's hydrolipid barrier and soften it. Omega-3, very present in this oil, also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, required to relieve redness in irritated and sensitive skin.

  • Application advice :

    apply a few drops of Perilla oil to the body or face, massaging in until well absorbed. 

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    most vegetable oils help nourish the skin, such as Baobab, l'Argan, or the oil of Wheat germ.

In case of Mature skin

Efficiency: ++

The high presence of omega-3, as well as a small amount of vitamin E in Perilla oil makes it perfectly suitable for mature skin. Indeed, these two components have anti-oxidant properties, they act against the free radicals responsible for cellular aging. The other fatty acids in the oil strengthen the skin barrier, nourish the skin and soften it.

  • Application advice :

    massage a few drops of Perilla oil morning and evening onto the skin to make the oil penetrate well.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    mature skin will appreciate the essential oils of Cistus or Rosat Geranium as a complement.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    other vegetable oils can also be used in this case such as Rosehip, THE Chia or even the Prickly Pear Seeds.

In case of Rheumatism

Efficiency: ++

Perilla oil comes from the seeds, which are very rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are precursors of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), themselves polyunsaturated fatty acids. They have the ability to inhibit the conversion of arachonic acid into pro-inflammatory substances by cyclooxygenase. In addition to this, Perilla oil helps reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNFα by monocytes. Perilla oil, through its anti-inflammatory action, therefore helps to combat rheumatic pain. 

  • Application advice :

    apply a few drops to painful or inflamed areas, twice a day. 

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    to limit inflammatory reactions, essential oils of Wintergreen or Lemon Eucalyptus can be used.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    the oily macerates ofArnica or St. John's wort they also have anti-inflammatory properties, so they can complement Perilla.

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Bibliography

Publication: Asif, M. (2011). Health effects of omega-3,6,9 fatty acids: Perilla frutescens is a good example of plant oils. Oriental Pharmacy & Experimental Medicine, 11(1), 51–59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-011-0002-x

Publication: Kamalashiran, C., Sriyakul, K., Pattaraarchachai, J., & Muengtaweepongsa, S. (2019). Outcomes of Perilla Seed Oil as an Additional Neuroprotective Therapy in Patients with Mild to Moderate Dementia: A Randomized Control Trial. Current Alzheimer Research, 16(2), 146–155. https://doi.org/10.2174/1567205016666181212153720

Publication: Kim, SR, Je, J., Jeong, K., Kim, SJ, Lee, K., Choi, S., . . . Park, S.W. (2019). Perilla Oil Decreases Aortic and Hepatic Lipid Accumulation by Modulating Lipogenesis and Lipolysis in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice. Journal of Medicinal Food, 22(1), 14–21. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2018.4226

Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.

Work : Chesman, S. (2017). The short guide to vegetable oils. Blood of the Earth Editions.

Work : Clergaud, C. (2003). Vegetable oils: health and beauty oils. Amyris.

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