Comprehensive Review of Perilla Frutescens: Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Mechanisms, and Industrial Applications in Food and Health Products

April 2025 in “ Foods ”

Dandan Yi, Zhiyong Wang, Mugen Peng

Perilla frutescens rosmarinic acid androgenetic alopecia DHT testosterone flavonoids phenolic acids essential oils Perilla plant hair growth male pattern baldness

Studysummary This study highlights the diverse applications of *Perilla frutescens* in traditional medicine, cuisine, and industrial settings, noting its significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in experimental models, as well as research efforts to enhance its bioactive content and ensure safety and standardization.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

Perilla frutescens is a multifunctional plant with significant potential in health and food industries due to its rich bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and essential oils. These compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. The plant's essential oils and extracts are used in food preservation and as natural antibacterial agents. Notably, rosmarinic acid promotes hair growth and may treat androgenetic alopecia by inhibiting testosterone and DHT activity. Perilla frutescens also shows potential in treating conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and SARS-CoV-2, and its seed oil is a valuable source of omega-3 fatty acids. The review emphasizes the need for safety evaluations and clinical studies to further understand its bioactive compounds and enhance its applications in pharmaceuticals, functional foods, and sustainable industries.

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Research cited in this study

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The Promotion of Hair Regrowth by Topical Application of a Perilla Frutescens Extract Through Increased Cell Viability and Antagonism of Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone

research The Promotion of Hair Regrowth by Topical Application of a Perilla Frutescens Extract Through Increased Cell Viability and Antagonism of Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone

8 citations , September 2017 in “Journal of Natural Medicines”

This study reported that the n-butanol fraction of Perilla frutescens extract, particularly rosmarinic acid, showed potential for hair regrowth and anti-androgenic activity in male mice, suggesting it as a possible treatment for androgenetic alopecia.