Perilla

Perilla, obtained from the Perilla frutescens plant, encompasses both its leaves and seeds, known for their culinary use and potential medicinal properties. The oil, commonly derived from roasted seeds, is utilized in diets for its nutty flavor and is recognized as a dietary supplement due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, notably alpha-linolenic acid, similar to flaxseed oil. While it shows potential health benefits, such as decreasing swelling and potentially inhibiting cancer cell growth due to its chemical composition, scientific evidence supporting its varied uses including hay fever, asthma, canker sores, and dementia remains insufficient. Perilla oil's unique properties and the benefits of its isolated compounds, like rosmarinic acid, have not been extensively researched. It is important to note that while perilla shows potential, there's limited scientific evidence to support many of its purported uses, necessitating further research for validation.