Perilla frutescens var. crispa

Shiso

Periella frutescens var. crispa, commonly known as shiso or perilla, is a versatile medicinal herb celebrated in East Asian traditional medicine. Renowned for its aromatic leaves, it possesses potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This nutrient-dense plant is widely utilized to support digestive health and enhance overall wellness.

  • Scientific name: Perilla frutescens var. crispa
  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales and family Lamiaceae, it is classified under the genus Perilla. Specifically, this variety is identified as Perilla frutescens var. crispa.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Lamiaceae WCVP
Genus Perilla WCVP

Common Names

This plant is known by various names across different regions and languages, including 소엽 in Korean, shiso or shiso in English (specifically in the United Kingdom and Canada), シソ in Japanese, and 回回苏 in Chinese.
Language Common Name Source
ko 소엽 Wikidata
en-ca Shiso Wikidata
en-gb shiso Wikidata
ja シソ Wikidata
zh 回回苏 Wikidata
zh-hans 回回苏 Wikidata
zh-hant 回回蘇 Wikidata
vi Tía tô Wikidata
ms Pokok Pudina Jepun Wikidata
th ชิโซะ Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning both Eastern Asia and parts of North America. In its native Eastern Asian regions, it can be found growing in Japan and Korea. Its presence extends into the North-Central United States, specifically within the states of Illinois and Missouri. Additionally, the species has established itself in the Northeastern United States, notably in Connecticut. Together, these locations illustrate the wide range inhabited by this specific variety.

Region Area Source
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Illinois WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Missouri WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Connecticut WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Indiana WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Massachusetts WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. New York WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Pennsylvania WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. West Virginia WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Perilla frutescens var. crispa, possesses distinct morphological features across its various components. The stems are typically erect and often exhibit a purplish tint, providing a sturdy structure for the plant's growth. The leaves are the most prominent feature, characterized by their serrated edges and deeply lobed shape, which can vary in color from green to deep purple depending on the cultivar. Each individual leaf contains a high concentration of aromatic essential oils, which are central to its medicinal properties. Additionally, the plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that grow in clusters, completing its reproductive cycle and adding to its complex botanical profile.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
5
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆
stems 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flower 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Perilla frutescens var. crispa has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include EK, PA, PK, anthocyanin, anthocyanins.

Total chemicals
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
EK 1 ★☆☆☆☆
PA 1 ★☆☆☆☆
PK 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anthocyanin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anthocyanins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rosmarinic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Perilla frutescens var. crispa has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antiobesity.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiobesity 1 ★☆☆☆☆