Perilla frutescens
Perilla frutescens · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (15 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Perilla frutescens is a versatile botanical resource utilized across various medicinal preparations, including aqueous extracts, essential oils, and specialized formulations like Banxia Houpu decoction. Derived from its leaves, seeds, stems, and roots, this plant contains potent bioactive compounds such as rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and perillaldehyde. These chemical constituents drive a wide range of therapeutic activities, specifically offering antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, and antidepressant properties. Consequently, it is frequently studied for its ability to manage complex conditions such as inflammation, asthma, allergies, and depression. Through these diverse mechanisms, the plant serves as a significant subject in both traditional and modern pharmacological research.
- Synonyms
- Pogostemon Perilloides
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Seed
Classification
Common Names
Perilla frutescens is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of regional and culinary names. In English-speaking regions, it is frequently referred to as Beefsteak, Beefsteakplant, or Chinese Basil. The plant also carries the name Egoma, a designation that highlights its unique botanical identity. In Germany, it is commonly identified by the name Basilien-Erzblatt. These various monikers reflect the plant's widespread use and cultural significance across different parts of the world.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Perilla frutescens is a versatile plant that is often recognized by several different scientific names in botanical literature. It is frequently identified by the synonym Ocimum frutescens, which can sometimes cause confusion for those studying its classification. Additionally, the species is known by the alternative name Pogostemon perilloides. Understanding these synonymous relationships is essential for accurate identification and research within the field of botany. Navigating these various designations ensures that scientists and gardeners alike can correctly categorize this unique specimen.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Perilla frutescens belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of multicellular organisms. Within this kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Lamiales, a group that shares specific structural characteristics. As a member of the Lamiaceae family, it is closely related to other well-known aromatic herbs. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by its placement within the genus Perilla.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Perilla |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Perilla frutescens is a versatile plant with a broad distribution spanning much of the Asia-Temperate region. Its natural range extends through the Caucasus and Transcaucasus, showcasing its ability to thrive in diverse climates. Within China, the species is widely established across South-Central, Southeast, and Inner Mongolia territories. The plant also maintains a significant presence in Eastern Asia, particularly throughout the islands of Japan. This widespread geographic footprint highlights the plant's adaptability across various Asian landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Perilla frutescens is a distinctive herb characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting structure. This plant typically reaches a modest height, staying well within a manageable range for garden enthusiasts. Most specimens grow to a minimum of 0.6 meters, though they can reach a maximum height of 1 meter under ideal conditions. Such consistent growth dimensions make it a reliable addition to various horticultural landscapes.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Perilla frutescens is a versatile medicinal plant recognized for its diverse and potent pharmacological properties. Research indicates that the plant possesses significant antidepressant activity, which has been demonstrated through its ability to attenuate depressive-like behaviors in animal models. Beyond mental health, its rich chemical composition provides strong antioxidant effects that help reduce oxidative stress within biological systems. The plant also exhibits powerful antimicrobial and antibacterial activities, making it effective against various pathogens. Furthermore, the bioactive compounds found in its leaves and stems contribute to its notable anticancer potential, highlighting its value in modern therapeutic development.
Compounds
Perilla frutescens is a versatile medicinal and edible plant characterized by a diverse profile of bioactive secondary metabolites. Research indicates that the plant contains significant amounts of flavonoids and rosmarinic acid, both of which contribute to its nutritional and therapeutic value. The presence of anthocyanin is further highlighted by the distinct red pigmentation found in specific varieties, which is regulated by complex genetic pathways. Additionally, the essential oils of the plant are rich in perillaldehyde, a compound noted for its potential antianisakis properties. Finally, the species contains perilla ketone, a common volatile constituent that serves as a key marker for different chemotypes.
Conditions
Perilla frutescens exhibits significant therapeutic potential by providing anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects through various active components like rosmarinic acid. The plant is effective in treating asthma by attenuating airway inflammation through the synergistic targeting of Syk. Research demonstrates that it can treat the PCA-reaction, specifically suppressing cutaneous anaphylaxis in animal models. These diverse pharmacological properties establish Perilla frutescens as a promising agent for the treatment of various allergic diseases.
Preparations
Perilla frutescens is prepared as an extract to study its anti-allergic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties in various biological models. The plant is also prepared as an aqueous extract, which has been utilized to analyze metabolites in humans and rats and to inhibit mast cell-mediated allergic reactions. Furthermore, Perilla frutescens is prepared as essential oil, containing perillaldehyde and perilla ketone that exhibit both antianisakis and pulmonary edemagenic effects. It is also prepared as part of the Banxia Houpu decoction, a traditional Chinese medicinal formula used to demonstrate antidepressant activities. Finally, the plant is prepared as EOPF, an essential oil preparation that has been shown to attenuate depressive-like behavior and restore brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in mice.
Parts used
Perilla frutescens is a versatile medicinal and edible plant that contains a rich variety of bioactive components distributed throughout its different parts. The leaves and stems are frequently studied for their metabolic responses to environmental factors and their significant nutritional value. Its seeds are highly valued as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds, which can be extracted for medicinal purposes. Additionally, the fruits, often referred to as nutlets, demonstrate potent antioxidant activities that can protect against oxidative stress. Even the roots play a functional role in the ecosystem, as they can be used in organic amendments to improve soil health and reduce plant pathogens.