Perilla

Studies in people

• Open question

  Asthma breathing and blood fats²

  In people with asthma, perilla seed oil lowered some blood fats and improved breathing in some, but not others.

• Benefit

  Blood pressure and heart risk³

  In healthy Japanese adults, perilla leaf powder lowered oxidized LDL and, in those with slightly high blood pressure, reduced morning systolic pressure.

• Benefit

  Heart artery health⁴

  In people, drinking red perilla extract slowed the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a step linked to hardened arteries.

Animal and lab studies only

• Benefit

  Gut health and aging⁸

  In lab studies, perilla peptides boosted good gut bacteria, supported skin, and helped blood sugar.

• Benefit

  Weight gain and body fat⁹

  In animal studies, purple perilla prevented weight gain and cut body fat in mice fed high-fat diets.

• Benefit

  Memory and brain health¹⁰

  In animal studies, ALA from perilla oil helped prevent memory loss caused by a brain protein.

Study type not stated

• Benefit

  Heart and blood vessel health⁵

  Perilla seed oil is rich in omega-3 fats that may help lower blood cholesterol and support heart health.

• Benefit

  Fat processing in the body⁶

  Perilla oil may help the body handle fats, but scientists still need to find the right amount.

• Benefit

  Heart and blood fats⁷

  Perilla seeds contain omega-3 fats, which may lower cholesterol and support heart health.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least one finding in people. When most findings in people point one way, the page leans that way (“Mostly”), and every finding is still shown. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.