Perilla EO

Available at White Lotus as Shiso (at $100 an oz)

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Perilla (Shiso) (Perilla Frutescens) | Essential-Oil-Plant Portrait by Dr. Malte Hozzel

Botanical Name: Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton (syn. Perilla ocymoides L.)

Plant Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Common Names: Perilla, Shiso, Beefsteak plant, Zi Su (Chinese), Japanese mint

Perilla essential oil is a steam- or hydro-distilled volatile oil primarily obtained from the leaves and flowering tops of Perilla frutescens, an annual herb widely cultivated in Asia. The oil is known for its distinctive fresh, herbaceous, spicy, green aroma with sweet, citrusy, and slightly minty or anise-like nuances. It varies significantly by chemotype, with perillaldehyde-rich oils being the most common in culinary and aromatic applications. Valued in traditional East Asian medicine and cuisine, the oil offers promising antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, though its use remains more specialized compared to mainstream essential oils. Note that “perilla oil” often refers to the fixed (fatty) seed oil rich in omega-3s; this monograph focuses on the aromatic essential oil.

Botanical and Historical Context

Perilla frutescens is native to East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) and features broad, ovate, serrated leaves that can be green or purple-red, along with small white or purple flowers. The plant thrives in sunny, well-drained locations and is grown as a culinary herb, ornamental, and medicinal plant. Different cultivars and chemotypes exist, influencing leaf color, flavor, and oil composition. Historically, perilla has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicine and cuisine. Leaves are eaten fresh or pickled, while the plant has been employed for respiratory issues, allergies, digestive support, and as an antidote. The essential oil contributes to its characteristic aroma and therapeutic reputation.

Production and Physical Properties

The essential oil is typically produced by steam distillation or microwave-assisted methods of the fresh or dried leaves and aerial parts. Yields are generally low, ranging from 0.02–1.3% depending on variety, growing conditions, harvest stage, and extraction method. The oil is a mobile liquid, usually pale yellow to yellowish in color.

Key Physical Characteristics:

Odor: Fresh, green, herbaceous, spicy, with citrus, caraway, apple, or tea-like notes depending on chemotype.
Perfumery Note: Top to middle note.
Strength: Medium to strong.
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol and fixed oils; insoluble in water.
CAS Number: 68132-21-8 (perilla leaf oil).

Chemical Composition

Perilla essential oil exhibits significant chemotypic variation. Major chemotypes include perillaldehyde (PA), perilla ketone (PK), elsholtzia ketone (EK), and others. Common major constituents in perillaldehyde-dominant oils include:

Perillaldehyde (often 50–82%, responsible for characteristic aroma).
Limonene (5–25%).
β-Caryophyllene.
Linalool.
α-Farnesene or perilla alcohol (minor).

Other chemotypes may be dominated by perilla ketone (up to 97% in some samples), myristicin, or elsholtzia ketone. Additional compounds include sesquiterpenes, aldehydes, and ketones. Composition is influenced by origin, cultivar, and environment.

Therapeutic and Pharmacological Properties

Traditional and preliminary research supports several properties for perilla leaf essential oil:

Antimicrobial: Effective against various bacteria and fungi, supporting use in preservation or skin applications.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory: Helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
Respiratory and Anti-allergic: Traditionally used for cough, asthma, and allergic conditions.
Digestive: Carminative and supportive for gastrointestinal comfort.
Other: Potential insect-repellent, anticancer, and neuroprotective activities in studies. Perillaldehyde contributes significantly to many of these effects.

The oil blends well with citrus, mint, lavender, ginger, and other herbal oils.

Applications

Aromatherapy: Diffused for respiratory support or mental clarity; diluted for massage targeting inflammation or digestion.
Flavor and Food: Used sparingly as a flavoring agent in Asian cuisine or functional foods.
Cosmetics and Personal Care: Incorporated in creams, lotions, or perfumes for fragrance and antimicrobial benefits (low percentages).
Traditional Medicine: Aligned with cooling, detoxifying, and respiratory uses in East Asian systems.

Usage levels are typically low due to potency and variability.

Safety and Toxicology

Perilla essential oil is generally considered safe in low, properly diluted concentrations for most adults, with perilla extracts and oils used traditionally. However, certain chemotypes (especially high in perilla ketone) may pose risks of pulmonary toxicity in animals and require caution. Oral LD50 values indicate moderate toxicity in high doses.

Key Precautions:

Perform patch testing; may cause skin irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals.
Use in high dilution (typically 0.5–1% or less for topical applications).
Avoid ingestion unless under professional supervision.
Use caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited specific data—consult a qualified practitioner.
Certain chemotypes (e.g., high perilla ketone) may have additional toxicity concerns and should be avoided or used only with full GC-MS analysis.
Keep away from children and pets. Not for undiluted use.

Select oils with known chemotype and full compositional analysis.

Conclusion

Perilla essential oil is a distinctive, chemotype-variable aromatic extract offering unique green-spicy notes and promising bioactive properties rooted in East Asian tradition. Its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and respiratory-supportive qualities make it valuable for niche applications in aromatherapy, flavoring, and natural formulations. Due to chemotypic differences, quality sourcing with detailed analysis is essential for safe and effective use. Further research continues to explore its full potential in wellness and functional products.

Primary benefits and uses of Perilla essential oil are in the treatment of respiratory ailments. It is a expectorant and cough suppressant, relieves the common cold and viral infections such as flu, and other lung disorders. It is a powerful anti-oxidant, reduces cholesterol, combats eye problems like pink-eye, or allergic conjunctivitis. It relieves inflammation and swelling, and allergies. It is anti-bacterial.

It can be used in cooking, aromatherapy, massage, medications, and also as a preservative.