Anti‐allergic effect of Perilla frutescens and its active constituents

Abstract

The leaves of Perilla frutescens Britton (Labiatae) are one of the most popular garnishes in Japan, used as an antidote for fi sh and crab meat allergy or as a food colorant. The present study was conducted to evaluate its anti-allergic effect and to identify its active constituents using mice ear-passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA)-reaction. 48 h after the cutaneous injection of anti-ovalbumin serum into the ears of mice, ovalbumin and evansblue dye were intravenously injected. Perilla was extracted with boiling water, and intraperitoneally injected 15 min before ovalbumin-treatment. Thirty min after ovalbumin-treatment, the ears were removed and the colorant in the ear was colorimetrically quantitated. Perilla extract significantly suppressed the PCA-reaction, which was brought about by rosmarinic acid with a partial contribution from some macromolecular compounds. The anti-allergic titer of rosmarinic acid was more effective than tranilast, which is a modern anti-allergic drug. Perilla and rosmarinic acid are potentially promising agents for the treatment of allergic diseases.

Antioxidant Activities of Perilla frutescens against Low-Density Lipoprotein Oxidation in Vitro and in Human Subjects

“…studies have been conducted on the compounds contained in perilla that have anti-infl ammatory 6,7 , anti-HIV-1 8 , antiallergic 9,10 , and anti-tumor 11,12 properties. Nonetheless, the antioxidant activity of perilla remains poorly understood.…”

Alleviation of atopic dermatitis-related symptoms by Perilla frutescens Britton

“…It has been reported that the constituents of the aqueous fraction of Perilla frutescens (PfB/af) exhibit in vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging behaviors. They also include potent activities for antimicrobial, antitumor, antiviral, and anti-diabetic effects in vitro or in vivo (19)(20)(21)(22). However, up to the present time, our knowledge has not gleaned sufficient data concerning its biological activities, and it has never been investigated whether or not PfB/af can be useful as an active whole food mixture in a DNFB-induced atopic dermatitis animal model.…”

Preliminary Phytochemical Screenings and Pharmacological Activities of Three Medicinal Plants of Bangladesh

“…4 It has antiasthmatic, antidote, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiseptic, anti-allergic properties. 5,6 The seeds of Perilla species contain different polyphenols or flavones. The essential oil of the plant is used as flavouring agent in food industry.…”