Search Results (57)

Perilla seed has long been recognized in traditional diets for its health-promoting properties, but its potential role in hair loss prevention remains underexplored. This study compared three extraction methods—maceration (MAC), screw pressing (SC), and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)—to determine their efficiency in recovering bioactive compounds and their effects on androgenetic alopecia (AGA)-related pathways. The SFE extract contained the highest levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols, while MAC uniquely recovered a broader range of polyphenols. Among all extracts, SFE-derived perilla seed extract showed the most consistent biological effects, promoting proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) by 139.4 ± 1.1% at 72 h (p < 0.05). It also reduced TBARS and nitrite levels in HFDPCs to 66.75 ± 0.62% of control and 0.87 ± 0.01 μM, respectively, indicating strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Importantly, the SFE extract significantly downregulated SRD5A1-3 and TGF-β1 expression—key genes involved in androgen-mediated hair follicle regression—outperforming finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil in vitro by approximately 1.10-fold, 1.25-fold, and 1.50-fold, respectively (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that perilla seed extract obtained via supercritical fluid extraction may offer potential as a natural candidate to prevent hair loss through multiple biological mechanisms. These in vitro results support its further investigation for potential application in functional food or nutraceutical development targeting scalp and hair health. Full article

Seed germination is recognized for enhancing the accumulation of bioactive compounds. Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt., commonly known as perilla seed, is rich in fatty acids that may be beneficial for anti-hair loss. This study investigated the hair regeneration potential of perilla seed extracts—non-germinated (NG-PS) and germinated in distilled water (0 ppm selenium; G0-PS), and germinated with 80 ppm selenium (G80-PS)—obtained from supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and screw compression (SC). SFE extracts exhibited significantly higher levels of polyphenols, tocopherols, and fatty acids compared to SC extracts. Among the germinated groups, G0-PS showed the highest bioactive compound content and antioxidant capacity. Remarkably, treatment with SFE-G0-PS led to a significant increase in the proliferation and migration of hair follicle cells, reaching 147.21 ± 2.11% (p < 0.05), and resulted in complete wound closure. In addition, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were reflected by a marked scavenging effect on TBARS (59.62 ± 0.66% of control) and suppressed nitrite amounts (0.44 ± 0.01 µM). Moreover, SFE-G0-PS markedly suppressed SRD5A1-3 gene expression—key regulators in androgenetic alopecia—in both DU-145 and HFDPCs, with approximately 2-fold and 1.5-fold greater inhibition compared to finasteride and minoxidil, respectively. Simultaneously, it upregulated the expression of hair growth-related genes, including CTNNB1, SHH, SMO, GLI1, and VEGF, by approximately 1.5-fold, demonstrating stronger activation than minoxidil. These findings suggest the potential of SFE-G0-PS as a natural therapeutic agent for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. Full article

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt., a multifunctional herbaceous plant, is widely used in traditional medicine and cuisine due to its rich array of bioactive compounds. To date, many key phytochemicals in P. frutescens have been identified, including volatile terpenoids (perillaldehyde, limonene,), flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin), and phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid derivatives), which exhibit significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer, antibacterial, and blood sugar-lowering effects. Studies have shown that volatile oils, flavonoids, and phenolic acids in P. frutescens exert their effects in various experimental models. In food and industrial applications, P. frutescens shows innovative potential in functional foods, natural preservatives, and novel food additives, effectively extending food shelf life and providing antimicrobial protection. Moreover, research on the biology and genetic improvement of P. frutescens has provided new approaches to enhance its yield and bioactive content. Finally, this paper also discusses the safety and standardization issues of the plant, providing theoretical support for its widespread application. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to identify and develop a novel, safe, and effective transdermal penetration enhancer derived from the leaves of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt, and to explore the underlying mechanisms of its penetration enhancement effects. Methods: To evaluate the safety profile of the penetration enhancer, both skin irritation tests and histopathological analyses were conducted. The transdermal enhancement capabilities of the penetration enhancer were assessed in vitro using five model drugs. Furthermore, to gain insights into the penetration enhancement mechanism of this novel penetration enhancer, a range of analytical methods were used, including a spectroscopic technique, differential scanning calorimetry, micro-optical techniques, and molecular docking simulations. Results: Perilla essential oil contained 93.70% perilla ketone (PEK), which exhibited a safety profile superior to that of azone. PEK significantly increased the cumulative skin permeation of all the model drugs (p < 0.05). PEK exhibited the most obvious impact on puerarin penetration, with quantitative enhancement ratios of 2.96 ± 0.07 and 3.39 ± 0.21 at concentrations of 3% and 5% (w/v), respectively. A strong correlation between the enhancement effect of PEK and the physicochemical properties of the drugs was observed. Mechanistic studies revealed that PEK facilitates drug distribution from the solution phase to the stratum corneum (SC). Conclusions: PEK, seldom discussed in former studies, was observed to show extensive penetration enhancement effects by inducing conformational changes in SC lipids and disrupting the tightly ordered bilayer arrangement of lipids. These findings highlight the potential of PEK as a promising and safe natural transdermal penetration enhancer. Full article

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. is a traditional medicinal and culinary plant with a long history of cultivation and significant potential for broader utilization. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) gene family is essential for regulating plant growth, development, stress responses, and secondary metabolism. However, the bHLH gene family in P. frutescens has not yet been characterized. In this study, a total of 205 bHLH genes were identified in P. frutescens through genome mining and analysis. Phylogenetic analysis classified these PfbHLH genes into 23 distinct subfamilies. Promoter analysis revealed an enrichment of cis-acting elements linked to plant hormone signaling and stress responses, suggesting their potential regulatory roles in development, growth, and stress adaptation. Expression profiling based on publicly available RNA-seq data demonstrated tissue-specific expression patterns of PfbHLH genes in roots, stems, and leaves. Four PfbHLH genes (PfbHLH66, PfbHLH45, PfbHLH13, and PfbHLH5) showed significant responses to methyl jasmonate (MeJA) induction. Yeast one-hybrid assays confirmed that these PfbHLH proteins could bind to the cis-acting G-box (CACGTG) element. This study offers new perspectives on the evolution, regulatory mechanisms, and functional roles of the bHLH gene family in P. frutescens. The findings deepen our understanding of the functional diversity within this gene family and establish a foundation for genetic enhancement and the biosynthesis of medicinal compounds in the species. Full article

Perilla (Perilla frutescens L.) is an annual herbaceous plant whose seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This oil exhibits various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, hypoglycemic, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory activities. In addition, incorporating perilla oil into a diet can effectively increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiota. However, perilla oil is prone to oxidation, which reduces its nutritional value and lowers its bioavailability. To address these issues, encapsulation technologies such as emulsions, oleogels, liposomes and microcapsules have been employed, showing promising results. Nonetheless, further research is needed to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms of perilla seed oil’s health effects, validate its benefits through large-scale human clinical trials and optimize encapsulation techniques. Future investigations should also explore the synergistic effects of combining perilla seed oil with other functional components and its role in modulating gut microbiota to achieve comprehensive health benefits. Full article

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure worsens chronic respiratory diseases through oxidative stress and inflammation. Perilla frutescens (L.) has potential respiratory protective properties, but the impact of growth stages on its beneficial metabolites is unclear. We aimed to evaluate how different growth stages affect phenolic acids, flavonoids, and polycosanols in perilla seeds and flowers and their efficacy in countering PM2.5-induced damage. Perilla seeds and flowers from five varieties at 10, 20, 30, and 40 days post-flowering were analyzed for metabolite content. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory protective effects were tested in RPMI 2650 cells. Our findings indicated that perilla flowers contained higher levels of functional components than seeds and exhibited significant variation with maturation. Phenolic acids of perilla flowers were highest at the early stages of maturation after flowering. However, individual flavones of perilla flowers were the highest at the late maturation stages after flowering. Extracts from perilla flowers harvested 20 days after flowering exhibited significant respiratory protection, effectively inhibiting inflammatory cytokines, mucus secretion, and oxidative stress markers. In conclusion, the flower parts of perilla, particularly those harvested 20 days after flowering, are useful materials for obtaining phenolic compounds, including rosmarinic acid, with high antioxidant and respiratory enhancement effects. Full article

Plants are the source of numerous remedies in modern medicine, and some of them have been studied due to their potential immunomodulatory activity. Astragalus membranaceus Fisch. ex Bunge (A. membranaceus), Nigella sativa L. (N. sativa), and Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton (P. frutescens) are plant species used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Their potential to act as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic agents makes them interesting for investigating their clinical potential in alleviating the symptoms of allergic diseases. Allergy affects a large number of people; according to some sources more than 30% of the world population suffer from some type of allergic reaction, with pollen allergy as the most common type. Treatment is usually pharmacological and may not be completely effective or have side effects. Thus, we are seeking traditional medicine, mostly medicinal plants, with promising potential for alleviating allergy symptoms. A literature overview was conducted employing databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Springer, and Google Scholar. This manuscript summarizes recent in vivo preclinical and clinical studies on three species with immunomodulatory activity, provides a comparison of their anti-allergic effects, and underlines the potential of their application in clinical practice. The obtained results confirmed their efficacy in the in vivo and clinical studies, but also emphasize the problem of phytochemical characterization of the species and difference between tested doses. More clinical trials with standardized protocols (defined active molecules, dosage, side effects) are required to obtain safe and effective herbal drugs. Full article

Plants play a crucial role in soil fixation and enhancement of slope stability, and saline–alkaline stress is one of the main restrictions inhibiting plant growth and development. At present, there is a lack of research on the effects of saline–alkaline composite stress on the mechanical properties of the root system and the erosion resistance of the root–soil complex. In this study, three gradients of saline–alkaline composite stress treatments and a control of saline-free treatment was set up for Oenothera biennis, Perilla frutescens, Echinops sphaerocephalus, and Lychnis fulgens. The plant salt damage rate, osmotic index, antioxidant enzyme activity and plant root morphological indicators were measured. The biomechanical characteristics were determined by stretching tests, the resistance of the plant was measured by a whole-plant vertical uprooting test, and the anti-erosion capacity of the root soil composite was measured by scrubbing test. The results showed that, at 200 mM, the salt damage index and salt damage rate of the four plants, in descending order, were as follows: E. sphaerocephalus < L. fulgens < O. biennis < P. frutescens. Among them, SOD of Perilla frutescens did not play an obvious protective role, and the substantial changes in CAT and POD, as well as the content of soluble sugars, soluble proteins, and proline, showed its sensitivity to saline and alkaline stresses. Root growth was also significantly suppressed in all four plants, the 100- and 200-mM concentrations of saline solution significantly reduced the average tensile strength of O. biennis and P. frutescens, while the saline–alkali solution of 200 mM significantly reduced the elongation of E. sphaerocephalus and L. fulgens, and significantly elevated the soil detachment rate of the root–soil composite for E. sphaerocephalus. Additionally, all three concentrations of saline treatments significantly reduced the pullout resistance of all 4 plants. There was a negative power rate relationship between tensile resistance and root diameter in four plant species, while the relationship between tensile strength and root diameter showed a negative power law only for L. fulgens treated with 0–50 mM saline solution. There was no significant correlation between elongation and root diameter in the four plants. P. frutescens had the greatest tensile resistance and strength, as well as the lowest rate of elongation, while L. fulgens possessed the greatest pullout resistance, and both had comparable resistance to erosion of the root–soil complex. Therefore, compared to the other three plants, L. fulgens is more suitable for soil reinforcement applications on saline slopes. Full article

Plant essential oils are important alternatives in green integrated pest management. This study examined the chemical composition, bioactivity, and control efficacy of four Lamiaceae essential oils (EOs) against Thrips flavus Schrank in laboratory conditions with the goal of exploiting plant-derived insecticides to control Thrips flavus. The four EOs tested were marjoram oil (Origanum majorana L.), clary sage oil (Salvia sclarea L.), perilla leaf oil (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt.), and spearmint oil (Mentha spicata L.). All these EOs exhibited a certain degree of insecticidal activity against Thrips flavus. The median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) was determined after treatment by the leaf-dipping method in laboratory bioassays, and its values were 0.41 mg/mL for marjoram oil, 0.42 mg/mL for clary sage oil, 0.43 mg/mL for perilla leaf oil, and 0.54 mg/mL for spearmint oil. In the pot experiment, the number of dead insects was recorded at 1, 3, and 7 days post-application, and the control efficacy of EOs against Thrips flavus was calculated. The concentration of 900.00 g a.i.·hm⁻² of spearmint oil was 100% lethal against Thrips flavus after treating potted plants for seven days. The Y-tube olfactometer method was used to test for the attraction or repellent response of EOs against Thrips flavus. The spearmint oil significantly attracted female adults in the olfactory test. Furthermore, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to examine the chemical composition of the EOs. Linalool (24.52%), isopropyl myristate (28.74%), (+)-limonene (32.44%), and (+)-carvone (70.3%) were their primary ingredients. The findings suggest that all four EOs are highly effective against Thrips flavus and may be a possible alternative in the management of Thrips flavus, especially when considering reducing the use of synthetic pesticides. Full article

Plant breeding has evolved significantly over time with the development of transformation and genome editing techniques. These new strategies help to improve desirable traits in plants. Perilla is a native oil crop grown in Korea. The leaves contain many secondary metabolites related to whitening, aging, antioxidants, and immunity, including rosmarinic acid, vitamin E, luteolin, anthocyanins, and beta-carotene. They are used as healthy and functional food ingredients. It is an industrially valuable cosmetics crop. In addition, perilla seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. They are known to be effective in improving neutral lipids in the blood, improving blood circulation, and preventing dementia and cardiovascular diseases, making them excellent crops whose value can be increased through improved traits. This research will also benefit perilla seeds, which can increase their stock through various methods, such as the increased production of functional substances and improved productivity. Recently, significant attention has been paid to trait improvement research involving gene-editing technology. Among these strategies, CRISPR/Cas9 is highly adaptable, enabling accurate and efficient genome editing, targeted mutagenesis, gene knockouts, and the regulation of gene transcription. CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing has enormous potential for improving perilla; however, the regulation of genome editing is still at an early stage. Therefore, this review summarizes the enhancement of perilla traits using genome editing technology and outlines future directions. Full article

Perilla frutescens var. acuta (Lamiaceae) is widely used not only as an oil or a spice, but also as a traditional medicine to treat colds, coughs, fever, and indigestion. As an ongoing effort, luteolin-7-O-diglucuronide (1), apigenin-7-O-diglucuronide (2), and rosmarinic acid (3) isolated from P. frutescens var. acuta were investigated for their anti-adipogenic and thermogenic activities in 3T3-L1 cells. Compound 1 exhibited a strong inhibition against adipocyte differentiation by suppressing the expression of Pparg and Cebpa over 52.0% and 45.0%, respectively. Moreover, 2 inhibited the expression of those genes in a dose-dependent manner [Pparg: 41.7% (5 µM), 62.0% (10 µM), and 81.6% (50 µM); Cebpa: 13.8% (5 µM), 18.4% (10 µM), and 37.2% (50 µM)]. On the other hand, the P. frutescens var. acuta water extract showed moderate thermogenic activities. Compounds 1 and 3 also induced thermogenesis in a dose-dependent manner by stimulating the mRNA expressions of Ucp1, Pgc1a, and Prdm16. Moreover, an LC-MS/MS chromatogram of the extract was acquired using UHPLC-MS² and it was analyzed by feature-based molecular networking (FBMN) and the Progenesis QI software (version 3.0). The chemical profiling of the extract demonstrated that flavonoids and their glycoside derivatives, including those isolated earlier as well as rosmarinic acid, are present in P. frutescens var. acuta. Full article

Genes from Perilla frutescens and Ocimum basilicum were introduced into N. tabacum L. var. HHY via distant hybridization, and the new-type tobacco varieties “Zisu” and “Luole” were developed, with noticeable differences in chemical composition. Smoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and its pathogenesis is complex. In the present study, 48 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups, namely, the control, “HHY”, “Zisu” and “Luole”, and then exposed to fresh air/cigarette smoke (CS) for 30 days and 60 days. The COPD model was constructed, and their health hazards were compared and evaluated. CS from different tobacco varieties influenced rats in varying degrees at the tissue, cell and molecular levels. The rats in the “HHY” group showed obvious symptoms, such as cough and dyspnea, which were less severe in the “Zisu” and “Luole” groups. Pathological and morphological analyses, including scores, MLI, MAN, WAt/Pbm and WAm/Pbm, showed that “Zisu” and “Luole” caused less damage to the airways and lung parenchyma than “HHY”. Significant increases in the numbers of total leukocytes and neutrophils in the BALF were found in “HHY” compared to those in “Zisu” and “Luole”. Moreover, they caused less oxidative stress and apoptosis in lung tissues, as reflected by indicators such as ROS, MDA, T-AOC, GSH, the apoptotic index and the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax. “Zisu” and “Luole” even altered the ratios of MMP-9/TIMP-1 and IFN-γ/IL-4 in lung tissues to a lesser degree. These differences between CS-exposed rats may be closely related to the altered expression of Nrf2, p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK. Changes in chemical composition via introducing genes from some medicinal plants may be an attractive strategy for tobacco harm reduction. Full article

Lowering blood cholesterol levels is crucial for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. To develop Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. leaves as a functional food with a cholesterol-lowering effect, in this study, we collected P. frutescens (L.) Britt. leaves from different regions of China and Republic of Korea. On the basis of the extraction yield (all components; g/kg), we selected P. frutescens (L.) Britt. leaves from Hebei Province, China with an extract yield of 60.9 g/kg. After evaluating different concentrations of ethanol/water solvent for P. frutescens (L.) Britt. leaves, with luteolin 7-glucuronide as the indicator component, we selected a 30% ethanol/water solvent with a high luteolin 7-glucuronide content of 0.548 mg/g in Perilla. frutescens (L.) Britt. leaves. Subsequently, we evaluated the cholesterol-lowering effects of P. frutescens (L.) Britt. leaf extract and luteolin 7-glucuronide by detecting total cholesterol in HepG2 cells. The 30% ethanol extract lowered cholesterol levels significantly by downregulating 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase expression. This suggests that P. frutescens (L.) Britt leaves have significant health benefits and can be explored as a potentially promising food additive for the prevention of hypercholesterolemia-related diseases. Full article