Perilla Seed Oil Extract
Also known as: Perilla Seed Oil Extract, Perilla oil, perilla seed oil, PSO, Perilla frutescens seed oil extract
Overview
Perilla Seed Oil Extract (PSO) is derived from the seeds of *Perilla frutescens*, a plant indigenous to East Asia. It is recognized for its high concentration of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid, alongside tocopherols (Vitamin E) and various phenolic compounds. Primarily utilized as a functional food oil and omega-3 supplement, PSO is investigated for its potential benefits in cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory actions, neuroprotection, and as a chemopreventive agent. While research is ongoing, particularly in animal models, it exhibits promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The current evidence base is moderate, with numerous preclinical studies but limited human clinical trials.
Benefits
Perilla Seed Oil Extract (PSO) has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits, primarily in preclinical animal models. It shows significant potential in improving lipid profiles, with studies on hyperlipidemic rats showing that 0.67 g/kg body weight PSO for 8 weeks significantly reduced triglycerides and total cholesterol, indicating cardiovascular benefits. PSO also exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, evidenced by significant reductions in malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative stress marker, and interleukin-6 (IL-6), an inflammatory cytokine, in animal models. A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies on IgA nephropathy revealed that *Perilla frutescens* extracts significantly reduced proteinuria and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels, suggesting renal protective effects through anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative mechanisms. Furthermore, in rodent models of colitis-associated colorectal cancer, cold-pressed perilla seed oil enriched with ALA reduced tumor incidence, preneoplastic lesions, and cancer biomarkers, highlighting its chemopreventive potential. Neuroprotective effects linked to its high ALA content have also been observed in animal studies. While these findings are statistically significant in preclinical settings, human clinical data are sparse, and the clinical significance in humans remains to be established. Benefits in animal studies typically manifest after 6-8 weeks of supplementation.
How it works
Perilla Seed Oil Extract (PSO) exerts its effects through multiple biological pathways. Its primary mechanism involves the modulation of lipid metabolism, which contributes to improved blood lipid profiles. The rich content of tocopherols and phenolic compounds provides potent antioxidant activity, reducing oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde (MDA). PSO also demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6). In renal and cancer models, it inhibits cell proliferation and inflammation, evidenced by reduced levels of PCNA and decreased DNA synthesis. The alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in perilla oil is absorbed and can be converted to longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids, although conversion efficiency varies. Cold-pressed extraction methods are believed to preserve the bioactive compounds, enhancing their bioavailability and overall efficacy.
Side effects
The overall safety of Perilla Seed Oil Extract (PSO) has been primarily assessed in animal studies, where it is generally considered safe at moderate doses. However, some toxicity has been noted at very high doses in these preclinical models. Human safety data are currently very limited, and therefore, common, uncommon, or rare side effects in humans are not well-documented. There are no well-documented drug interactions, but caution is advised due to its omega-3 fatty acid content, which could theoretically affect blood clotting. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant therapy should exercise prudence. Contraindications are largely unknown due to the lack of human data. Furthermore, the safety of PSO in special populations, including pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and individuals with chronic diseases, has not been established. Comprehensive human clinical trials are needed to fully ascertain its safety profile and potential adverse effects.
Dosage
Optimal dosage ranges for Perilla Seed Oil Extract (PSO) in humans have not been definitively established due to limited clinical trials. Animal studies have utilized doses around 0.67 g/kg body weight in rats, which roughly translates to a human equivalent dose of approximately 0.1 g/kg, or about 7 grams per day for a 70 kg adult. However, this is an estimation and not a clinically validated human dose. The maximum safe dose in humans is unknown, as toxicity has been reported at high doses in animal models. Benefits in animal studies typically become apparent after 6-8 weeks of continuous supplementation, suggesting a similar time frame might be needed for human effects. For best results, cold-pressed perilla seed oil is preferred as this method helps preserve its bioactive compounds. Absorption of fatty acids like ALA is generally enhanced when consumed with dietary fat, and the presence of antioxidants in cold-pressed oils may further aid absorption. No specific cofactors are required, beyond the general digestive enzymes and bile necessary for fat absorption.
FAQs
Is perilla seed oil extract safe for long-term use?
Animal studies suggest safety at moderate doses, but human long-term safety data are currently lacking, so caution is advised.
Can it replace fish oil for omega-3 supplementation?
Perilla oil provides ALA, a plant-based omega-3, but its conversion to EPA/DHA in humans is limited, so it's not a direct substitute for fish oil.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Animal studies show effects after 6-8 weeks of supplementation; human data on the time course of benefits are currently unavailable.
Does it help with inflammation?
Yes, animal studies indicate significant anti-inflammatory effects by reducing inflammatory cytokines like IL-6.
Is it effective for kidney or cancer conditions?
Promising preclinical evidence exists for renal protection and chemoprevention, but human clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12026981/ – This animal study on hyperlipidemic rats demonstrated that Perilla Seed Oil (0.67 g/kg) significantly reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol, malondialdehyde (MDA), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) after 8 weeks. The findings suggest that PSO possesses notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to improved lipid profiles in a preclinical setting.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10385934/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies on IgA nephropathy found that Perilla frutescens extracts significantly reduced proteinuria and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels. The research indicates that perilla extracts modulate inflammation and cell proliferation, offering protective effects against kidney pathology, though some toxicity was noted at high doses.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0315172 – This animal RCT using an AOM/DSS mouse model of colorectal cancer showed that cold-pressed perilla seed oil reduced tumor incidence, preneoplastic lesions, and cancer biomarkers. The study provides strong preclinical evidence for the chemopreventive potential of PSO, highlighting the importance of extraction methods for preserving bioactive compounds.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.4265 – This animal study explored the neuroprotective effects of Perilla Seed Oil, linking them to its high alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content. While preliminary, the findings support the hypothesis that PSO may offer benefits for neurological health, though further research, especially clinical trials, is needed.
