What it is
Perilla Frutescens is a supplement covered on SacredBod. See the full editorial below for mechanism and evidence detail.
Supplement · Herb
Perilla Frutescens
Shiso · Beefsteak Plant · Japanese Mint
150 mg extract · vegan · gluten-free · 90 caps
Seasonal allergic rhinitisItchy eyesSneezingNasal congestionTh2-dominant immunity Respiratory tractImmune systemEyes
Affiliate link · we earn from qualifying purchases. No paid placements.
How it works
Mechanism details are covered in the editorial section below. The high-level summary is in the tagline.
Who should take it
See the editorial below for who this supplement is appropriate for. When in doubt, consult a healthcare professional.
Avoid / careful
If pregnant, breastfeeding, on prescription medication, or managing a chronic condition, consult your doctor before starting.
When to take it
Morning
Noon
Evening
Night
How to take it
With food
Empty stomach
Before food
Flexible — works in any of the above.
FAQs
Frequently asked
How long until Perilla Frutescens starts working?
Most supplements show effects in 2-8 weeks of consistent daily use. Notable effects from Perilla Frutescens typically appear within this window, though individual response varies based on baseline status, dose, and underlying biochemistry.
When should I take Perilla Frutescens?
Perilla Frutescens works best taken anytime, ideally with or without food. Typical dose: the typical dose. Consistency over time matters more than perfect timing.
Is Perilla Frutescens vegan and vegetarian-friendly?
Yes — Perilla Frutescens is vegan and vegetarian-suitable. Look for capsules made from vegetable cellulose rather than gelatin for fully plant-based options.
Is Perilla Frutescens available in India and what should I look for when buying?
Perilla Frutescens is widely available on Amazon India and in supplement stores in major cities. Look for products standardised to active compounds where applicable — 150 mg extract is a typical serving. Himalaya, Organic India, and NOW Foods are among the brands available in India. Check for third-party testing certificates (NSF, USP, or Informed Sport) on the label. Imported brands tend to have stronger standardisation; Indian Ayurvedic brands are often more affordable for herbal forms.
Can pregnant or breastfeeding women take Perilla Frutescens?
No — Perilla Frutescens should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If pregnant, breastfeeding, on prescription medication, or managing a chronic condition, consult your doctor before Always consult your obstetrician before starting any new supplement during pregnancy.
Research
Featured studies
Rosmarinic acid in perilla extract inhibits allergic inflammation
Animal study
→ Rosmarinic acid from perilla extract suppressed allergic inflammation in mice by inhibiting leukocyte infiltration and reducing Th2 cytokine production in nasal mucosa.
Extract of Perilla frutescens enriched for rosmarinic acid inhibits seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in humans
RCT (n=20)
→ Perilla extract significantly reduced symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis compared to placebo, with decreases in eye itching, sneezing, and nasal congestion scores.
Effect of Perilla frutescens var. acuta Kudo and rosmarinic acid on allergic inflammatory reactions
In vitro + animal
→ Both perilla extract and isolated rosmarinic acid inhibited mast cell degranulation and suppressed IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 production in allergic inflammation models.
In plain English
A plain-English read of the literature behind this supplement. Not a clinical recommendation.
Key citations: See richResearch section for study filters and participant data. Clinical evidence summarised from peer-reviewed journals.
From the blog
· 7 min read
Perilla Frutescens for Seasonal allergic rhinitis: protocol, dose, and what to track
How to use Perilla Frutescens specifically for Seasonal allergic rhinitis — the right dose, timing, blood markers to track, and how to know if it is working.
#herb#seasonal-allergic-rh#protocol
· 6 min read
Perilla Frutescens: what the research actually shows
A clinical evidence review of Perilla Frutescens — RCT data, effect sizes, evidence grade, and what the numbers mean for your specific situation.
#herb#research#evidence
· 8 min read
Perilla Frutescens: complete India guide
Everything you need to know about Perilla Frutescens — mechanism, dose, safety, buying guide for India, and what the research actually says.
#herb#guide#india
Editorial notes
SacredBod's longer take on Perilla Frutescens — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
What it is
Perilla frutescens (shiso) is an aromatic herb native to East Asia. Its leaf and seed extracts are rich in rosmarinic acid and luteolin, compounds with documented anti-allergic and Th2-modulating properties. It has been used in Japanese Kampo medicine for centuries during pollen season.
How it works
Rosmarinic acid in perilla inhibits mast cell degranulation and reduces IgE-mediated allergic responses. Perilla extract suppresses Th2 cytokine production (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) while supporting Th1 responses. Clinical studies show it reduces symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and decreases inflammatory markers in nasal lavage fluid.
Who should consider it
People with seasonal allergic rhinitis, pollen allergies, or Th2-dominant immune profiles. Popular in Japan during cedar pollen season as a natural alternative to antihistamines.
Who should avoid it
Avoid if you have a known allergy to the Lamiaceae (mint) family. May interact with sedatives and thyroid medications. Discontinue 2 weeks before surgery due to potential blood-thinning effects.
Dosing
- Typical: 150-300 mg/day of standardized extract (>=20% rosmarinic acid)
- Timing: Morning with breakfast
- With food: with-food
- Notes: Begin 2-4 weeks before allergy season for preventive effect. Can be taken as tea (3-5 g dried leaf) if capsules are unavailable.
- Time of day: [“morning”]
- Time note: Morning dosing aligns with peak pollen exposure and provides daytime symptom coverage.
- Food timing: with-food
- Food note: Take with food to enhance absorption of rosmarinic acid and reduce gastric irritation.
Stack
- Pairs well with: Quercetin and stinging nettle provide layered mast-cell stabilization for comprehensive seasonal allergy support.
- Avoid combining: Avoid combining with other strong Th2 suppressants without monitoring immune balance.
- M/E/S synergies: [‘rosmarinic-acid’, ‘quercetin’, ‘stinging-nettle-leaf’]
Evidence grade
- Grade: B+
- Note: Strong preclinical evidence plus a small human RCT showing symptom reduction for seasonal allergies. Mechanism is well-characterized through rosmarinic acid. Larger confirmatory trials would strengthen the grade to A-.
SEO
- Title: Perilla Frutescens: Japanese Herbal Remedy for Seasonal Allergies
- Description: Perilla frutescens (shiso) is a traditional Japanese allergy remedy rich in rosmarinic acid. Evidence-based guide to dosing, benefits, and safety for hay fever relief.
Related
[‘rosmarinic-acid’, ‘quercetin’, ‘butterbur-petadolex’]
publishedAt: “2026-05-14” featured: false
Added to your stack.