Perilla Oil,Perilla Seed Oil, is one of the richest sources of plant-based omega-3 essential fatty acids, in the form of  alpha-linolenic acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential because they can't be made in human body and must be consumed in the diet.

What is Perilla Oil, Perilla Seed Oil?

Perilla oil, Perilla Seed Oil is obtained from the seeds of a species of plant in the mint family called Perilla frutescens. The perilla plant is native to Southeast Asia and India and has been used medicinally in China for thousands of years.

Perilla oil is very popular as it is a vegetarian source of essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acids are considered essential because they cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through diet. The main omega-3 fatty acid in perilla oil is alpha-linolenic acid, which is high to 60-75% of the oil.

The alpha-linolenic acid in perilla oil can be converted into other long chain omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, which are very important for body health.

Components of Perilla Oil

Perilla oil contains a wide variety of beneficial phytochemicals and compounds. The main compounds are:
Essential oils
Fatty acids
Flavonoids and triterpenes
Phenolic compounds/polyphenols
Policosanols

Essential Oils of Perilla oil

Perilla seeds contain many essential oils, such as p-Cymene, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha- farnesene. The leaves and stems contain essential oils, as well, like limonene and eucalyptol, among others.

Fatty Acids

Perilla oil is mostly composed of fatty acids:

Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 essential polyunsaturated fatty acid)
Lauric acid (saturated fatty acid)
Linoleic acid (omega-6 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid)
Oleic acid (omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid)
Palmitic acid (saturated fatty acid)
Stearic acid (saturated fatty acid)
Perilla oil is a good source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids since 60-75% of it is alpha-linolenic acid. alpha-linolenic acid is a plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid, similar as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) .

Polyphenols

Extracts of perilla contain compounds like anthocyanins, triterpenes, and flavonoids .