CHEMICAL AND NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF PERILLA FRUTESCENS SEED OIL

Abstract

Perilla frutescens seeds contain saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids which include the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These seeds contain approximately 35-40% oil. The oil of Perilla frutescens contains ω-3 fatty acids (54-64%), ω-6 fatty acids (≈14%) and the ω-9 fatty acids (small amount). In comparing to other plant oils, Perilla oil contains one of the highest proportions of ω-3 fatty acids. These polyunsaturated fatty acids are the most beneficial to human health in prevention and control of various diseases like cardiovascular disorders, cancer, inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis etc. This review article describes briefly the benefits and the medicinal uses of Perilla frutescens seeds.