Perilla frutescens seeds are used for various purposes, including culinary applications, traditional medicine, and as a source of oil and protein. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and contain other beneficial compounds like polyphenols, also provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.They can be used to improve skin health, manage cholesterol, and potentially boost the immune system. Perilla seeds are rich in dietary fiber and dietary minerals such as calcium, iron, niacin, protein, and thiamine. It has an especially high content ofalpha-linolenic acid, omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acid.

Culinary Uses:
Flavoring:
Perilla seeds, leaves, and oil are used in various Asian cuisines to add flavor and aroma to dishes.
Oil:
Perilla seed oil is used in salad dressings, seasonings, and dipping sauces. It is also used in Korean dishes like “rayu” (pepper oil sauce) and to flavor rice porridge.
Powder/Ground Seeds:
Perilla seeds are roasted and ground into a powder, which can be used to add thickness and flavor to soups or sprinkled on dishes.
Chutney/Sauce:
Perilla seeds are roasted and ground with spices and tomatoes to create a chutney or sauce, often used as a condiment.
Salads/Wraps:
In some cultures, perilla leaves are used as a vegetable or as wraps for grilled meats.
Traditional Medicine:
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
Perilla seeds, leaves, and stems are used in TCM to treat various ailments like colds, coughs, abdominal pain, and food poisoning.
Other Uses:
In traditional systems, perilla is used to treat hay fever, asthma, canker sores, and other conditions, although scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited.
Specific Conditions:
Perilla is traditionally prescribed for conditions like depression, anxiety, asthma, allergies, and digestive issues.

Oil and Protein Source:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Perilla seed oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly ALA, which is important for heart health and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Nutritional Value: Perilla seeds are rich in protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
Functional Foods: Perilla seed oil and protein are being explored as ingredients in functional foods due to their potential health benefits.
Other Uses:
Cosmetics:
Perilla oil is used in cosmetics for its moisturizing and skin-enhancing properties.

Benefits and Uses:
Nutritional Value:
Perilla seeds are a good source of protein, dietary fiber, minerals (like calcium and iron), and vitamins.
Cholesterol Management:
The oil from Perilla seeds is rich in ALA, which may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol.
Immune Support:
The plant contains compounds that can increase interferon activity, contributing to a healthy immune system.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties:
Perilla seeds contain antioxidants like flavonoids, which can help reduce oxidative damage and inflammation.
Cosmetics and Skincare:
Perilla seed oil is used in cosmetics due to its moisturizing, anti-aging, and skin-protecting properties.
Culinary Applications:
The seeds are used in Korean cuisine as “deulkkae” – toasted and ground for use as a spice or condiment, or pressed into oil.
Traditional Uses:
Herbal Medicine:
Perilla leaves and seeds have been used traditionally for various conditions, including colds, coughs, and stomach pain.
Other Traditional Remedies:
Perilla has been used in some traditional systems to treat conditions like depression, anxiety, and even tumors.