Limited evidenceImmunity

Perilla Leaf Extract

A rosmarinic-acid-rich leaf extract studied for seasonal allergies. One small human trial is positive, but most later evidence comes from multi-ingredient products, so perilla's own contribution is unclear.

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What the science says

Seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis Limited evidence
A small placebo-controlled study in 29 people found a rosmarinic-acid-enriched Perilla extract reduced eye and nose symptoms over about three weeks. It has never been replicated as a single ingredient.
Multi-ingredient allergy products Limited evidence
A polycentric randomized parallel-group study in children found a nutraceutical containing Perilla extract, quercetin and zinc reduced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms. With three actives combined, the benefit cannot be attributed to perilla.
Herbal allergy treatments overall Limited evidence
A systematic review of herbal medicines for allergic rhinitis concluded that trials in this field are generally small and methodologically weak, which applies to the perilla literature too.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseThe positive trial used an extract supplying roughly 50–200 mg of rosmarinic acid daily. Commercial capsules commonly provide 50–100 mg of standardized perilla extract.

SafetyWell tolerated in the short trials. Perilla seed is itself a recognised food allergen and contact dermatitis has been reported with occupational exposure, so people with mint-family allergies should be cautious. No data in pregnancy.

How to take it

TimingTiming does not matter.

With food?With food.

Worth knowingIf you are using it for seasonal allergy, start a couple of weeks before your usual season rather than waiting for symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Does perilla leaf extract help hay fever?

The evidence for perilla is limited: one small placebo-controlled study in 29 people found a rosmarinic-acid-enriched perilla extract reduced eye and nose allergy symptoms, but it has never been replicated as a single ingredient.

How much perilla extract should I take for allergies?

The positive trial used perilla extract supplying roughly 50–200 mg of rosmarinic acid daily; commercial capsules commonly provide 50–100 mg of standardized extract. Start a couple of weeks before your usual allergy season.

Is perilla leaf extract safe?

Perilla leaf extract was well tolerated in short trials. Perilla seed is a recognised food allergen, so be cautious if you have mint-family allergies; there are no data in pregnancy.

Scientific references

Extract of Perilla frutescens enriched for rosmarinic acid, a polyphenolic phytochemical, inhibits seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in humans
Takano H, Osakabe N, Sanbongi C — Exp Biol Med (Maywood), 2004
A polycentric, randomized, parallel-group, study on Lertal®, a multicomponent nutraceutical, as preventive treatment in children with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: phase II
Marseglia G, Licari A, Leonardi S — Ital J Pediatr, 2019
Herbal medicines for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a systematic review
Guo R, Pittler MH, Ernst E — Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol, 2007

Related in Immunity

Vitamin C Limited evidence
Zinc Moderate evidence
Elderberry Limited evidence
L-Lysine Limited evidence
Echinacea Limited evidence
Andrographis Moderate evidence

Herbal medicines: what the evidence says (335)