Phytochemical Investigations of Perilla frutescens Compounds
Summary
Perilla frutescens has long been recognised as a rich source of phytochemicals, notably phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids and essential oils. Advanced analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and thin-layer chromatography-direct bioassay have enabled detailed profiling of compounds across leaves, seeds, stems and roots. Key constituents include rosmarinic acid, perillaldehyde, luteolin and apigenin, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and neuroprotective activities. Variations among cultivars, plant organs and elicitor treatments—such as mild salinity stress—have been shown to alter phytochemical yield and composition. The global significance of these findings lies in applications to pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and functional foods. Ongoing work aims to clarify structure–activity relationships, optimise extraction and standardisation procedures, and bridge preclinical evidence with clinical validation.
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Phytochemical Investigations of Perilla frutescens Compounds publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical investigations of perilla frutescens compounds across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Phytochemical: A bioactive chemical compound produced by plants, often contributing to therapeutic properties.
Phenolic acid: A phytochemical featuring a phenol ring and carboxylic acid function, known for antioxidant activity.
Flavonoid: A class of polyphenolic compounds noted for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Terpenoid: An organic compound derived from isoprene units, frequently responsible for aroma and pharmacological traits.
Bioassay-guided isolation: A process in which biological activity testing directs the fractionation and identification of active constituents.
References
- A TLC-direct bioassay method for detection of anti-lipid peroxidation constituents from fruits of Perilla frutescens. LWT (2023).
- Perilla frutescens: A Rich Source of Pharmacological Active Compounds. Molecules (2022).
- Chemical Eustress Elicits Tailored Responses and Enhances the Functional Quality of Novel Food Perilla frutescens. Molecules (2019).
- Perilla frutescens Leaf Extract and Fractions: Polyphenol Composition, Antioxidant, Enzymes (α-Glucosidase, Acetylcholinesterase, and Tyrosinase) Inhibitory, Anticancer, and Antidiabetic Activities. Foods (2021).
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