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This Month's Plant and Phytochemical

Perilla frutescens / Perilla

Perilla frutescens

Perilla

Perilla frutescens (Perilla mint) belongs to the Labiatea family, a mint family plant. The genus Perilla consists of several species and the plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemicals including phenolics, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, coumaric acid, rosmarinic acid, lignans, magnosalin, andamanicin, perilloxin, flavonoids, luteolin, apigenin, terpenoids perillaldehyde, perillyl alcohol, Perilla ketone, perillosides, trans-caryophyllene, ursolic acid, corosolic acid, pomolic acid, tormentic acid, oleanolic acid, augustic acid, cyanogenic glucosides, prunasin and others. In traditional medicines, several Perilla species (e.g., Perilla frutescene, Perilla ocymoides, Perilla polystachya, Perilla arguta) have been used as antipyretic, antibiotic, antitussive, sedative, and antidote agents. In Oriental medicines, some parts of Perilla species may have been used for inducing perspiration and treating colds via removing phlegm. The plant may be also used for treating intestinal disorders and allergies. In several Asian countries, Perilla leaves have been used in their cooking for preventing food poisoning and protecting the digestive system from inflammatory diseases. In this country, Perilla has been used as a culinary spice or vegetable for several dishes including salad, due to its minty flavor.

Caffeic acid

208

C11H12O4

Caffeic acid belongs to the class of phenolics, found in plants including fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices (e.g., apple (Malus spp.), carrot (Daucus carota), celery (Apium graveolens), cherry, eggplant (Solanum melongena), endive (Cichorium endive), grape (Vitis spp.), lettus (Lactuca sativa), pear, plum (Prunus mume), potato (Solanum tuberosum ). anise (Illicium verum), basil (Ocimum basilicum), caraway (Carum carvi), dill (Anethum graveoleus), marjoram (Origanum majorana) rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza), savory (Satureja hortensis), tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), thyme (Thymus vulgaris )). In plants, phenolics are often found conjugated with other classes of phytochemicals such as terpenes, alkaloids, carbohydrates, and lipids, which are collectively termed as phenolic conjugates. Phenolic conjugates are believed to have beneficial effects on human diseases such as inflammation, cardiovascular diseases and others. Among the caffeic acid conjugates, chlorogenic acids, caffedymine-type and safflomide-type phenylpropenic acid amides have been found in numerous plants including tea (Camellia sinensis), coffee (Coffea sp) and coco (Theobroma cocoa). These conjugates are believed to have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-platelet adhesion, thereby providing beneficial effects on human chronic diseases such as inflammation, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.

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