ABSTRACT
The biological functions of each plant matrix derive from the concerted action of biologically active compounds. Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. is an annual herb, belonging to the family Lamiaceae. The origin of P. frutescens traces back to East Asian countries (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, and India), where it has been used as a valuable source of culinary and traditional medicinal uses. P. frutescens is an Asian multifunctional plant: it is used in edible dishes, for dyeing material, and as an ornamental plant, an oil seed crop, and a medicinal herb. This chapter presents an update of P. frutescens from botanical description and distribution to phytochemical profile and related potential beneficial properties. Many researchers have extensively investigated the phytochemistry and pharmacology of P. frutescens. Various compounds from this plant have been isolated and identified, including flavonoids, volatile oils, fatty acids, triterpenes, phenolic compounds, and others. The contemporary studies have demonstrated that P. frutescens has a number of bioactive properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and more.
