Perilla seed has been traditionally used in Chinese and Herbal Medicine for a wide range of health promoting benefits. This herb offers a concentrated source of polyphenols and flavonoids, including rosmarinic acid and luteolin, along with other beneficial compounds.

A study investigating the effects of Perilla on LDL oxidation and antioxidant enzyme expression in humans, found Perilla significantly increased mRNA and protein expression levels of antioxidant enzymes in endothelial cells. Research has shown that oxidant-antioxidant balance is an important determinant of immune cell function, including maintaining the integrity and functionality of membrane lipids, cellular proteins, and nucleic acids. Due to the higher percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids in their plasma membranes, cells of the immune system are particularly sensitive to changes in oxidant-antioxidant balance. These cells are also frequently exposed to changes in this balance because of the high number of reactive oxygen intermediates produced as part of their normal function.