PERILLA EXTRACT - NexTrac® PERILLA L LC

Perilla (Perilla frutescens) is both a culinary herb and a medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It contains essential oils with a distinctive aroma and is native to the Himalayan region, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. In traditional Eastern medicine, Perilla is characterized by its pungent taste and warming properties. It has traditionally been used to relieve wind-cold conditions, reduce phlegm, support detoxification, maintain pregnancy health, and alleviate symptoms such as colds and abdominal pain.

Perilla is recognized for its diverse range of bioactive compounds that may offer significant benefits for skin health. Scientific studies have identified various secondary metabolites in Perilla, including terpenoids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, cyanogenic glycosides, and anthocyanins. These compounds contribute to a wide range of biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties.

Rosmarinic acid, a polyphenolic secondary metabolite found in Perilla leaf extract, is particularly recognized for its valuable biological properties. Studies suggest that Perilla extract may help protect skin cells against UV-induced DNA damage, enhance DNA repair mechanisms, and support keratinocyte formation, thereby contributing to the skin's natural protective functions.

Furthermore, Perilla extract has shown potential in promoting hair growth through its ability to inhibit the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a key factor associated with androgenetic hair loss in men.

In addition, Perilla extract exhibits potential antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Rosmarinic acid and other phenolic compounds may disrupt bacterial membrane permeability, leading to ion leakage and the dissipation of the membrane proton motive force, ultimately inhibiting bacterial growth.

With its diverse biological activities and promising applications, Perilla leaf extract is considered a valuable botanical ingredient for skincare and haircare formulations. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin-protective potential makes it an attractive option for developing cosmetic products designed to support healthy-looking skin and hair.