Perilla: The Genus Perilla

Description

Perilla is an up-to-date treatment of a plant relatively unknown in the West. It has, however, been used since ancient times in herbal medicine, garnish, and as a natural colorant in Asian countries. This volume compiles literature by leading scientists in the field of Perilla research, some of which has not previously been published in English. The book includes review articles describing cultivation, traditional and modern applications, chemical, pharmacological, medical, and clinical studies of this plant and its active compounds. The cell culture of Perilla, the genetic control of the plant, and the isolation and structural elucidation of a number of its active compounds such as terpenoids, phenolics, glycosides, flavonoids and anthocyanins are discussed. Also reflected is the use of Perilla seed oil, containing a high degree a-linolenic acid (n3 fatty acid) an essential fatty acid in human nutrition and beneficial in the treatment of disease. Special attention is paid to t