S. BUCHWALD-WERNER¹*, H. FUJII², C. SCHÖN³ , C. DOEBIS⁴
*Corresponding author
1. Vital Solutions GmbH, Hausingerstrasse 6, Langenfeld, 40764, Germany
2. Amino Up Chemicals Co. Ltd., 363-32 Shin-ei Kivota, Saporo, Japan
3. BioTeSys GmbH, Schelztorstrasse 54-56, Esslingen, D-73728, Germany
4. Institut für Medizinische Diagnostik MVZ GbR, Nicolaistrasse 22, Berlin, 12247, Germany

Abstract

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton leaves are used as food and in traditional medicine. A Perilla leaf special extract was used to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and mode of immune-modulatory properties in the following ex vivo experiments addressing different immune cells. After stimulation, pattern of cytokines were determined and thus information about mode of action derived. As a result, anti-inflammatory effects were seen on the monocytic level with significant reduction of TNF-s production whereas on the T-helper cellular level, reactions were less pronounced but a shift towards a TH2-helper response was identified. Both effects were dose dependent. Results underline the anti-inflammatory and other immune-modulatory properties which might impact the beneficial effects in different indications, like for example irritable bowel syndrome.

INTRODUCTION

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton is an annual eatable herbaceous plant native to Asia. Common names are Shiso, Japanese Melisse or Japanese Basil. Perilla leaves are used as tea, food or spice. They are commonly used as wrapping for rice cake, sushi or sashimi as well as garnish in salads and fish dishes in Asia (1). Also in Europe there is an increasing use of Perilla leaves as garnish or topping on salads or fish dishes. Traditional medical applications are linked to infections of the respiratory tract or other inflammatory outcomes (2). Only little is known about the phytochemical composition of Perilla leaves. Many studies focus on rosmarinic acid and/or luteolin as key ingredients responsible for antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects (3-7). Recent phytochemical investigation of Perilla leaves lead to the discovery of a novel compound, Vicenin 2 (Apigenin 6,8-di-C-glucoside), not described as constituent for Perilla leaves before. A Perilla leaf special extract was developed which is standardized on several flavonoids, including Vicenin 2. This Perilla leaf special extract was used to investigate the anti-inflammatory ...