Perilla, also known as Chinese basil, is traditionally grown in China, India, Japan and other Asian countries. Its leaves are used to make Japanese pickled plums called umeboshi plums and its seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Some health benefits of perilla have been substantiated by scientific studies.

Allergies

Rosmarinic acid, an abundant compound in perilla, provides anti-inflammatory benefits that reduce allergy symptoms, according to Dr. Steven Bratman, author of "Collins Alternative Health Guide." Both chronic, seasonal allergies and sudden, life-threatening allergic reactions such those to fish, peanuts and bee stings respond well to perilla. A laboratory animal study published in the January 2011 issue of the journal "Experimental Biology and Medicine" found that perilla leaf extract reduced symptoms such as runny nose and red, watery eyes.

Cancer

Luteolin, a flavonoid antioxidant; triterpene compounds; and rosmarinic acid in perilla may convey anti-cancer benefits, according to Marja Mutanen, co-editor of the book "Vegetables, Whole Grains, and Their Derivatives in Cancer Prevention." Topical application of perilla leaf extract may inhibit skin cancer. A study published in the 2012 issue of the "International Journal of Nanomedicine" found that a substance called perillyl alcohol inhibited skin cancer tumors from progressing and resulted in an 80 percent survival rate in laboratory animals. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Autoimmune Diseases

The University of Maryland Medical Center lists perilla seed oil among other plant oils including soybean, pumpkin seed, and purslane as containing high levels of omega-3 alpha-linoleic acid, which is useful for managing autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and asthma. Asthma may respond well to treatment with perilla seed oil, according to a study published in the January 2007 issue of the journal "Planta Medica." In the laboratory animal study, doses of 1.1 grams per kilogram body weight of perilla oil inhibited airway constriction in response to an inhaled irritant. Perilla seed oil also inhibited migration of white blood cells into the lungs and helped prevent anaphylaxis -- a severe and life-threatening immune response. Researchers concluded that perilla seed oil may be helpful at managing the symptoms of asthma. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Depression

A Chinese herbal formula used to treat depression includes perilla as one of its ingredients, according to Dr. Lesley Braun, co-author of the book "Herbs and Natural Supplements: An Evidence-Based Guide." In a laboratory animal study published in the 2011 issue of the journal "Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" inhalation of perilla essential oil resulted in decreased symptoms of stress. Researchers concluded that inhalation of perilla essential oil may offer antidepressant benefits.