Evidence supporting the use of: Perilla
For the health condition: Psoriasis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Perilla (Perilla frutescens) is primarily used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in East Asia, for a variety of inflammatory and allergic conditions. Its use in supporting or treating psoriasis is mainly drawn from traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation. In traditional Chinese medicine, perilla leaves and seeds have been employed for their purported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, which are relevant in the context of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease.

Historically, perilla has been used as a remedy for skin conditions such as itching, redness, and rashes, which overlap symptomatically with psoriasis. The justification for its use in psoriasis is thus extrapolated from its broader traditional application for inflammatory skin disorders. Some laboratory studies have identified bioactive compounds in perilla, such as rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, and essential oils, which exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in cell and animal models. However, direct clinical studies or trials specifically examining perilla’s efficacy in treating psoriasis in humans are lacking.

Thus, the traditional use of perilla for psoriasis is based on its general anti-inflammatory reputation in folk medicine. The evidence rating is low (2/5) because, while there is a plausible mechanism and traditional precedent, there is insufficient clinical evidence to substantiate its effectiveness for psoriasis specifically.

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