Evaluation of anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic potential of perilla frutescens fixed oil

Abstract
Background: The plant Perilla frutescens Linn .belongs to the family Labiatae or
Lamiaceae also called as Shiso plant or beefsteak plant purple mint. Perilla seed oil
contains high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and
these have been well tested as anti-inflammatory compounds that are useful for a variety
of inflammatory conditions. Perilla frutescens seeds oil are a good source of
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). ALA may also help to prevent and treat depression,
reduce menstrual pain, reduce the risk for fatal heart attacks, prevent breast cancer and
treat autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Objectives: To evaluate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity of Perilla
frutescens fixed oil.
Materials and Methods: Albino Wistar rats of either sex weighing 150–200 g and Swiss
mice weighing 25–30 g were used. For investigating the anti-inflammatory effect of natural
products, carrageenan- induced paw edema is a suitable experimental animal model .The
carrageenan-induced paw edema method and histamine induced paw edema methods
were used for the evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity. Carrageenan is a mixture of
polysaccharides composed of sulphated galactose units and is derived from Irish Sea moss,
Chondrous crispus. Histamine is an organic nitrogen compound involved in
local responses. It is a biogenic amine. The analgesic effect of Perilla frutescense seed oil
was evaluated using acetic acid induced writhing test and tail flick test. Typhoid
paratyphoid A/B Vaccine method is used for evaluation of antipyretic activity.
Results: Results were analyzed by one way ANOVA followed by Students Newman Keuls
multiple comparisons tests. Perilla frutescens fixed oil showed significant antiinflammatory activity from 60 min as compared to vehicle treated animals. This is as
comparable to aspirin. The extract showed some significant effect on inflammation and
also reduced the number of writhing after acetic acid administration. But the extract does
not show any antipyretic activity on Typhoid paratyphoid A/B Vaccine induced pyrexia.
Conclusion: It is therefore concluded that Perilla frutescens fixed oil has an antiinflammatory and peripheral analgesic potential.