Perilla Seed Oil Supplement May Be Helpful in Some Asthmatics
Perilla seed oil is high in alpha-linolenic acid which can help shift the balance of leukotriene production (an intercellular messenger) away from inflammation. In addition, diets high in plant products and low in animal fats can also shift the balance away from the inflammation associated with asthma. Food allergies can be an important contributor to asthmatic symptoms as well. When all of these factors are used to help manage symptoms, the dependence upon medications and inhalers is greatly reduced.
Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2000;122:137-142 Dietary supplementation with perilla seed oil may be helpful in reducing levels of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) in certain asthmatics, Japanese researchers report. Dr. Makoto Okamoto and colleagues from Okayama University Medical School, Tottori, note that “dietary sources of alpha-linolenic acid, such as perilla seed oil, may have the capacity to inhibit the generation of leukotrienes” in asthmatics. To investigate, the researchers studied 26 asthmatics who were given 10 g to 20 g of perilla seed oil a day as a dietary supplement for 4 weeks. A total of 15 subjects showed a significant reduction in LTC4 generation by peripheral leukocytes at 2 and 4 weeks, and were deemed responders. In the remaining 11 subjects, LTC4 production increased significantly after 4 weeks. In addition, in responders, there was a significant improvement in lung function (FEV1) and other ventilatory parameters. The responders also showed a significant reduction in serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and phospholipid after 4 weeks.