Laxative Effects and Phytochemical Analysis of Perilla frutescens Seed Oil by Using Gas Chromatography: A Good Source of Omega Fatty Acids

Perilla frutescens seeds contain fixed oil that is used as edible oil. Perilla seed oil is a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as alpha or a-linolenic acid (ALA/omega-3 FAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) like oleic acid (LA). This work was devoted to physicochemical characterization, gas chromatography (GA) analysis of the chemical composition, and estimation of the health benefits of fatty acids contained in the perilla seed oil. The seed oil was extracted with petroleum ether by using the Soxhlet apparatus. Petroleum ether extract of perilla seeds contained about 35 – 38% oil. The oil had a specific gravity of 0.924 g/cm³ at 31°C, 180.92 saponification values, 1.68 acid value, 1.68 peroxide value, 135.0 iodine value, and 1.8% unsaponifiable matter. Methyl ester of perilla oil prepared for the GC analysis showed the presence of alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3-FA/ω-3-FA), linoleic acid (omega-6-FA/ω-6-FA), oleic acid (omega-9/ω-9 FA), stearic acid, and palmitic acid. Experiments on animals revealed laxative effects of P. frutescens seed oil taken orally in doses of 5 and 10 mL/kg body weight. The effects of laxatives were measured in terms of feces consistency (percentage), quantity of feces pellets, and stool frequency (times per day). According to the findings, perilla seed oil has a laxative effect. It may be concluded that perilla seed oil contain a significant amount of PUFAs and MUFAs, which is beneficial for human health.