Distribution, ecophysiology and medicinal and nutraceutical usage of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton

Perilla frutescens is one of the important crops grown in Garhwal and Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand, India. Traditionally the seeds of the plant are eaten raw by people and oil extracted from seeds are used for cooking purposes. Medicinally, it is used in treating cough, bronchitis, uterine ailments and rheumatic arthritis. Most of the research on P. frutescens in India in general and Uttarakhand in particular have focused on characterization of its chemical constituents, genetic relationship between the wild and cultivated variety, its uses, and how cultivation practices have changed over the years. Here we envisaged on the R&D gaps for comprehensive understanding of its formulations as health food and nutraceuticals.