Perilla includes review articles describing the cultivation, traditional and modern applications, the chemical, pharmacological, medical and clinical studies of this plant and its active compounds. The cell culture of Perilla, the genetic control of the plant, and the isolation and structural elucidation of a number of its active compounds such as terpenoids, phenolics, glycosides, flavonoids and anthocyanins are discussed. Also reflected is the use of Perilla seed oil, containing a high degree of a-linolenic acid (n-3 fatty acid) an essential fatty acid in human nutrition and beneficial in the treatment of disease. Special focus is given to the recent development in the preparation and application of Perilla leaf extract for the treatment of allergies. This comprehensive treatment of Perilla should be of interest to everyone involved in medicinal and aromatic plant research.