An up-to-date examination of a plant relatively unknown in the west, this volume compiles literature by leading scientists in the field of Perilla research.;The book includes review articles describing cultivation traditional and modern applications, 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 alinolenic acid (n3 fatty acid) an essential fatty acid in human nutrition and beneficial in the treatment of disease.;Special attention is paid to the recent development in the preparation and application of Perilla leaf extract for the treatment of allergies.