I.B. Comfort By Douglas Laboratories Overview & Drug Interactions

Perilla frutescens, an annual plant native to Asia, is valued for its diverse applications in cooking, manufacturing, and traditional medicine. Its leaves, stem, and seeds are utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for their rich content of flavones like apigenin, luteolin, shishonin, and vicenin-2, as well as beneficial compounds such as alpha-linolenic acid, rosmarinic acid, and policosanol. These components are purported to contribute to a range of health benefits, including potential anti-allergy properties that may alleviate symptoms like atopic dermatitis and airway inflammation, possibly by reducing inflammatory mediators and mast cell activity. Its anti-inflammatory effects, which may involve inhibiting cytokine production and modulating immune cell activity, align with its traditional uses for allergies, asthma, and gastrointestinal issues. Moreover, perilla is said to exhibit antimicrobial effects, with its seed extract, oil, and essential oil showing potential activity against bacteria and fungi. Laboratory research suggests potential nephroprotective effects, indicating that perilla may inhibit the proliferation of mesangial cells in kidney disorders.

Aloe vera is a plant species that is native to the Arabian Peninsula, but is widely cultivated in other hot, dry climates. It is known for its thick leaves, which contain multiple components, most notably 'aloe gel' and 'aloe latex'. The plant is used in a variety of health care products, including skin care products, cosmetics, and dietary supplements. In traditional medicine, aloe vera is used to treat a wide range of health conditions, including skin conditions, wounds, and digestive problems. It is also used to improve hair and scalp health, and as a natural remedy for constipation.