Physicochemical characterization, lipid-metabolism effects and transcriptomics insights of perilla seed oil in high-fat-diet induced rats.

2026-05
Journal of ethnopharmacology 363
- Peng Hu
- Bo Zhang
- Zarnab Fatima
- Yitong Liu
- Leyuan Li
- Peiyan Ai
- Xue Yang
- Lianzhen Li
- Jianfeng Chang

PubMed: 41763620
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2026.121442

Study Design

Population: high-fat diet rats
Methods: biochemical index detection, morphological examination, hepatic transcriptomics, serum metabolomics and Western blotting

Animal Study

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Perilla seeds (Perilla frutescens seeds), which are derived from perilla (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt.), are a traditional herb in East Asia, historically used to alleviate metabolic disorders, particularly to address "phlegm-dampness." In traditional medicine, phlegm-dampness is associated with metabolic imbalances, such as hyperlipidemia. Perilla seed oil,extracted from perilla seeds,is a valuable dietary supplement with lipid-lowering effects. However, the molecular mechanisms in which PSO exerts lipid-lowering effects remain largely unexplored.

Aim of the study

To investigate the molecular mechanisms and bioactive ingredients of PSO for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Materials and methods

Comprehensive techniques, including biochemical index detection, morphological examination, hepatic transcriptomics, serum metabolomics and Western blotting, the study explores the targets and pathways through which PSO improves lipid metabolism in high-fat diet rats.

Results

Hepatic histology staining demonstrated concentration dependent reductions in lipid accumulation and inflammation. transcriptomics and pathway analyses revealed significant modulation of key genes (cyp1a1, cyp2b1, UGT1A3, pcdhga11, igfbp2, car1 and kifc1), and Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and Cytochrome P450 Family 7 Subfamily A Member 1 (CYP7A1) protein associated with lipid-related pathways. ALA, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and taurine metabolites pathways were also significantly enriched.

Conclusion

PSO restored lipid metabolic balance, and activated the PPARα/CYP7A1 signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a prevention and dietary intervention of hyperlipidemia-related diseases.