Perilla is a familiar herb in traditional medicine, especially known for its ability to help improve sleep problems such as insomnia and anxiety. Many recent scientific studies have begun to explore and confirm the sedative effects of perilla leaves, opening up the prospect of using perilla leaves as an effective method to support the treatment of insomnia.
A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research found that perilla leaves contain compounds such as perillaldehyde and flavonoids, which have sedative effects and help relax the nervous system. These compounds have the ability to stimulate the activity of the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) system, a neurotransmitter that helps calm brain activity, reduce stress and anxiety, thereby facilitating natural sleep. This explains why perilla leaves can be a natural option to help treat insomnia, especially in cases of insomnia caused by stress.
The World Health Organization has recommended the use of herbs as a complementary treatment for neurological and sleep disorders, especially when conventional treatments have unwanted side effects. Studies have shown that perilla leaves can help reduce the side effects of sedatives, while improving sleep quality without causing daytime drowsiness.
Perilla leaves also contain many active compounds that can help control blood sugar, benefiting people with diabetes. Some compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids in perilla leaves have the ability to increase insulin secretion and improve the body's ability to use glucose. These compounds help enhance the activity of insulin, an important hormone in regulating blood sugar levels.
In addition to helping lower blood sugar, perilla leaves also have anti-inflammatory and liver-protective effects - important factors in the treatment of diabetes. The compound rosmarinic acid in perilla leaves has been shown to inhibit the production of inflammatory substances, helping to improve the symptoms of diabetes and reduce the risk of complications related to the disease.
Although there are studies that provide evidence of the effects of perilla leaves in treating insomnia and controlling blood sugar, more research is needed to confirm the results and safe dosage. Therefore, when adding perilla leaves to your diet, you should consult your doctor about the appropriate dosage for your body condition.
