Continuous supplementation of perilla seed oil is safe and facilitates the learning and memory in adult rats

Abstract

The perilla plant (Perilla frutescens L. Britton) is a member of emblements that has been used as ingredients for local food in many Asian countries. Its seed oil contains abundant of valuable omega-3 fatty acid including a-linoleic acid (ALA). Recent studies showed many advantage roles of omega-3 fatty acid such as anti-inflammation, anti-depression, as well as enhancement of learning and memory. However, the safety has not been reported in dietary perilla seed oil consumption and its potential to alter learning and memory. Eight-week male Wistar rats were orally administered of perilla seed oil once a day for 8 weeks at the dosage of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. The results showed that all dosages did not alter any blood profiles of the rats compared to soy bean and fish oil. Moreover, perilla oil did not affect the weight gain or vital organ weights. The behavioral studies of learning and memory showed that the daily consumption of 50 mg/kg perilla seed oil significantly augmented novel objective recognition (NOR) test, but not for Morris water maze (MWM) test. The study found that the sub-chronic of 50 mg/kg of perilla oil supplement is not only safe but also, facilitates the memory of objects recognition in young adult rats.