Perilla seed oil as an adjunctive treatment with statins improves lipid profiles in elderly patients: a post hoc data analysis

Background: Dyslipidemia is characterized by abnormal lipid concentrations in the bloodstream, heightening the risk of atherosclerosis. While statins are primarily prescribed to treat dyslipidemia, not all patients benefit from them for various reasons, such as intolerance, myopathy, and hepatotoxicity. Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton, traditionally grown in East Asia, has been used for various therapeutic purposes. The seed oil of this plant is prosperous in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Previous research found the efficacy of perilla (P. frutescens) seed oil in reducing cholesterol in patients with dementia. Our study aimed to determine if the lipid-lowering effects of P. frutescens seed oil occur on their own or alongside statin treatments by conducting a retrospective analysis of existing data to assess its efficacy in improving lipid profiles among the elderly.Objective: This study aimed to understand if P. frutescens seed oil inherently possesses lipid-lowering properties or if these effects are amplified when combined with statins.Methods: A retrospective post hoc analysis was performed on 182 geriatric patients previously involved in a dementia study. These patients were categorized into four groups: those administered both P. frutescens seed oil and a statin (G1), only P. frutescens seed oil (G2), only a statin (G3), and neither (G4). The outcomes evaluated post-intervention included lipid profiles, liver and renal functions, complete blood count, and neutrophils to lymphocytes and platelets (N/LP) ratio.Results: Patients in G1 exhibited the most pronounced reductions in total cholesterol and LDL-C levels, suggesting a potential synergistic effect when P. frutescens seed oil is combined with statins. Liver enzyme levels remained stable across all groups, suggesting the hepatic safety of P. frutescens seed oil even when co-administered with statins.Conclusion: P. frutescens seed oil, particularly when used alongside statins, exhibits the potential to improve lipid profiles and may also offer liver protection. However, extended studies are necessary to understand its therapeutic significance in cardiovascular disease management fully.Keywords: Perilla frutescens,omega-3,statins, lipid profile, elderly, hepatoprotection, functional food, bioactive compound