Isolation of sedative principles from Perilla frutescens.

Abstract
The MeOH extract of Perilla frutescens leaves, which are used as a sedative in Chinese traditional medicine, was fractionated to isolate its active constituents. The progress of the fractionation was followed by measuring the prolongation of hexobarbital-induced sleep in mice. The activity was mainly due to the presence of both perillaldehyde and stigmasterol.