An ecological study of an Arkansas invasive mint, Perilla frutescens (Lamiaceae), with a review of phytochemical and medical applications

Perilla frutescens (beefsteak plant) has emerged as a common species in the flora of Arkansas and throughout the central and southeastern United States. The plant is native to the Himalayan regions of India and Nepal and the mountainous areas of China. Historically, the plant has been a major component in the medical applications of Asian cultures. In the late 1880's, Asian immigrants brought the seeds to this country for medicinal and culinary properties. Perilla frutescens is interesting because it is invasive but also a candidate in current phytochemical and medical applications of plants. The geographical distribution extends from New England, Florida and Texas to the south and to the central Great Plains. In Arkansas, the first collection was made in 1929 in Benton County and since then the species has been recorded in 63 of 75 counties. In the present study, 14 study sites were established in Arkansas. In the first field season (2005), 84 associated species were documented, followed by 114 in the second field season (2006). Perilla frutescens is an annual; habitat descriptions, associated species, soil and seed data were the main environmental factors documented in the study. A review of the current phytochemical and medical applications of Perilla frutescens was also included.