A large number of reports about physiological functions of α-linolenic acid (LNA) have been presented. And it is also well known that LNA is highly contained in perilla seed oil. In the second half in 1980's, we (Ohta Oilmill Co.,Ltd) succeeded in industrializing of edible perrila seed oil for the first time in Japan. At the industrialization of edible perilla seed oil, we had to resolve the important technical problem about the stability of LNA in production process and during product storage. LNA is polyunsaturated fatty acid, so we had to prevent the degradation and the oxidation of LNA. After a lot of serious investigations about that, we could develop the optimum condition of refinement process and the way to prevent the autoxidation during storage. Perilla is firm products, so it's possible for us to produce perilla seed oil stably and sustainably. Now we can present several kinds of perilla seed oil products, moreover we hope we will contribute to the health and welfare of many people.
