The structural properties, biological activities, and applications of perillaldehyde: An updated overview

In recent years, plant extracts have attracted extensive attention due to their unique physicochemical properties and various biological activities. Among them, perillaldehyde (PAE), as a natural monoterpene compound, possesses safety and efficiency features, which demonstrates broad application potential in many industrial fields. Numerous studies have confirmed that the α, β-unsaturated aldehyde group in the chemical structure of PAE is a critical pharmacophore, thereby endowing PAE with various pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory. Hence, PAE can demonstrate significant value in the development of new anti-infective agents and in the treatment of inflammatory-related diseases in the field of medicine. In-depth research on the diverse values of PAE as therapeutic drugs and functional products can provide new solutions for human health and industrial development. This paper systematically reviews the chemical properties, natural sources, and biological activities of PAE. Moreover, this article provides a comprehensive review of the innovative applications and molecular mechanisms of PAE in the pharmaceutical and other fields (food industry, agriculture, cosmetics, and chemical materials). Furthermore, this review systematically elucidates the challenges and future perspectives of PAE. The findings provide a theoretical basis for the in-depth development and wide applications of PAE.