Abstract The technology of headspace coupled GC/MS was used to study the volatile components of both fresh and dry Perilla frutescens. Twenty-three components were identified of which Î²-caryophyllene (24.2%), thujopsene (13.0â20.8%), perillaldehyde (14.2â15.1%) and (Z)-Î²-farnesene (3.3â10.9%) were major.