Abstract : The oral intake of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) has been reported to be effective in preventing vascular disease and improving blood fat status. However, the effects of ALA-rich perilla oil consumption on individuals’ physiological indicators have not been appropriately investigated. This study therefore investigates the effects of the oral intake of perilla oil on physiological indicators. Thirty-eight participants were recruited from Fukutomi-cho, Higashi-hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The participants each took 5 ml of perilla oil daily for eight months. We calculated the mean values of the physiological index before and after the intake period and applied a paired-sample<em> t</em>-test. The results show that there was no change in body weight, body fat, blood lipid, or blood pressure. However, in addition to changes in the indicators of arteriosclerosis and anemia associated with aging, we observed a significant decrease—approximately 20%—in two kinds of blood oxidation markers and hormones related to bone metabolism. Participants’ scores on the self-evaluated depression scale also decreased significantly. These results suggest that daily intake of perilla oil may be useful in alleviating the effects of aging and depression