Standardized Perilla frutescens extract improves acute postprandial meal-induced Gastrointestinal discomfort: Randomized control trial

Gastrointestinal (GI) discomforts affect a large population all over the world. Acute symptom relief without side effects is an attractive option. Perilla frutescens is an herb rich in phytochemicals that is traditionally used for anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic effects. In this acute study we elucidate the effects of Benegut®, a proprietary Perilla frutescens extract, on relief of postprandial GI discomfort on 30 (22 women, 8 men) healthy participants in the age group of ≥ 25 and ≤ 70 years. Participants were included in the study if they obtained an overall GI discomfort score of 5 out of 10 on a VAS questionnaire post a high caloric meal on the screening visit. Participants attended two other visits where they either consumed 300 mg of Benegut® or placebo after the same high caloric meal as the screening. During these visits subjects rated their discomfort symptoms at defined time points (0, 5, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 min). We observed that iAUC _{0− 90 min} overall GI discomfort significantly improved in the Benegut® group (3073 ± 1255) compared to placebo (3742 ± 1611) and screening (4286 ± 1131). Bloating, burping and feeling of fullness significantly improved with Perilla frutescens supplementation compared to screening. Overall Benegut® provided an acute symptom relief for GI discomfort post high caloric meal consumption.Clinical trial Gov registration number: NCT05603416