A study published in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal identifies a number of benefits and improved function, achieved in people with IBS ( a functional loss of tolerance in the GI Tract) when consuming a 300mg daily dose of Perilla Extract.[1]
Gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort, e.g. bloating or rumbling, is a common symptom in otherwise healthy adults. Approximately 20% of the population, particularly women suffer from gastrointestinal discomfort and this affects quality of life. Recent studies discovered a link between the body and mind, called the gut-brain axis. Psychosocial factors, such as e.g. daily stress may cause altered gut physiology leading to ileum contractions and consequently gastrointestinal symptoms. In vitro and ex vivo studies clearly showed that a Perilla frutescens extract combines prokinetic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of the intervention was to investigate the effects of the proprietary Perilla extract on GI discomfort in healthy subjects with gastrointestinal discomfort and reduced bowel movements in comparison to a placebo product.
Conclusion
The demonstrated effects of Perilla frutescens extract to improve GI complaints offer very promising results, taking into consideration the challenging set up of a nutritional human study with healthy subjects and in the area of digestive health, which is known for high placebo effects.
About Benegut®
Benegut is a proprietary extract of the herb Perilla frutescens that is standardised to its key active ingredient, Vicenin-2, as well as to rosmarinic acid and a special flavonoid fraction. It has been shown in human clinical and animal research to support gastrointestinal health by:
- Reducing occasional abdominal discomfort and feeling of fullness
- Alleviating occasional gas and bloating
- Improving daily regularity
Benegut produces immediate, perceptible results. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial, 80% of subjects reported substantial relief from occasional gastrointestinal discomfort after using Benegut.[2] Due to its physiological efficacy, Benegut also helps improve psychosocial (quality of life) issues associated with digestive difficulties.
Mechanism of Action
Benegut, particularly the active constituent Vicenin 2, appears to support digestive comfort by:
- Decreasing excitatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha[3]
- Relaxing smooth muscles in the gut[4]
- Acting as a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor to improve gut motility[5]
Safety
Perilla frutescens leaves are commonly consumed as a tea, spice, salad garnish and sushi wrap in Asia. The European Commission (DG SANCO Health and Consumers) confirms in its Novel Food Catalogue that Perilla frutescens leaves are allowable for use as a food supplement ingredient. The herb does not appear on any negative lists of botanicals for food use in any European Member state. It is, however, on the positive list of botanicals for food use in Belgium and Italy and is FDA GRAS for use in dietary supplements in the United States. Benegut is not recommended for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding
References
[1] Buchwald-Werner S, Fujii H, Reule C, Schoen C. Perilla extract improves gastrointestinal discomfort in a randomized placebo controlled double blind human pilot study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 May 27;14:173. View Full Paper
[2] Unpublished study. Vital Solutions GmbH, Amino Up Chemicals
[3] Fujii H, et al. AgroFOOD Industry Hi-Tech. 2012.
[4] Verspohl EJ, et al. Phytomedicine. 2013.
[5] Buchwald-Werner S, Fuji H. Planta Medica. 2012.
