PURCHASE, N.Y.—A new randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind pilot study found that a proprietary extract of Perilla frutescens extract (Benegut by Vital Solutions) can help with gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort in healthy people with (BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 May 27;14(1):173).

The study investigated the effects of Benegut on GI discomfort in 50 healthy people between the ages of 30 and 70, who were given 150 mg of Benegut twice daily for four weeks or a placebo. The participants documented their GI symptoms, stool frequency and consistency daily during a two-week run-in phase and the four-week intervention phase. GI symptoms were assessed on a five-point scale daily and average scores over two-week intervals were calculated.

Participants taking Benegut saw significant improvement in GI symptoms over the placebo. In a subgroup of women, abdominal discomfort and bloating were significantly improved against the placebo. The researchers concluded that Perilla frutescens extract shows promising results in improving GI complaints.

Benegut is marketed by Maypro Industries in the United states.