Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Perilla frutescens, often referred to simply as perilla, is a medicinal plant traditionally used in East Asian medicine for various ailments, including gastrointestinal discomfort. Benegut™ is a proprietary extract of Perilla frutescens used in some supplements marketed for digestive health, particularly for symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The scientific validation for its use in IBS primarily comes from a handful of small clinical studies and preclinical data. Several randomized controlled trials, such as one by Hwang et al. (2014), have shown that perilla extract may help reduce symptoms like abdominal discomfort, bloating, and bowel irregularity in IBS patients. The proposed mechanisms include anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and anxiolytic effects, which may help modulate gut motility and sensitivity.

However, the overall evidence base remains limited, with most studies being small, short in duration, and sometimes funded by manufacturers. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are lacking, and the extract's efficacy has not been established in large-scale, independent trials. Thus, while there is some scientific support for the use of proprietary perilla extracts like Benegut™ in IBS, the strength of evidence is currently modest. Further rigorous, independent research is needed to confirm these preliminary findings and to establish standardized dosing and long-term safety.

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