Acute postprandial gastrointestinal symptom relief with a standardized Perilla frutescens leaf extract: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, cross over trial in healthy adults

Gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort is common worldwide, needing safe and rapid symptom relief options. Perilla frutescens is a phytochemical-rich herb with traditional anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic use. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study (n=30), adults consumed a standardized high-calorie meal followed by a single 300 mg dose of a standardized Perilla frutescens leaf extract or placebo. The primary endpoint was the iAUC0–90 min of overall GI discomfort. The extract reduced this endpoint versus placebo (iAUC 3073 vs 3742 mm·min; p=0.0061), with supportive improvements versus the screening visit in fullness, bloating, burping and nausea; no product-related adverse events occurred. Overall, this standardized Perilla frutescens leaf extract provided acute postprandial relief in healthy adults.

J. Muralidharan, C. Romain, K. Homma, C. Schön, A. Gadea, J. Cases, S. Buchwald-Werner

Agro FOOD Industry Hi-Tech, VOl. 37 (2), 2026