Benegut® – A Herbal Solution for Functional Dyspepsia

1. Functional Dyspepsia – A Common Yet Poorly Addressed Condition

Dyspepsia is the common term used to characterize abdominal discomfort, sometimes combined with other gastrointestinal impairments. Functional dyspepsia (FD) usually indicates abdominal discomfort or pain with no obvious organic causes.

Functional dyspepsia is common. It is a constant condition but symptoms don't happen all the time. 

People suffering from functional dyspepsia often report feelings of stomach pain, over-fullness and bloating during and after eating. Other common symptoms include acid reflux, heartburn, and excessive burping. It is estimated that a fifth of the population experience functional dyspepsia during its life, mainly women. 

According to international studies, approximately 20% of the population may experience this condition at some point in their lives, with a large portion unable to find effective relief. Proprietary data from Fytexia (2023) further highlights its negative impact on daily life:

• 64% feel uncomfortable engaging in social interactions
  
  
• 90% say their clothing choices are restricted
  
  
• 72% report reduced motivation to work or participate in activities
  

While probiotics and prebiotics currently dominate the digestive health supplement market, plant-based ingredients now account for over one-third of new growth—an emerging trend worth noting. As consumers increasingly demand real, scientifically supported results, Benegut® stands out as a promising new option—natural yet clinically proven to reduce digestive discomfort, with a confirmed efficacy confirmed on both acute and chronic digestive discomfort.

2. Introduction to Benegut®

2.1 Botanical Origin – Shiso from Hokkaido, Japan

Benegut® is a standardized extract derived from the leaves of Shiso, also known as Perilla, a plant from the Lamiaceae family, a traditional Japanese herb cultivated in Hokkaido, where optimal growing conditions enhance the plant's bioactive compound content. In Japanese cuisine, shiso is not only a culinary staple but also revered for its natural medicinal properties, particularly for digestive and immune support.

At Fytexia, shiso leaves are harvested only once per year, at peak biological maturity, ensuring optimal levels of active compounds. The Benegut® extract is then standardized based on clinical research to guarantee consistency and potency in every batch.

2.2 Active Compounds – Selective Flavonoids and Patent Protection

Benegut® features a unique composition of carefully selected flavonoids, the most notable being:

• Rosmarinic acid ≥ 0.05%
  
  
• Vicenin-2 ≥ 0.007% – a rare apigenin-based flavone with antispasmodic properties, first identified in perilla by the Benegut® development team and protected under patent WO2013079623.
  
  

Importantly, Benegut® contains no: Methyleugenol, Myristicin, Perillaketone. These compounds, often found in other Perilla species, may irritate. Their absence makes Benegut® exceptionally safe, suitable for vegetarians, gluten-free, non-GMO, and compliant with Halal and Kosher certifications.

The clinically proven effective dose is just 300 mg/day, making Benegut® potent and cost-effective for formulators.

3. Mechanism of Action: Why Is Benegut® More Effective Than Typical Digestive Ingredients?

Benegut® specifically targets digestive comfort and symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Its mechanisms—including antispasmodic activity and tight junction restoration—have been studied both in vitro and in vivo.

Tight Junction Restoration

"Leaky gut" syndrome is increasingly recognized as a root cause of digestive discomfort. Benegut® promotes secretion of mucin (Muc2) and upregulates occludin and claudin-1, key proteins of the intestinal barrier, to restore epithelial integrity and reduce permeability.

Antispasmodic Effect

When compared with pure Vicenin-2, Benegut® significantly reduced ileal contractions in rats caused by acetylcholine and Ba²⁺, demonstrating fast, perceivable relief after use. This makes Benegut® ideal for post-meal discomfort.

Another contributing factor to functional dyspepsia is acute intestinal inflammation, which increases visceral sensitivity. Scientific literature shows this inflammation can be modulated by active compounds in Benegut®, notably via reduced cytokine release.

Together, these mechanisms provide a holistic approach: reducing pain, repairing the gut barrier, and calming motility—ideal for those with functional dyspepsia, IBS, or unexplained abdominal discomfort.

4. Clinical Evidence: Measurable Efficacy in Just 90 Minutes

It is rare for a botanical ingredient to demonstrate fast, clinically measurable efficacy after a single dose. Benegut® has been validated in two major clinical studies:

• Acute study (2023): Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study conducted in Germany. Results showed that Benegut® significantly reduced symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, belching and overall discomfort after only 90 minutes of use after a high-energy meal.
• Chronic study (2014): Conducted over 4 weeks in 50 subjects with mild gastrointestinal disorders. Benegut® helps to significantly improve all GI symptoms (bloating, passage of gas, GI rumbling, feeling of fullness, and abdominal discomfort) over time.

Neither study reported adverse reactions or side effects, confirming Benegut®’s excellent safety profile. This dual demonstration of both acute and long-term efficacy makes Benegut® uniquely valuable in addressing a wide spectrum of consumer digestive needs.

5. Applications: Versatile Formulation Opportunities Across Market Segments

Benegut® is not only effective—it is highly adaptable across various product formats. It has already been successfully launched in the U.S. market in several delivery systems, including: Capsules, Fast-dissolving powder sticks, Chewable tablets for children, Natural gummies.

With its low effective dose (300 mg/day), Benegut® is ideal for compact formats like tablets, sachets, softgels, and gummies. Additionally, it meets strict international compliance standards—non-GMO, gluten-free, Halal, Kosher, vegan—making it suitable for global markets.