Effect of Perilla Extract on Improvement on Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
In the current study the effects of proprietary Perilla frutescens leaf extract in comparison to Maltodextrin, a fully digestible carbohydrate (placebo control), on gastrointestinal discomfort and bowel function were investigated. The study was performed double-blind and placebo-controlled with a 4 week intervention period. Study products were taken two times daily (each one capsule before breakfast and dinner).

Official Title
-----------------
Effect of Perilla Extract on Improvement of Intestinal Discomfort and Bowel Function in Healthy Volunteers With Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Conditions
-----------------
Abdominal Pain/ Discomfort, Slightly Constipation

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Dietary Supplement: Perilla extract
* Dietary Supplement: Maltodextrin


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Healthy volunteers without clinical diagnosed diseases with relevant effect on the gastrointestinal system or on visceral motility. BMI: 19-30 kg/m2 Reduced bowel movements defined as an average of >1 and ≤ 3.5 stools per week for at least the previous 6 months Gastrointestinal symptoms of at least 5 points Male or female Age ≥ 30 and ≤ 70 years Nonsmoker Written consent to participate in the study Able and willing to follow the study protocol procedures Exclusion Criteria: Subject under prescription for medication for digestive symptoms such as anti-spasmodic, laxatives and anti-diarrheic drugs or other digestive auxiliaries Relevant history, presence of any medical disorder or intake of medication / dietary supplements, potentially interfering with this trial at screening Subjects with stool frequency of ≤ 1 stool every 7 days or > 3,5 stools per week Subjects not willing to avoid pre- and probiotics for the duration of the study Intake of antibiotics in the last 4 weeks and laxatives in the last 2 weeks Change of dietary habits within the 4 weeks prior to screening (for instance start of a diet high in fibers) Pregnant subject or subject planning to become pregnant during the study; breast-feeding subject. Subjects with history of drug, alcohol or other substances abuse, or other factors limiting their ability to co-operate during the study. Participants anticipating a change in their lifestyle or physical activity levels since this may also influence the results. Known food intolerance or allergy. Subject involved in any clinical or food study within the preceding month

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 30 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Quadruple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Perilla extract<br>Experimental arm: Perilla extract | Dietary Supplement: Perilla extract<br> <br> |
| Placebo Comparator: Maltodextrin<br>Placebo arm: Maltodextrin | Dietary Supplement: Maltodextrin<br> <br> |

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| daily gastrointestinal symptoms | The following gastrointestinal were rated and reported by the study participants on a daily based. Bloating, rumbling, feeling of fullness, passage of gas, abdominal discomfort (pain and cramps). The rating was done based on a number scale. 0 not at all and 4 extremely. | was assessed daily during 4 week intervention | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| validated questionnaires | Three validated questionnaires were used. Two of them were specially designed to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life of people with constipation. The third questionnaire was a validated questionnaire to report stress levels and related changes of stress levels. Patient assessment of constipation symptoms (PAC SYM) Patents assessment of constipation quality of life (PAC QOL) Perceived stress questionnaire (PSQ20) | assessed at visit 1 (before) and at visit 2 (after 4 week intervention) | 
| stool consistency | The stool consistency was rated referring to the Bristol stool scale. A scale indicated with pictures how the stool consistency can be rated. | reported at days with stool during 4 week intervention | 
| Adverse events | All adverse events which might be linked to the study product were reported. As the tested study product is a food product being safe for consumption as food no specific parameter to define safety were defined. | assessed at visit 1 (before) and at visit 2 (after 4 week intervention) | 
| Stool frequency | The stool frequency was reported on each day with bowel movement. | reported at days with stool during 4 week intervention | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
Gastrointestinal discomfort, Perilla frutescens, bloating, abdominal discomfort, human study, healthy subjects