White Kidney Bean Extract

 

White Kidney Bean Extract Clinical Report Summary

Written Exclusively for MyNutritionStore.com by Sarah Dzida 

 

White kidney bean extract promotes weight loss by inhibiting the body's digestion of complex carbohydrates, thus decreasing the number of carbohydrate calories absorbed by the body.  This also leads to a decreased risk of degenerative arthritis, obstructive mellitus, coronary artery disease and obesity.  One study shows that white kidney bean extract also has an effect on triglycerides with researchers reporting a 26-level drop in subjects (1).  As of yet, researchers have no specific recommendations in regards to dosage even though studies have generally shown that white kidney bean extract is well tolerated in subjects and produces rapid decreased glucose-level results (2-4).  One study suggested 2.9 grams of white kidney bean extract in a mixture of nutrients, such as at mealtime, was effective in affecting the body's carbohydrate tolerance (5).  Experts are also generally agreed that white kidney bean extract is probably devoid of any harmful effects to human health (2-4).

 

White Kidney Bean Extract Overview

 

White kidney bean extract is a starch neutralizer water-extract of a common white kidney bean.  It specifically, but temporarily, inhibits the digestive enzyme alpha mylase, which breaks down starch, found in foods like potatoes, breads, pasta, rice, corn or crackers, into simple sugars or fuel for the body (1).  White kidney bean extract neutralizes the enzyme by not absorbing as many carbohydrates into the body as they pass through the digestive system.  While researchers are still defining its benefits for weight loss, studies have generally show that white kidney bean extract used in conjunction with a sensible diet and exercise routine may constitute a healthy weight loss program (1-4).  White kidney bean extract is sometimes referred to as "Phase 2" due to a popular brand starch neutralizer of that same name.

 

Clinical Studies for White Kidney Bean Extract

 

1. White Kidney Bean Extract and Weight Loss

 

A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a new weight-reducing agent of natural origin. Thom E.

The efficacy and tolerability of a new weight-reduction agent, based on natural ingredients, was investigated in this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. The product reduces the absorption of different types of sugar from the gastrointestinal tract. Forty obese volunteers were included in the 12-week study. Body weight, body composition and blood pressure were recorded at baseline and every month during the study. The results show a significant difference in weight reduction in favour of the active group (3.5 kg versus 1.2 kg). Body composition measurements showed that > 85% of the reduction in the active group is fat loss. The tolerability was similar and good in both groups. This product shows promising results and should be studied more extensively at different dose levels.

 

Characterization and functional properties of the alpha-amylase inhibitor (alpha-AI) from kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds. Berre-Anton V, et al.

Alpha-amylase inhibitor (alpha-AI) from kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv Tendergreen) seeds has been purified to homogeneity by heat treatment in acidic medium, ammonium sulphate fractionation, chromatofocusing and gel filtration. Two isoforms, alpha-AI1 and alpha-AI1', of 43 kDa have been isolated which differ from each other by their isoelectric points and neutral sugar contents. The major isoform alpha-AI1 inhibited human and porcine pancreatic alpha-amylases (PPA) but was devoid of activity on alpha-amylases of bacterial or fungal origins. As shown on the Lineweaver-Burk plots, the nature of the inhibition is explained by a mixed non-competitive inhibition mechanism. Alpha-AI1 formed a 1:2 stoichiometric complex with PPA which showed an optimum pH of 4.5 at 30 degrees C. Owing to the low optimum pH found for alpha-AI activity, inhibitor-containing diets such as beans or transgenic plants expressing alpha-AI should be devoid of any harmful effect on human health.

 

2. White Kidney Bean Extract and Heart Health/Obesity

 

Blocking carbohydrate absorption and weight loss: a clinical trial using Phase 2 brand proprietary fractionated white bean extract. Udani J, et al.

Background: Phase 2[TM] starch neutralizer brand bean extract product ("Phase 2") is a water-extract of a common white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) that has been shown in vitro to inhibit the digestive enzyme alpha-amylase. Inhibiting this enzyme may prevent the digestion of complex carbohydrates, thus decreasing the number of carbohydrate calories absorbed and potentially promoting weight loss. Methods: Fifty obese adults were screened to participate in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effects of treatment with Phase 2 versus placebo on weight loss. Participants were randomized to receive either 1500 mg Phase 2 or an identical placebo twice daily with meals. The active study period was eight weeks. Thirty-nine subjects completed the initial screening process and 27 subjects completed the study. Results: The results after eight weeks demonstrated the Phase 2 group lost an average of 3.79 lbs (average of 0.47 lb per week) compared with the placebo group, which lost an average of 1.65 lbs (average of 0.21 lb per week), representing a difference of 129 percent (p=0.35). Triglyceride levels in the Phase 2 group were reduced an average of 26.3 mg/dL, more than three times greater a reduction than observed in the placebo group (8.2 mg/dL) (p=0.07). No adverse events during the study were attributed to the study medication. Conclusion: Clinical trends were identified for weight loss and a decrease in triglycerides, although statistical significance was not reached. Phase 2 shows potential promise as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of obesity and hypertriglyceridemia and further studies with larger numbers of subjects are warranted to conclusively demonstrate effectiveness.

 

White Kidney Bean Extract References

 

1. Udani J, Hardy M, Madsen, D. Blocking carbohydrate absorption and weight loss: a clinical trial using Phase 2 brand proprietary fractionated white bean extract. Alt Med Review 2004; 9(1): 63-69.
2. Vinson, Joe A, PhD of the Department of Chemistry, University of Scranton. Investigation of the efficacy of Phase 2 a purified bean extract from Pharmachem Laboratories.
3. Thom, E. A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a new weight-reducing agent of natural origin. J Int Med Res 2000: 229-233.
4. Le Berre-Anton, V, Bompard-Gilles, C, Payan, F, Rouge, P. Characterization and functional properties of the alpha-amylase inhibitor (alpha-AI) from kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds. Biochem Biophys Acta 1997; 1343: 31-40.
5. Boivin, M, Zinmeister, A, Go, V, Di Magno, E. Effect of a purified amylase inhibitor on carbohydrate metabolism after a mixed meal in health humans. Mayo Clin Proc 1987; 62: 249-55.