Dr. Grey AI

White Kidney Bean Extract

White Kidney Bean extract (Phase 2) is an alpha-amylase inhibitor that blocks starch digestion. It DOES work but potency is variable and modest - blocks ~25-65% of starch calories in acute studies. Meta-analyses show ~2kg weight loss over 4-12 weeks. Must be taken with starchy meals. Undigested starch goes to colon bacteria (gas, bloating). Better for preventing weight gain than losing existing weight. Works best with high-starch meals.

Quick Answer

What it is

White Kidney Bean extract (Phase 2) is an alpha-amylase inhibitor that blocks starch digestion. It DOES work but potency is variable and modest - blocks ~25-65% of starch calories in acute studies.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Body Weight
  • Grade B: Body Fat
  • Grade B: Postprandial Blood Glucose

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: White Kidney Bean Extract

Quick Facts: White Kidney Bean Extract

  • Best Evidence:Grade B
  • Conditions Studied:3
  • Research Outcomes:6
  • Grade B Findings:3
  • Key Effect:Body Composition
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B3
C3
D0
3 conditions · 6 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
B
Body Weight
Two meta-analyses of RCTs found statistically significant weight loss with white kidney bean extract. Udani et al. (2018) reported -1.08 kg across 11 studies (n=573, p<0.00001). Onakpoya et al. (2011) found -1.77 kg across 6 RCTs (not significant for weight, but -1.86 kg fat loss was significant). Individual RCTs consistently show 2-3 kg weight loss over 4-12 weeks.
small↓Improves
B
Postprandial Blood Glucose
Multiple human RCTs demonstrate reduced postprandial glucose spikes after starchy meals. Spadafranca et al. (2013) found lower glucose increments at 30 min (+15.4% vs +26.1%, p=0.04) with reduced insulin and C-peptide responses. Udani et al. (2009) showed a 34% reduction in glycemic index of white bread at 3000 mg dose (p=0.023). Feng et al. (2022) confirmed improved fasting and postprandial glucose in type 2 diabetics over 4 months.
moderate↓Improves
C
HbA1c
A single double-blind placebo-controlled RCT in 90 type 2 diabetes patients (Feng et al. 2022) found that 1.5 g white common bean extract daily for 4 months reduced HbA1c by 0.72%, improved HOMA-IR, and reduced prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The extract also remodeled gut microbiota, enriching beneficial SCFA-producing bacteria.
small↓Improves
B
Body Fat
Meta-analyses and multiple RCTs show significant reductions in body fat mass. Udani et al. (2018) meta-analysis found -3.26 kg fat loss (p=0.02). Onakpoya et al. (2011) reported -1.86 kg fat loss (p<0.05). Individual RCTs (Celleno 2007, Wang 2020, Jager 2024) confirm reductions in fat mass, subcutaneous fat thickness, and waist/hip circumferences while preserving lean body mass.
small↓Improves
C
Appetite
Several human studies suggest appetite-suppressing effects. Spadafranca et al. (2013) found suppressed ghrelin rebound and lower desire to eat (p=0.02) in a small acute RCT (n=12). Luzzi et al. (2014) reported improved satiety and decreased appetite alongside weight loss in 60 overweight subjects over 12 weeks. Rondanelli et al. (2011) found improved hunger susceptibility scores with a combination of P. vulgaris and artichoke extract.
small↓Improves
C
Triglycerides
Limited evidence suggests triglyceride reduction. Udani et al. (2004) found a trend toward triglyceride reduction (-26.3 mg/dL vs -8.2 mg/dL placebo, p=0.07) in a small 8-week RCT (n=27). Ramirez-Jimenez et al. (2022) found a 37.8% triglyceride decrease with a Phaseolus vulgaris-based snack bar in hypertriglyceridemic women (n=26, p=0.032), though this used a whole-bean food rather than pure extract.
small↓Improves

Research Citations (16)

Proprietary alpha-amylase inhibitor formulation from white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) promotes weight and fat loss: a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial
(2024)
PMID: 38830962
White common bean extract remodels the gut microbiota and ameliorates type 2 diabetes and its complications: A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial
(2022)
PMID: 36303868
Daily Intake of a Phaseolus vulgaris L. Snack Bar Attenuates Hypertriglyceridemia and Improves Lipid Metabolism-Associated Plasma Proteins in Mexican Women
(2022)
PMID: 35719139
Regular intake of white kidney beans extract (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) induces weight loss compared to placebo in obese human subjects
(2020)
PMID: 32180941
It's No Has Bean: A Review of the Effects of White Kidney Bean Extract on Body Composition and Metabolic Health
(2020)
PMID: 32414090
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of a Proprietary Alpha-Amylase Inhibitor from White Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on Weight and Fat Loss in Humans
(2018)
PMID: 29677119
Weight reduction and maintenance with IQP-PV-101: a 12-week randomized controlled study with a 24-week open label period
(2014)
PMID: 24006357
Beanblock (standardized dry extract of Phaseolus vulgaris) in mildly overweight subjects: a pilot study
(2014)
PMID: 25392114
Phaseolus vulgaris extract affects glycometabolic and appetite control in healthy human subjects
(2013)
PMID: 23046862
The efficacy of Phaseolus vulgaris as a weight-loss supplement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials
(2011)
PMID: 22844674

Related Supplements

Oleoylethanolamide

3 shared conditions · 8 outcomes

OEA is an endogenous lipid signaling molecule produced in the intestines after fat consumption. Primary mechanism is PPARa activation (same receptor as fibrate drugs). Reliably reduces food intake in animal studies. Also activates GPR119 and TRPV1 receptors. Part of the endocannabinoid-like family but doesn't directly activate CB receptors. LIMITED human evidence - oral supplementation efficacy for weight loss unproven. Found naturally after olive oil consumption.

Whey Protein

2 shared conditions · 197 outcomes

Whey protein is one of the two high-quality proteins derived from cow’s milk (casein being the other). Its high digestibility, quick absorption, and well-researched benefits for muscle gain and cardiometabolic health make it a popular protein supplement among athletes and older adults.

Valine

2 shared conditions · 7 outcomes

Valine is one of three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), along with leucine and isoleucine. It's essential (must come from diet). NO GRADED OUTCOMES for isolated valine. Least studied and likely least important of the BCAAs for muscle building. Generally supplemented as part of BCAA mixture rather than alone. No unique proven benefits compared to other BCAAs. Safe as an amino acid. Adequate protein intake typically provides sufficient valine.

Sacred lotus

2 shared conditions · 6 outcomes

Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic plant important in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. All parts are used - seeds, leaves, rhizomes, flowers. Rich in polyphenols (catechins, procyanidins) and contains unique alkaloids like neferine. Preclinical research suggests anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-depressant, and sedative effects. NO human clinical trials. Most interesting bioactive is neferine (unique to this plant) which shows various pharmacological effects in vitro. Remains underresearched in humans.

Rauwolscine

2 shared conditions · 2 outcomes

Rauwolscine is a diastereoisomer (stereoisomer) of yohimbine with similar alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist activity. May be more potent than yohimbine at the same receptor. Used in fat burner supplements for 'stubborn fat' areas. Like yohimbine, works by blocking alpha-2 receptors that inhibit fat release. VERY LIMITED human research - potency and safety extrapolated from yohimbine data. Likely shares yohimbine's stimulant side effects (anxiety, elevated heart rate).

Piperine

2 shared conditions · 9 outcomes

Piperine is the pungent alkaloid from black pepper (Piper nigrum). Primary use is as a bioavailability enhancer - increases absorption of many supplements (curcumin by 2000%, CoQ10, resveratrol, etc.) by inhibiting drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. IMPORTANT: Same mechanism that increases supplement absorption also affects medications - significant drug interaction potential. As a standalone supplement, has mild thermogenic and metabolic effects. BioPerine is a standardized 95% piperine extract.

Piceatannol

2 shared conditions · 8 outcomes

Piceatannol is a stilbene compound similar to resveratrol, found in passion fruit, grapes, and berries. Also a metabolite of resveratrol. May have superior bioavailability and bioactivity compared to resveratrol in some studies. Unique SIRT1 activation and AMPK effects. Preliminary human studies suggest benefits for insulin sensitivity. Less studied than resveratrol but potentially more promising. Contains extra hydroxyl group giving stronger antioxidant activity.

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide

2 shared conditions · 10 outcomes

NAD+ is a critical coenzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and aging-related pathways. NAD+ levels decline with age, driving interest in supplementation for anti-aging. However, oral NAD+ itself has very poor bioavailability - PRECURSORS like NR (nicotinamide riboside) and NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) are generally preferred. NO GRADED OUTCOMES for direct NAD+ supplementation. Most NAD+ research actually uses precursors. Research on aging benefits is ongoing but preliminary.