Phaseolamin
Phaseolamin, also known as "Phase 2", is a proteinaceous inhibitor of alpha-amylase. Originally isolated from white kidney beans, the protein is now commercially produced and sold as a diet aid. It works by inhibiting the action of starch degradation enzyme alpha-amylase, so that less sugar is absorbed in the small intestine. It is only active on alpha-amylases of animal origin, and does not affect those produced by plants, bacteria or fungi.
Clinical trial results
In a clinical trial performed by Jay Udani, MD (Assistant Clinical Professor at the UCLA School of Medicine), a randomly selected group of obese subjects were given 1500 mg Phaseolamin twice daily with meals. Over the period of the eight week trial, which 27 subjects completed, the group using Phaseolamin showed an average weight loss of 3.79 pounds, compared with an average of 1.65 pounds for subjects taking a placebo. No adverse effects were observed during the trial.
References
- Marshall J, Lauda C (1975). "Purification and properties of phaseolamin, an inhibitor of alpha-amylase, from the kidney bean, Phaseolus vulgaris". J Biol Chem. 250 (20): 8030–7. PMID 240849.
- Udani J, Hardy M, Madsen DC. (March 2004). "Blocking carbohydrate absorption and weight loss: a clinical trial using Phase 2 brand proprietary fractionated white bean extract". Alternative medicine review.
- Celleno L, Tolaini M, D'Amore A, Perricone N, Preuss H (2007). "A Dietary Supplement Containing Standardized Phaseolus vulgaris Extract Influences Body Composition of Overweight Men and Women". Int J Med Sci. 4 (1): 45–52. PMID 17299581.