Phaseolus vulgaris

Phytother Res. 2011. Appetite Control and Glycaemia Reduction in Overweight Subjects treated with a Combination of Two Highly Standardized Extracts from Phaseolus vulgaris and Cynara scolymus.
Department of Health Sciences, Section of Human Nutrition, Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona, Pavia, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.

The management of overweight may include the use of dietary supplements targeted to favor the increase of the satiation associated with a decrease in blood glucose and lipid levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dietary supplementation with an extract from Phaseolus vulgaris and Cynara scolymus (artichoke leaf extract), on satiation, glucose and lipid pattern. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed in 39 overweight subjects (20 supplemented group, 19 placebo group) for 2 months. The modification of satiation, by Haber's scale, was the primary end-point, and the variation of the glucose and lipid pattern, of the anthropometric parameters and of the psychodynamic tests score were the secondary end-points. At the end of treatment, the net change of the Haber's mean score increased significantly in the intervention group. The net change of the glycaemia and of the dietary restriction score of the three factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ), were reduced significantly only in the intervention group. Moreover, in the supplemented group, the homeostasis model assessment, the body mass index and the susceptibility-to-hunger score of the TFEQ, decreased significantly after intervention; these parameters did not change in the controls. This treatment appears potentially useful in the management of overweight and high blood sugar level conditions.

The treatment for 60 days with a combination of twostandardized extracts from Phaseolus vulgaris (kidneybeans) and Cynara scolymus (artichoke) is efficacious inincreasing the feeling of satiety in a group of adultoverweight patients of either sex, compared with theplacebo.

The Phaseolus vulgaris dry extract, containing the alpha amylase inhibitor and phytohaemagglutinin in established ratios, was prepared through aqueous extraction and alcohol precipitation from the common bean. The extract is characterized by a standardized composition of ≥6% (w/w) alpha amylase inhibitor, with inhibiting activity ≥1100 U/mg, and phytohaemoagglutinin (haemoagglutinating activity≤30 HAU/mg).

The Cynara scolymus flowering heads extract was prepared through alcohol extraction, and the extract was characterized by a high content of caffeoylquinic acid