White Kidney Bean Extract
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
White Kidney Bean Extract (Phaseolus vulgaris extract (alpha-amylase inhibitor)) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,020 participants, researched for Weight Management, Blood Sugar Control, Carbohydrate Blocking and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Weight Management
ModerateBlood Sugar Control
StrongCarbohydrate Blocking
WeakGut Health
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Weight Management
To evaluate white kidney bean extract supplementation on weight loss in overweight adults.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate white kidney bean extract supplementation on weight loss in overweight adults.
Dose
445 mg/meal white kidney bean extract
Participants
60 overweight adults consuming a high-carbohydrate diet
Duration
30 days
Results
White kidney bean extract produced significantly greater weight loss (-2.93 kg vs -0.35 kg placebo) and fat mass reduction. Waist, hip, and thigh measurements also decreased significantly.
How They Measured It
Body weight, fat mass, waist circumference, lean mass
To evaluate Phaseolus vulgaris extract for weight management.
Study Type
Meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate Phaseolus vulgaris extract for weight management.
Dose
445-3,000 mg/day
Participants
Pooled from 4 RCTs
Duration
4-12 weeks
Results
White kidney bean extract produced a statistically significant reduction in body weight compared to placebo (pooled difference: -1.72 kg). Greatest effects observed in adults consuming high-carbohydrate diets.
How They Measured It
Pooled body weight changes across RCTs
Blood Sugar Control
To evaluate white kidney bean extract on postprandial blood glucose response.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, crossover
Purpose
To evaluate white kidney bean extract on postprandial blood glucose response.
Dose
1,000 mg white kidney bean extract with meal
Participants
25 healthy adults
Duration
Acute crossover
Results
White kidney bean extract significantly reduced postprandial glucose AUC by 34% and insulin AUC by 28% following a starchy meal. Alpha-amylase inhibition reduced starch digestion and glucose absorption.
How They Measured It
Postprandial glucose AUC, insulin AUC following carbohydrate meal
To assess the glycaemic effects of white kidney bean extract in type 2 diabetic patients.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess the glycaemic effects of white kidney bean extract in type 2 diabetic patients.
Dose
3,000 mg/day white kidney bean extract
Participants
53 type 2 diabetic patients
Duration
16 weeks
Results
Supplementation significantly reduced HbA1c (-0.41%), fasting blood glucose, and postprandial glucose excursions compared to placebo. The extract was well tolerated with only mild GI effects.
How They Measured It
HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose
Carbohydrate Blocking
To characterise the alpha-amylase inhibitory activity of Phaseolus vulgaris extract.
Study Type
In-vitro study
Purpose
To characterise the alpha-amylase inhibitory activity of Phaseolus vulgaris extract.
Dose
Various extract concentrations
Participants
Pancreatic alpha-amylase enzyme assay
Duration
N/A
Results
Phaseolus vulgaris extract dose-dependently inhibited pancreatic alpha-amylase activity with IC50 of 0.14 mg/mL. Starch hydrolysis was reduced by up to 90% at saturating concentrations, confirming potent carbohydrate-blocking activity.
How They Measured It
Alpha-amylase inhibition kinetics, starch hydrolysis assays
Gut Health
To evaluate the prebiotic effects of white kidney bean extract on gut microbiota.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the prebiotic effects of white kidney bean extract on gut microbiota.
Dose
1,500 mg/day
Participants
42 overweight adults
Duration
12 weeks
Results
White kidney bean extract supplementation significantly increased Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus populations and butyrate production. Gut permeability markers improved, consistent with prebiotic effects from undigested resistant starch.
How They Measured It
16S rRNA gut microbiota analysis, short-chain fatty acids, gut permeability markers
To investigate how alpha-amylase inhibitors affect colonic fermentation and microbiota.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate how alpha-amylase inhibitors affect colonic fermentation and microbiota.
Dose
0.5% dietary Phaseolus vulgaris extract
Participants
Sprague-Dawley rats
Duration
3 weeks
Results
Alpha-amylase inhibitor supplementation increased resistant starch reaching the colon, shifting microbiota toward increased Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and elevating butyrate production.
How They Measured It
Caecal microbiota composition, SCFA profile, caecal pH
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about White Kidney Bean Extract research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on White Kidney Bean Extract (Phaseolus vulgaris extract (alpha-amylase inhibitor)), involving 1,020 total participants. Research covers Weight management, Blood sugar control, Carbohydrate blocking and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (5 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
White Kidney Bean Extract has been researched for: Weight management, Blood sugar control, Carbohydrate blocking, Gut health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 5 out of 8 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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