Consumers increasingly look for natural, science-backed solutions for healthy metabolism and weight management, the demand for functional ingredients that offer multiple benefits is growing. Phaseolean®, a standardised extract of white kidney bean represents this approach by combining the potential of a familiar botanical with scientific evidence for appetite regulation, weight management and healthy glycemic response.
Phaseolean® works through a combination of natural mechanisms. Its activity is linked to the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, two enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion. By moderating their activity, Phaseolean® helps slow the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates, allowing some undigested carbohydrates to reach the large intestine.
Here, beneficial gut microbiota can ferment these carbohydrates into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which may support the secretion of satiety-related hormones such as GLP-1 and PYY, which delay gastric emptying, increase satiety and decrease Ghrelin levels, which reduces cravings naturally, thus delaying the onset of hunger pangs between meals, thus supporting weight management and a healthy glycemic response.
Clinical evidence supporting its potential
The potential of Phaseolean® has been evaluated through randomised, placebo-controlled clinical studies, with research covering metabolic biomarkers, appetite regulation, weight management and glycemic response.
In a 28-day clinical study involving overweight/obese Class-I and pre-diabetic adults, Phaseolean® was evaluated for its effects on metabolic and appetite-related biomarkers. The 500 mg per meal dose showed consistent results, including increased GLP-1 and PYY responses, favourable modulation of Ghrelin, and reduced postprandial glucose and insulin exposure.
The research was further extended to weight management. A separate 45-day randomised, placebo-controlled clinical study in overweight/obese Class-I adults found that Phaseolean® intake was associated with reductions in body weight, BMI, waist, hip and thigh circumference, as well as skin-fold fat thickness. No adverse events were reported during the intervention.
The benefits of Phaseolean® also extend to healthy glycemic response. In a clinical study involving healthy adults consuming a carbohydrate-rich meal, Phaseolean taken with white bread resulted in lower Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL) values. The study also reported improvements in measures of satiety, fullness, hunger and desire to eat. These findings highlight the potential of Phaseolean® to help moderate the impact of carbohydrate-rich meals while supporting satiety.
Together, these studies provide a broader picture of Phaseolean®, from its effect on carbohydrate digestion and appetite-related biomarkers to its potential role in weight management and glycemic response. With clinical research supporting its multiple functions, Phaseolean® offers formulators a nature-based, science-backed ingredient for the growing metabolic wellness category.
Innovation that continues to evolve
Phaseolean® is part of Ambe’s wider journey of developing branded, nature-based ingredients backed by science. This journey continues with newer innovations such as NatCaffTM, bringing a natural approach to natural caffeine applications; MelaXendTM, reflecting the growing interest in targeted solutions for modern sleep wellness needs; and a new study on Pinorox®, highlighting healthy cognitive function at every stage of life.
As consumer expectations move towards ingredients that are natural, purposeful and supported by evidence, Ambe continues to explore what nature can offer, and how science can make it more meaningful.
Twenty years of Nature Inspired Innovation is not just a legacy. It is a foundation for what comes next.
Reference:
SC Singh, Harshpal Singh, Muskan Choudhary, A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled, single-center, comparative study evaluating Phaseolean® safety and efficacy in overweight/obese participants, Heliyon, Volume 10, Issue 15, 2024, e35144, ISSN 2405-8440, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35144
