A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, single-center, comparative study evaluating Phaseolean® safety and efficacy in overweight/obese participants

Scope: Phaseolean (R), a standardized water extract of Phaseolus vulgaris or white kidney bean, exhibits alpha-amylase inhibitory property, which decreases calorie absorption by preventing or delaying carbohydrate digestion, thus supporting weight management. This randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled, single-center comparative study (Clinical trial registration number: CTRI/2023/02/049440, Registered on: February 03, 2023) evaluated the safety and efficacy of Phaseolean (R) in weight management in overweight or obese participants upon regular intake at two different doses compared with placebo. Method: Sixty-six participants were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups, considering the inclusion & exclusion criteria. Each group was assigned a specific daily dosage for three meals: Phaseolean (R) 1500 mg/day (500 mg per meal), Phaseolean (R) 3000 mg/day (1000 mg per meal), or placebo 1500 mg/day (500 mg per meal), administered thrice a day before meals for 45 consecutive days. Body weight; body mass index (BMI); skinfold fat thickness; waist, hip, and thigh circumferences; and blood biochemical parameters were monitored and analyzed to evaluate the effects of these interventions. Results and conclusions: Of the 66 enrolled participants, 62 completed the study. Treatment with Phaseolean (R) 1500 mg/day reduced the weight by an average of 2.10 kg (0.33 kg/week), while that with 3000 mg/day was 1.94 kg (0.30 kg/week); 0.13 kg weight loss (0.02 kg/week) was observed in the placebo group after 45 days, showing significant differences between the Phaseolean (R) and placebo groups (p < 0.01). BMI, body fat, skinfold fat thickness, and the waist, hip, and thigh circumference were significantly reduced (p < 0.01) in both Phaseolean (R) groups compared with those in the placebo group, which showed no significant changes. No adverse effects were observed during the clinical trial period. Phaseolean (R) 1500 mg/day dose was more effective in weight reduction than the 3000 mg/day higher dose. Therefore, Phaseolean (R) can be used to support healthy weight management.