Beanblock® (standardized dry extract of Phaseolus vulgaris) in mildly overweight subjects: a pilot study

R. Luzzi, G. Belcaro, S. Hu, M. Dugall, M. Hosoi, E. Ippolito, M. Corsi, G. Gizzi

IRVINE3 Vascular/Circulation Labs, Department of Biomedical Sciences, CH-PE University, Pescara, Italy and Samaritans, Spoltore, PE, Italy. cardres@abol.it

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• Nutrition

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy of Beanblock®, a standardized extract of Phaseolus vulgaris L., on weight control in healthy overweight subjects on a weight management plan that combined lifestyle and dietary advice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty overweight (BMI 25-30 kg/m2) healthy subjects were enroled. All subjects were instructed to follow a weight management plan, accompanied by dietary advice. Thirty subjects used Beanblock® for at least 12 weeks (50 mg tablets, two times daily). The remaining 30 subjects did not receive any supplementation (management-only). The main endpoints were changes in body weight and waist circumference, with plasmatic oxidative stress, satiey and appetite being also evaluated.

RESULTS: At week 12, the supplementation with Beanblock® was associated with a reduction in body weight (from 82.8 ± 9.1 kg to 78.8 ± 8.9 kg; p < 0.0001) and a decrease of waist circumference from 94.4 ± 10.3 cm to 88.2 ± 10.0 cm (p < 0.0001). Conversely, only marginal changes were observed in the control group. Oxidative stress was also significantly decreased with Beanblock® (from 380.4 ± 14.8 to 340.7 ± 14.8 Carr Units; p < 0.0001). Satiety and appetite improved in the supplement group. No side effects were observed and compliance was optimal.

CONCLUSIONS: Beanblock®, in association with a health management plan, was useful for weight control in mildly overweight healthy subjects.

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