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


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.
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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Luzzi
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Belcaro
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Hu
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Dugall
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Hosoi
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Ippolito
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Corsi
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Gizzi
D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D050177:Overweight / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D027805:Phaseolus; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012042:Registries; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D055105:Waist Circumference / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D010936:Plant Extracts