Beanblock® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Indena)

Phaseolus vulgaris
Evidence Level
Moderate
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Beanblock® is a standardized white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) extract from Indena that contains natural alpha-amylase inhibitors, compounds that temporarily slow the digestion of dietary starch. By reducing how quickly starch is broken down into sugar, it is used as a carb-management and weight-support ingredient, taken with starchy meals.

Studied Dose Around 500 mg taken shortly before a starch-containing meal.
Active Compound Standardized Phaseolus vulgaris (white kidney bean) extract containing alpha-amylase-inhibiting phaseolamin and related proteins.

Benefits

Carbohydrate and weight management

In a clinical study of mildly overweight adults, the standardized bean extract supported weight management as part of a calorie-controlled program, by limiting starch digestion.

Gentler post-meal glucose

By slowing starch breakdown, the extract can blunt the spike in blood sugar that follows a starchy meal.

Appetite and intake support

Slower carbohydrate absorption is associated with steadier energy and may support a feeling of fullness after meals.

Mechanism of action

1

Alpha-amylase inhibition

Phaseolamin binds to the digestive enzyme alpha-amylase, temporarily reducing its ability to break dietary starch into absorbable sugars.

2

Reduced starch absorption

With less starch digested in the upper gut, a portion passes further along, lowering the immediate caloric and glycemic load of the meal.

Clinical trials

1
White Kidney Bean Extract for Weight — Clinical Study
PubMed

Clinical study of Beanblock (standardized Phaseolus vulgaris extract) in mildly overweight subjects on a calorie-controlled diet. (Luzzi et al. 2014, European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences)

Mildly overweight adults.

The bean extract supported weight and waist management compared with diet alone, consistent with its starch-blocking mechanism.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated — digestive symptoms are the most common.
Mild gas, bloating, or loose stools can occur from undigested starch reaching the colon.
Start with one meal per day to assess tolerance.

Important Drug interactions

Diabetes medication — may add to blood-sugar-lowering effects; monitor.
Take with starchy meals, not with pure protein or fat meals, for the intended effect.
Tell your doctor if you manage blood sugar with medication.

Frequently asked questions about Beanblock® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Indena)

What is Beanblock?

Beanblock® is a standardized white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) extract from Indena that contains natural alpha-amylase inhibitors, compounds that temporarily slow the digestion of dietary starch.

What is Beanblock used for?

Beanblock is researched primarily for Weight Management and Metabolic Health. In a clinical study of mildly overweight adults, the standardized bean extract supported weight management as part of a calorie-controlled program, by limiting starch digestion.

What is the recommended dosage of Beanblock?

The clinically studied dose is Around 500 mg taken shortly before a starch-containing meal. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Beanblock safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Beanblock is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated — digestive symptoms are the most common. Mild gas, bloating, or loose stools can occur from undigested starch reaching the colon. It may also interact with some medications. Beanblock is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Beanblock interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Diabetes medication — may add to blood-sugar-lowering effects; monitor. Take with starchy meals, not with pure protein or fat meals, for the intended effect. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Beanblock?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Beanblock as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Luzzi R, Belcaro G, Hu S, et al. Beanblock (standardized dry extract of Phaseolus vulgaris) in mildly overweight subjects: a pilot study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2014;18(20):3120-5..PubMedUsed to support: Brand-specific clinical study supporting weight management.