Kidney Bean Extract Research Articles

Proprietary alpha-amylase inhibitor formulation from white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) promotes weight and fat loss: a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial

White kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) extracts can aid weight management by reducing calorie intake from complex carbohydrates through alpha-amylase inhibition. We examined the impact of a proprietary aqueous extract from whole dried white kidney beans standardized by its alpha-amylase inhibitor activity (Phase 2 white kidney bean extract (WKBE)) on weight management in subjects with overweight and moderate obesity. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion, 81 participants completed the study and ingested either a high dose of Phase 2 (1000 mg, WKBE HIGH), a low dose (700 mg, WKBE LOW), or a matching placebo (microcrystalline cellulose, PLA) three times a day, 30 min before meals, for 12 weeks during a calorie restricted diet. In a dose-dependent manner, Phase 2 significantly reduced body weight, fat mass, BMI, waist, hip and in the WKBE HIGH group thigh circumference. Phase 2 is an effective and safe supplement aiding weight and fat loss. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02930668.

FORMULATION AND STABILITY EVALUATION OF ANTI-OBESITY NUTRACEUITCAL BLEND OF WHITE KIDNEY BEAN EXTRACT (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.), PROPOLIS ETHANOLIC EXTRACT AND CRPIC3

Objective: This study aimed to formulate and evaluate the stability profile of an anti-obesity nutraceutical combination in different dosage forms. Methods: Active and inactive ingredients were formulated into pharmaceutical dosage forms. The quality parameters of the dosage forms were determined, followed by accelerated stability testing (40±2 °C and 75±5% Relative Humidity (RH)) for 180 d was completed to evaluate their physical, chemical and microbiological attributes throughout the storage period. Results: Pre-formulation parameters of the powder blend of active and inactive ingredients for each dosage form showed a satisfactory flowability with Hausner's ratio falling between 1.16 and 1.18, average angle of repose between 22.29° and 22.90° and acceptable compressibility with Carr’s index below 25%. Tablets assessments were acceptable with a mean friability value of 0.21±0.03%, hardness of 4.12±0.09 kg/cm2. The average disintegration time of 5 min 10 sec for tablets and 4 min and 30 sec for capsules. The accelerated stability study revealed that tablet dosage forms are stable for longer period that can reach up to 180 d (24 mo real-time), while sachets and capsules are stable for a period of 135 d (18 mo real-time). Conclusion: The anti-obesity blend of White Kidney Bean Extract (WKBE), Propolis Ethanolic Extract (PEE) and CrPic3 can be successfully formulated in acceptable and convenient dosage forms that can be stable for 18-24 mo.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Combining White Kidney Bean Extract, Propolis Ethanolic Extract and CrPi3 on Sprague-Dawley Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Obesity has been associated with the occurrence and prevalence of various chronic metabolic diseases. The management of obesity has evolved to focus not only on reducing weight, but also on preventing obesity-related complications. Studies have shown that bioactive components in natural products like white kidney bean extract (WKBE), propolis ethanolic extract (PEE), and chromium picolinate (CrPi3) showed anti-obesity properties. However, no studies have examined the outcomes of combining any of these nutraceutical supplements. We compared the effects of HFD supplemented with WKBE, WKBE+PEE, or WKBE+PEE+CrPi3 against control and obese groups using Sprague-Dawley rats fed a 45% high-fat diet as an in vivo model. Nutritional parameters, biochemical parameters, and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, liver function, kidney function, and gut health were among the comparable effects. Our findings showed that combining the three nutraceutical supplements had a synergetic effect on reducing weight gain, food utilization rate, abdominal fat, serum lipids, arterial and hepatic lipids, risk of cardiovascular disease, and blood glucose level, in addition to improving renal function and gut microbiota. We attributed these effects to the α-amylase inhibitor action of WKBE, flavonoids, and polyphenol content of PEE, which were potentiated with CrPi3 resulting in a further reduction or normalization of certain parameters.

Interactions of legume phenols-rice protein concentrate towards improving vegan food quality: Development of a protein-phenols enriched fruit smoothie

Phenol-protein interaction is considered an effective tool to improve the functional properties of vegan proteins. The present work aimed to evaluate the covalent interaction between kidney bean polyphenols with rice protein concentrate and studied their characteristics for quality improvement in vegan-based foods. The impact of interaction on the techno-functional properties of protein was evaluated and the nutritional composition revealed that kidney bean was rich in carbohydrates. Furthermore, a noticeable antioxidant activity (58.11 ± 1.075 %) due to the presence of phenols (5.5 mg GAE/g) was observed for the kidney bean extract. Moreover, caffeic acid and p-Coumaric acid were confirmed using ultra-pressure liquid chromatography and the amount was 194.43 and 0.9272 mg/kg, respectively. A range of rice protein- phenols complexes (PPC0.025, PPC0.050, PPC0.075, PPC0.1, PPC0.2, PPC 0.5, PPC1) were examined and PPC0.2 and PPC0.5 showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher binding efficiency with proteins via covalent interaction. The conjugation reveals changes in physicochemical properties of rice protein, including, reduced size (178.4 nm) and imparted negative charges (-19.5 mV) of the native protein. The presence of amide Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, was confirmed in native protein and protein-phenol complex with vibration bands, particularly at 3784.92, 1631.07, and 1234 cm−1, respectively. The X-ray diffraction pattern depicted a slight decrease in crystallinity after the complexation and scanning electron microscopy revealed the alteration in morphology from less to improved smoothness and continuous surface characteristics for the complex. Thermo gravimetric analysis revealed high thermal stability of the complex with a maximum weight loss at a temperature range of 400–500 °C. Protein-phenol complex added fruit-based smoothie was developed and it was found to be acceptable in terms of various sensory attributes including color & appearance, textural consistency, and mouthfeel as compared to the control smoothie. Overall, this study provided novel insights to understand the phenol–protein interactions and the possible use of the phenol-rice protein complex in the development of vegan-based food products.

Effect of kidney bean extract on phytohaemagglutinin activity, functional properties, and the estimated glycaemic index in‐vitro

SummaryThis study aimed to decrease the activity of phytohaemagglutinins and kidney bean α‐amylase activity in some selected stable foods. Kidney bean α‐amylase inhibitors may inhibit mammalian α‐amylase, reducing the estimated glycaemic index (eGI). The effect of temperature, pH and protease pretreatment on PHA activity in the crude extract was investigated. Besides, the inhibitory effect of kidney bean extract on α‐amylase activity and properties was assessed. Results showed that the PHA activity was decreased to 6.97% from the aqueous extract of kidney beans, while the α‐AI activity was retained by 85.89% by acid protease treatment. The extract's α‐amylase inhibitory activity remained at 87.37% following simulation in a gastric environment, whereas no effect was observed in a simulated intestinal environment. Adding 3% of the extract decreased the eGI of bread, rice, steamed bread, and steamed corn bread from 65.00, 71.65, 68.17, and 63.41 to 30.69, 39.51, 22.30, and 19.69, respectively. The processing method of crude kidney bean extract examined in this study has significant reference value for the development of kidney bean α‐amylase inhibitors and can enhance the intensive processing level and industrial development value of kidney beans worldwide. This discovery suggests that kidney bean extracts can be used to develop foods with a low GI.

White kidney bean extract as a nutraceutical: effects on gut microbiota, alpha-amylase inhibition, and user experiences.

White kidney bean extract (WKBE) is a nutraceutical often advocated as an anti-obesity agent. The main proposed mechanism for these effects is alpha-amylase inhibition, thereby slowing carbohydrate digestion and absorption. Thus, it is possible that WKBE could impact the gut microbiota and modulate gut health. We investigated the effects of supplementing 20 healthy adults with WKBE for 1 week in a randomised, placebo-controlled crossover trial on the composition of the gut microbiota, gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation (faecal calprotectin), GI symptoms, and stool habits. We conducted in vitro experiments and used a gut model system to explore potential inhibition of alpha-amylase. We gained qualitative insight into participant experiences of using WKBE via focus groups. WKBE supplementation decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and increased that of Firmicutes, however, there were no significant differences in post-intervention gut microbiota measurements between the WKBE and control. There were no significant effects on GI inflammation or symptoms related to constipation, or stool consistency or frequency. Our in vitro and gut model system analyses showed no effects of WKBE on alpha-amylase activity. Our findings suggest that WKBE may modulate the gut microbiota in healthy adults, however, the underlying mechanism is unlikely due to active site inhibition of alpha-amylase.

Comparison of Glycemic Response to Carbohydrate Meals without or with a Plant-Based Formula of Kidney Bean Extract, White Mulberry Leaf Extract, and Green Coffee Extract in Individuals with Abdominal Obesity.

Due to the rising prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, a strategy that can positively influence diet quality in a simple way is being explored, since a low glycemic index (GI) diet is advised in the dietoprophylaxis and diet therapy of diabetes. Methods: Twenty-three women with abdominal obesity participated in the study. The postprandial glycemic response and glycemic index were determined after three carbohydrate meals (noodle soup, white rice, strawberry sorbet) without or with the addition of a plant-base supplement (extracts of kidney bean, white mulberry leaf, and green coffee) with a potentially hypoglycemic effect. For two products (instant noodle soup and white rice), the addition of the plant supplement resulted in a reduction in glicemic iAUC values (respectively, by: 17.1%, p = 0.005 and 5.3%; p = 0.03; 40.6%, p = 0.004 and 5.3%, p = 0.019). However, this effect was not observed for strawberry sorbet. The blood glucose concentrations 30 min after the consumption of instant noodle soup and white rice with the plant-based formula addition significantly affected the GI value of tested meals (p = 0.0086, r = 0.53; p = 0.0096, r = 0.53), which may indicate the effect of this plant supplement on enterohormone and/or insulin secretion. Conclusion: A formula containing kidney bean, white mulberry leaves, and green coffee extracts may therefore be a notable factor in lowering postprandial glycemia and the GI of carbohydrate foods. However, further research is needed to determine for which food groups and meals its use may be most effective.

Improvement of Glycemic Control by a Functional Food Mixture Containing Maltodextrin, White Kidney Bean Extract, Mulberry Leaf Extract, and Niacin-Bound Chromium Complex in Obese Diabetic db/db Mice.

Steady-fiber granule (SFG) is a mixture containing maltodextrin, white kidney bean extract, mulberry leaf extract, and niacin-bound chromium complex. These active ingredients have been shown to be associated with improving either hyperglycemia or hyperlipidemia. This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of SFG in the regulation of blood glucose homeostasis under obese diabetic conditions. Accordingly, db/db mice (8 weeks old) were administered with SFG at doses of 1.025, 2.05, or 5.125 g/kg BW daily via oral gavage for 4 weeks. No body weight loss was observed after SFG supplementation at all three doses during the experimental period. Supplementation of SFG at 2.05 g/kg BW decreased fasting blood glucose, blood fructosamine, and HbA1c levels in db/db mice. Insulin sensitivity was also improved, as indicated by HOMA-IR assessment and oral glucose tolerance test, although the fasting insulin levels were no different in db/db mice with or without SFG supplementation. Meanwhile, the plasma levels of triglyceride were reduced by SFG at all three doses. These findings suggest that SFG improves glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in db/db mice and can be available as an option for functional foods to aid in management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in daily life.

Dietary Intervention With α-Amylase Inhibitor in White Kidney Beans Added Yogurt Modulated Gut Microbiota to Adjust Blood Glucose in Mice.

White kidney beans contain α-amylase inhibitors that can be used in diet for weight reduction. In this study, we investigated the potential of white kidney bean (phaseolus vulgaris L.) extract enriched in α-amylase inhibitor as a food additive in yogurt to regulate blood glucose in hyperglycemic animals. Five groups of C57BL/6J mice were fed for 8 weeks with standard chow diets, high-fat diets (HFD), or high-fat diets with supplement of α-amylase inhibitor in white kidney beans (P. vulgaris extract, PVE), yogurt (Y), and PVE added yogurt (YPVE), respectively. The HFD weakened glucose tolerance and caused insulin resistance in mice, and changed the characteristics of intestinal flora. The intervention of Y, PVE, and YPVE decreased blood glucose, insulin, hyperlipidemia, and inflammatory cytokine levels in mice fed with HFD. Moreover, the YPVE could regulate the components of host intestinal microbiota toward a healthy pattern, significantly increased the metabolic-related flora Corynebacterium, Granulicatella, and Streptococcus, while it decreased Paraprevotella and Allobaculum. Thus, YPVE markedly increased functions of “Amino Acid Metabolism,” “Energy Metabolism,” “Nucleotide Metabolism,” and declined functions of “Glycan Biosynthesis and Metabolism.” Consequently, YPVE could be developed as a new functional food because of its beneficial prebiotic properties in the metabolic syndrome.

Dyeing of Silk Fabric with Soaked Phaseolus Vulgaris (Red kidney bean) Extract

With the rising awareness of sustainability, eco-friendly dyes are preferred over synthetic dyes and chemicals. In our day-to-day life, many natural ingredients have colorant substances but are discarded without efficient use. Similarly, the seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris (Red Kidney Beans) release colorant substances when soaked in water or boiled, but the water is drained out or discarded. The present work aimed to utilize the above extract in a sustainable way. So, an attempt is made to dye the silk fabric with the colorant extract with various mordants at different temperatures. The colorant was extracted by soaking Red Kidney Beans for 3 hours and further boiling it for 20 minutes at 100ºC. Degummed and bleached Mulberry silk fabric was dyed with the colorant extract at 90-95ºC and pH [3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5] for 45 minutes. Dyed fabric samples were tested for color strength using color i7 Spectrophotometer. Also, the dyed fabric samples were tested for different color fastness properties (colourfastness to washing, water, rubbing, light etc.) and mechanical properties (thickness, bending length, flexural rigidity, crease recovery). Satisfactory results were found. Thus, the implications of the research show a promising future for dying of silk fabric with a sustainable approach.

Effects of mulberry leaf and white kidney bean extract mix on postprandial glycaemic control in pre-diabetic subjects aged 45–65 years: a randomized controlled trial

Mulberry leaves and white kidney beans may improve postprandial glycaemic control. However, data are lacking on the combined anti-diabetic effect of these two plant extracts among pre-diabetic individuals. This randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of mulberry leaf and white kidney bean extract mix (MWEM) on postprandial glycaemic control in 66 pre-diabetic subjects. In the acute effect test, ingestion of MWEM led to a significant decrease in the postprandial glucose, insulin, and C-peptide, as well as the incremental area under the curves from 0 to 120 min (iAUCs0–120min) for glucose, insulin, and C-peptide. In the chronic effect test, no significant treatment × time interactions were observed in the iAUCs0–120min, as well as the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and glycated serum protein (GSP) levels. The consumption of MWEM with a meal could potentially help to improve postprandial glycaemic control in pre-diabetic individuals.

It's No Has Bean: A Review of the Effects of White Kidney Bean Extract on Body Composition and Metabolic Health.

The rising prevalence of overweight and obesity is a global concern, increasing the risk of numerous non-communicable diseases and reducing quality of life. A healthy diet and exercise remain the cornerstone treatments for obesity. However, adherence rates can be low and the effectiveness of these interventions is often less than anticipated, due to compensatory changes in other aspects of the energy balance equation. Whilst some alternative weight-loss therapies are available, these strategies are often associated with side effects and are expensive. An alternative or adjunct to traditional weight-loss approaches may be the use of bioactive compounds extracted from food sources, which can be incorporated into habitual diet with a low cost and minimal burden. One product which has attracted attention in this regard is white kidney bean extract (WKBE), which has been suggested to inhibit the enzyme α-amylase, limiting carbohydrate digestion and absorption with small but potentially meaningful attendant beneficial effects on body weight and metabolic health. In this review, drawing evidence from both human and animal studies, we discuss the current evidence around the effects of WKBE on body composition and metabolic health. In addition, we discuss evidence on the safety of this supplement and explore potential directions for future research.

Subchronic Study of a White Kidney Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Extract with α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity.

Common bean extract as a dietary supplement has received increased attention globally owing to its α-amylase inhibitory activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of a white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) extract by a repeated-dose 90-day subchronic oral toxicity study in Sprague-Dawley rats. In the subchronic toxicity study, 80 rats were orally administrated with white kidney bean extract at doses of 4, 2, and 1 g/kg body weight daily for 90 days. The results showed that the white kidney bean extract at doses up to 4 g/kg/day did not induce significant changes in body weight, organ weight, food consumption, hematology, serum biochemistry, and histopathology in rats, as compared to the control. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of white kidney bean extract was determined to be >4 g/kg/day for both male and female rats, under the experimental conditions of this study.

Formulation of a Mixture of Plant Extracts for Attenuating Postprandial Glycemia and Diet-Induced Disorders in Rats.

The aim of this study was to design a mixture consisting of plant-derived preparations containing inhibitors of carbohydrate digestion and/or glucose absorption that could lower postprandial glycemia and attenuate dietary-induced disorders. The following standardized preparations were tested: white mulberry leaf extract, green coffee bean extract, white kidney bean extract, pomelo fruit extract, bitter melon fruit extract, and purified l-arabinose. The study design was composed of oral sucrose and starch tolerance tests in Wistar rats preceded by a single ingestion of the preparations or their mixtures. Then, a 20 week-long experiment was conducted on rats that were fed a high-fat diet and supplemented with the most effective mixture. Based on the results of the oral sucrose and starch tolerance tests, the mulberry leaf extract, l-arabinose, kidney bean extract, and coffee bean extract were selected for composing three mixtures. The most effective inhibition of postprandial glycemia in the oral tolerance tests was observed after the ingestion of a mixture of mulberry leaf, kidney bean, and coffee bean extract. The glucose-lowering effect of the mixture and its effective dosage was confirmed in the feeding experiment.

Genotoxicity and 28-day oral toxicity studies of a functional food mixture containing maltodextrin, white kidney bean extract, mulberry leaf extract, and niacin-bound chromium complex

Steady-fiber granule (SFG) is a functional food mixture that is composed of four major ingredients, resistant maltodextrin, white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) extract, mulberry leaf (Morus alba L.) extract, and niacin-bound chromium complex. This study focused on determining the safety of SFG. Genotoxicity and 28-day oral toxicity were evaluated. SFG did not induce mutagenicity in the bacterial reverse mutation assay using five Salmonella typhimurium strains (TA98, TA100, TA102, TA1535, and TA1537) in the presence or absence of metabolic activation (S9 system). SFG also did not induce clastogenic effects in Chinese hamster ovary cells with or without S9 treatment. Similarly, SFG did not induce genotoxicity in a micronucleus test conducted with mice. A dose-dependent 28-day oral toxicity assessment of SFG for rats revealed no significant effects on mortality, body weight, selected organ weights, and behavior. Evaluations of hematology, clinical biochemistry, and histopathology showed no adverse effects in rats treated with SFG. These results suggest that SFG has no significant mutagenic or toxic properties, and the no observed adverse effect level of SFG was defined as at least 5000 mg/kg/day orally for 28 days for male and female rats.

The effect of early-life kidney bean lectin administration on pig performance in the peri-weaning period – a safety study

The present study aimed to assess the safety issues of supplying kidney bean lectin extract early in life to piglets. Four litters totalling or 30 piglets were used. On postnatal day (PD) 10-11, thirty piglets were divided into 3 experimental groups (T1, T2, and T3), each consisting of 10 animals. On PD 10 or 11, group T1 (control) received water. Groups T2 and T3 received, respectively, a dose of 640 (recommended) and 6400 haemagglutination/piglet (10 x recommended) of kidney bean extract orally in a water suspension. On PD 42, all of the pigs were euthanized, and 6 piglets from each group were randomly taken for necropsy, sampling tissue for histology and bacteriological analyses of the lower gut. Blood was withdrawn before euthanasia for haematology and biochemistry. There were no significant differences in mortality, feed intake or body weight gains among the groups. All examined blood parameters were within the physiological range. No significant effects of the two doses of kidney bean extract on tissue morphology were observed in the post mortem inspection and histology. No significant differences among the groups in the number of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were found. Concluding, a one-month tolerance study with the recommended and 10-fold recommended dose of kidney bean extract revealed no negative effects on piglet health or performance.

The Effect of a &lt;em&gt;Phaseolus vulgaris&lt;/em&gt; and Dietary Fiber Based Supplement on Advanced Glycation End Products: An Open-label Trial

Elevated Advanced Glycation End product (AGE) levels are associated with certain impaired health states. As these are disruptive to the function of healthy tissues, due to their protein cross-linking ability, AGEs are significant contributors to the aging process. In fact, population studies have revealed that AGE levels tend to increase as we get older. Certain lifestyle and dietary factors may accelerate AGE accumulation. Therefore, strategies intended to modify these factors, or mitigate their effects, may be useful in controlling the aging process. In an 11 week open-label clinical trial, 30 adult volunteers consumed daily a commercially available combination of white kidney bean extract, dietary fibers, &beta-carotene and noni ( Morinda citrifolia ) fruit pulp, in combination with calorie restriction and exercise. During the course of the trial, participants experienced significant weekly declines in average body weight and fat mass. The average AGE score, as measured by skin auto-fluorescence, had also decreased significantly. In terms of AGE associated years, the change in AGE scores corresponded to an average decrease of 8.83 years. The results indicate that the intervention contributed to improved health and exhibited anti-aging properties.

Evolution of the Serendipitous Discovery of Macrophage–Lymphocyte Interactions

Evolution of the Serendipitous Discovery of Macrophage–Lymphocyte Interactions

Purification and Immunobiochemical Characterization of a 31 kDa Cross-Reactive Allergen from Phaseolus vulgaris (Kidney Bean)

BackgroundLegumes are a rich source of proteins but are also potential elicitors of IgE-mediated food allergy. This study aimed to isolate and characterize a major allergen of Phaseolus vulgaris (kidney bean) and determine its allergenicity.MethodologyKidney bean allergen was purified using Q Sepharose column (anion exchanger) and eluates with high intensity were pooled to purify protein using Superdex 75 (gel filtration) and C18 column (RP-HPLC). Patients with history of kidney bean allergy were skin prick tested (SPT) with crude kidney bean extract and the purified protein. Specific IgE was estimated in sera by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Characterization of purified protein and its cross-reactivity was investigated by immunobiochemical methods. Identification of purified protein was carried out by tandem mass spectrometry.Principal FindingsPurified protein appeared as a single band at 31 kDa on SDS-PAGE and showed IgE binding to 88% patients’ sera by ELISA and immunoblotting. SPT with purified protein identified 78% hypersensitive patients of kidney bean. Significant release of histamine from sensitized basophils was observed after challenge with purified protein. PAS staining suggested it to be a glycoprotein, but no change in IgE binding was observed after periodate oxidation. The 31 kDa protein remained stable for 60 min on incubation with pepsin. The purified protein had high allergenic potential since it required only 102 ng of self protein for 50% IgE inhibition. Mass spectrometric analysis identified it as Phytohemagglutinin. It also showed hemagglutination with human RBCs. Cross-reactivity was observed with peanut and black gram with IC50 of 185 and 228 ng respectively.Conclusion/SignificanceA 31 kDa major allergen of kidney bean was purified and identified as phytohemagglutinin with cross-reactivity to peanut and black gram.

Do dietary supplements for weight loss work?

also reduce caloric intake, food ingestion rate, and nutrient absorption due to its soluble fi ber backbone. Glucomannan’s effect on satiety is the result of its fi ber content; it was associated with a modest weight loss of 5 pounds in 8 weeks, according to a November 2005 study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine (http:// apha.us/ZVeaAG). A slight decrease in total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations may occur with the use of glucomannan, although similar results may be obtained with a high-fi ber diet. Sensa is another popular weight loss product heavily promoted to consumers. Invented by neurologist Alan Hirsch, the product is based on the central mechanisms that regulate satiety. Sensa’s manufacturers claim that when it is sprinkled on food, it enhances the smell and taste of the food and, as a result, the feeling of satiety. There has been no evidence documenting the effi cacy of Sensa for signifi cant weight loss or maintenance of weight loss published in peer-reviewed journals, however. White kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) extract (WKBE) acts as an inhibitor of alpha amylase, resulting in decreased digestion and intestinal absorption of carbohydrates. In Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, researchers reported a reduction in postprandial blood glucose with WKBE, which may be helpful for patients with type 2 diabetes (http:// apha.us/15i8baA). The best results occurred when WKBE was taken with meals containing large amounts of carbohydrates. The product may delay gastric emptying, thus simulating the feeling of satiety, and resulting in weight loss. WKBE should not contain phytohemagglutinin, a toxic protein found in P. vulgaris. Products should have a hemagglutinating activity less than 700 units/g and trypsin inhibiting activity less than 20 units/g (dry weight), according to a review published in Nutrition Journal (http://apha.us/ZNt3DC). Raspberry ketone, present in raspberries, cranberries, and blackberries, has a structure similar to capsaicin and synephrine. Researchers have theorized that capsaicin enhances thermogenesis, resulting in increased energy expenditure. There are limited data on the safety and effi cacy of synephrine, an alpha-adrenergic agonist, as an alternative to ephedra, and it may increase blood pressure. In a 2010 study published in Planta Medica, raspberry ketone, when fed to male mice in high dosages, prevented high-fat diet–induced increase in weight, stimulated lipolysis in white adipocytes, and increased expression of adiponectin. Bitter orange, Citrus aurantium, has been proposed to work similarly to raspberry ketone because it includes synephrine, N-methyltyramine, and furocoumarins. The product is believed to increase metabolism and suppress appetite, but evidence on its safety and effi cacy is limited. Fainting, heart attacks, and strokes in otherwise healthy people have been reported with bitter orange alone or in combination with caffeine.