Fabenol® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Indena)

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

Fabenol® is a standardized white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) extract from Indena that inhibits alpha-amylase, the enzyme that digests starch. By temporarily slowing starch breakdown, it reduces the sugar and calories absorbed from starchy meals, supporting weight and carbohydrate management.

Studied Dose Around 500 mg to 1 g taken before a starchy meal.
Active Compound Standardized Phaseolus vulgaris (white kidney bean) extract containing alpha-amylase-inhibiting phaseolamin.

Benefits

Weight and adiposity

In a randomized controlled trial, white kidney bean extract supported reductions in body weight and body fat as part of a calorie-controlled approach.

Carbohydrate management

By slowing starch digestion, it lowers the sugar and calories absorbed from starchy meals, blunting post-meal glucose.

Appetite and energy steadiness

Slower carbohydrate absorption supports steadier energy and may aid fullness after meals.

Mechanism of action

1

Alpha-amylase inhibition

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

2

Reduced starch absorption

With less starch digested in the upper gut, some passes further along, lowering the meal's caloric and glycemic load.

Clinical trials

1
White Kidney Bean Extract and Weight — RCT
PubMed

Randomized controlled trial of white kidney bean extract on body weight and adiposity. (Shi et al. 2026, Nutrition Research)

Overweight adults.

The bean extract supported reductions in body weight and adiposity versus placebo, 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.
Take with starchy meals to assess tolerance.

Important Drug interactions

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

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

What is Fabenol® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Indena)?

Fabenol® is a standardized white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) extract from Indena that inhibits alpha-amylase, the enzyme that digests starch. By temporarily slowing starch breakdown, it reduces the sugar and calories absorbed from starchy meals, supporting weight and carbohydrate management.

What is the recommended dosage of Fabenol® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Indena)?

The clinically studied dose for Fabenol® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Indena) is Around 500 mg to 1 g taken before a starchy meal.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Fabenol® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Indena) used for?

Fabenol® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Indena) is studied for weight and adiposity, carbohydrate management, appetite and energy steadiness. In a randomized controlled trial, white kidney bean extract supported reductions in body weight and body fat as part of a calorie-controlled approach.

Are there side effects from taking Fabenol® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Indena)?

Reported potential side effects may include: GENERALLY WELL-TOLERATED — digestive symptoms are the most common. Mild gas, bloating, or loose stools can occur from undigested starch. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Is Fabenol® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Indena) safe to take?

Whether Fabenol® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Indena) is safe depends on the dose, your overall health, and any medications you take. At studied doses, reported side effects can include: GENERALLY WELL-TOLERATED — digestive symptoms are the most common. It may also interact with certain medications. Fabenol® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Indena) is not suitable for everyone — consult a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medications.

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. Shi N, Wang R, Cao X, et al. White kidney bean extract reduces body weight and adiposity: a randomized controlled trial. Nutr Res. 2026;150:49-61..PubMedUsed to support: RCT supporting weight and adiposity benefit.