Phase 2® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Ashland)

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

Phase 2® is a white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) extract from Ashland (originally developed by Pharmachem), the original and most-studied carbohydrate-blocker ingredient. It inhibits alpha-amylase, the enzyme that digests starch, so fewer starch calories are absorbed from a meal, supporting weight and carbohydrate management.

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

Benefits

Weight and fat loss

In a 12-week randomized controlled trial, a proprietary white kidney bean alpha-amylase inhibitor promoted weight and fat loss versus placebo.

Carbohydrate blocking

By inhibiting starch-digesting enzymes, the extract reduces the sugar and calories absorbed from starchy foods.

Post-meal glucose support

Slower starch digestion blunts the rise in blood sugar after a starchy meal.

Mechanism of action

1

Alpha-amylase inhibition

Phaseolamin binds and temporarily inactivates alpha-amylase, slowing the breakdown of starch into absorbable sugars.

2

Reduced caloric absorption

With less starch digested in the small intestine, some passes onward undigested, lowering the meal's effective calorie load.

Clinical trials

1
White Kidney Bean Alpha-Amylase Inhibitor and Weight — RCT
PubMed

12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of a proprietary white kidney bean alpha-amylase inhibitor on weight and fat loss. (Jäger et al. 2024, Scientific Reports)

Adults.

The white kidney bean inhibitor promoted weight and fat loss versus placebo with acceptable safety.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

GENERALLY WELL-TOLERATED — digestive symptoms are 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 protein or fat meals, for the intended effect.
Tell your doctor if you manage blood sugar with medication.

Frequently asked questions about Phase 2® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Ashland)

What is Phase 2® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Ashland)?

Phase 2® is a white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) extract from Ashland (originally developed by Pharmachem), the original and most-studied carbohydrate-blocker ingredient.

What is the recommended dosage of Phase 2® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Ashland)?

The clinically studied dose for Phase 2® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Ashland) is Commonly 500 mg to 1 g before starchy meals.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Phase 2® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Ashland) used for?

Phase 2® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Ashland) is studied for weight and fat loss, carbohydrate blocking, post-meal glucose support. In a 12-week randomized controlled trial, a proprietary white kidney bean alpha-amylase inhibitor promoted weight and fat loss versus placebo.

Are there side effects from taking Phase 2® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Ashland)?

Reported potential side effects may include: GENERALLY WELL-TOLERATED — digestive symptoms are 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 Phase 2® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Ashland) safe to take?

Whether Phase 2® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Ashland) 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 most common. It may also interact with certain medications. Phase 2® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Ashland) 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. Jäger R, Abou Sawan S, Purpura M, et al. 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. Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):12685..PubMedUsed to support: RCT supporting weight and fat loss with white kidney bean extract.