Related Terms

• Azufrado, bayo, bean, black bean, cai dou (Chinese), caraota, chícharo (Spanish), common bean, cranberry bean, dark red kidney bean, deogulgangnamkong (Korean), dry bean, dwarf bean, Fabaceae (family), Faboideae (subfamily), feijão (Portuguese), feijoeiro (Portuguese), field bean, flageolet bean, French bean, frijol (Spanish), gangnamkong (Korean), garden bean, Gartenbohne (German), great Northern bean, green bean, habichuela (Spanish), haricot bean, haricot commun (French), haricot vert (French), ingen-mame (Japanese), judía común (Spanish), juldangkong (Korean), kidney bean, Leguminosae (family), light red kidney bean, lima bean, navy bean, nuña (Spanish), ñuñas (Spanish), Phase 2®, Phaseolus acutifolius, Phaseolus angustissimus, Phaseolus coccineus, Phaseolus communis, Phaseolus filiformis, Phaseolus lunatus, Phaseolus maculatus, Phaseolus nanus, Phaseolus parvulus, Phaseolus pedicellatus, Phaseolus polymorphus, Phaseolus polystachios, Phaseolus ritensis, Phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolus vulgaris L., pink bean, pinto bean, pop bean, popping bean, poroto (Spanish), shelling bean, small red bean, snap bean, string bean, vainita (Spanish), wax bean.

• Combination product: Phaseolamin™ 1600 (containing white bean extract [Phase 2®], clove, lysine, arginine, and alanine).

Background

• The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is grown in semitropical areas of the world. Beans vary in color and shape and are a cheap and nutritious food. They are typically high in protein, fiber, and nutrients, and are usually low in fat.

• Early research suggests that beans may reduce cholesterol levels and body weight. They may also benefit people with diabetes. Canned refried black beans may be a good source of iron for those with iron deficiency.

• Some studies report that beans act as "carb blockers" by helping to block the process of carbohydrate digestion. A product called Phase 2® Carb Controller (Pharmachem Laboratories, Kearny, NJ) has been found to promote weight loss and reduce blood glucose after meals.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Acne, arthritis (joint pain), anemia, antiaging, antioxidant, bladder disorders, body building, burns, cardiovascular disease (heart disease), carminative (prevents gas), colorectal cancer (bowel cancer), constipation, cough, diabetes, diarrhea, diuretic (promotes urination), dropsy (fluid buildup), dysentery (stomach disorder), eczema (skin disorder), food uses (weaning), hiccups (hiccoughs), HIV, hypertension (high blood pressure), iron deficiency, kidney stones, laxative, lung cancer, myocardial infarction prevention (heart attack prevention), pruritus (itchy skin disorder), rheumatism (joint pain), sciatica (leg pain and numbness), skin moisturizer, ulcers, urinary tract infections.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• To treat high cholesterol in overweight or obese people, two 150-milligram capsules of northern white kidney bean with locust bean gum extract have been taken by mouth three times daily for three months. A dose of 1,500 milligrams of bean pod extract (Phase 2®, Pharmachem Labs) has been taken by mouth twice daily with meals. A meal of consisting of 130 grams of dried, cooked pinto beans has been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks. A dose of 1/2 cup of vegetarian baked beans has been taken by mouth for eight weeks.

• To promote weight loss, 1,000-1,500 milligrams of a specific bean pod extract (Phase 2®, Pharmachem Labs) has been taken by mouth twice daily, with lunch and dinner.

• Note: Secondary sources say that the ingredients in commercially available bean extracts such as Phase 2® may vary among products.

• Note: According to Pharmachem Laboratories Inc., doses of Phase 2® should not exceed 6-10 grams daily.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for beans in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in people with known allergy or sensitivity to Phaseolus vulgaris, its parts, or other members of the Fabaceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Beans are considered safe when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. Bean pod extracts are considered possibly safe when taken by mouth for up to three months.

• Beans may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in people with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

• Beans may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs or herbs and supplements that lower blood pressure.

• Use cautiously in people who have anemia, folate deficiency, gout (joint inflammation), or vitamin B12 deficiency.

• Bean consumption may lower levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol.

• Use cautiously in pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and people with severe liver or kidney disease, due to a lack of safety information.

• According to Pharmachem Laboratories, Phase 2® should be taken by mouth in doses of no more than 6-10 grams daily.

• Potential side effects include anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction), breathing problems, constipation, diarrhea, gassiness, giddiness, hives, increased frequency of bowel movement, increased risk of metabolic syndrome (factors that increase heart disease and diabetes risk), loss of consciousness, nausea, shortness of breath, and stomach pain or swelling.

• Avoid consuming raw or improperly cooked beans due to the risk of food poisoning.

• Avoid in people with known allergy or sensitivity to Phaseolus vulgaris, its parts, or other members of the Fabaceae family.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Use cautiously in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to a lack of safety information.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Beans may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

• Beans may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.

• Beans may also interact with anticancer agents, antifungals, antiobesity agents, antiretrovirals, cholesterol-lowering agents, and laxatives.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Beans may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

• Beans may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking herbs or supplements that lower blood pressure.

• Beans may also interact with amino acids, anticancer herbs and supplements, antifungal herbs and supplements, antiobesity herbs and supplements, antioxidants, antivirals, cholesterol-lowering herbs and supplements, folic acid, iron, laxatives, sodium, and vitamin B12.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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3. Beans for body building. Philippines, Food and Nutrition Research Institute. FNRI Publication. 1977;27

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