Phaseolus vulgaris extract reduced glucose absorption after rice intake: A study in Indonesian healthy volunteers

Introduction: Phaseolus vulgaris water extract from bean, are widely known to reduce glycemia and promote weight loss in rodents and human due to its inhibitor amylase activity reduced starch digestion and carbohydrate uptake. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of Phaseolus vulgaris extract on carbohydrate absorption after taking rice in healthy Indonesian participants. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled, cross-over study was performed in eighteen volunteers (age 18 to 56). One capsule of 1.5 grams Phaseolus vulgaris extract or placebo was given immediately after rice consumption. Plasma glucose levels were measured in 12 time points in the 4-hour after rice consumption. The parameter of glucose absorption is the area under curve for 4 hours (AUC 0–4 hours). Result: Phaseolus vulgaris extract significantly reduced glucose absorption (p < 0.001) with 9.5% difference from placebo (ranged from 1.05%–19.37%). The peak of plasma glucose level was reached at 60 min after rice consumption, and the inhibition of glucose absorption was seen at 30 min, with a significant difference at 45 and 60 min after rice consumption. Conclusion: These results suggested that Phaseolus vulgaris extract may exerts hypoglycemic effect after rice intake in healthy participants. Longer studies with a sufficient number of subjects are required to validate these findings.