Local (gut) and systemic metabolism of rats is altered by consumption of raw bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L var athropurpurea)

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) α-amylase inhibitors as safe nutraceutical strategy against diabetes and obesity: An update review

Overweight and obesity are constantly increasing, not only in Western countries but also in low‐middle‐income ones. The decrease of both the intake of carbohydrates and their assimilation are among the main dietary strategies to counter these conditions. α‐Amylase, a key enzyme involved in the digestion of carbohydrates, is the target enzyme to reduce the absorption rate of carbohydrates. α‐Amylase inhibitors (α‐AIs) can be found in plants. The common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris is of particular interest due to the presence of protein‐based α‐AIs which, through a protein–protein interaction, reduce the activity of this enzyme. Here we describe the nature of the various types of common bean seed extracts, the type of protein inhibitors they contain, reviewing the recent Literature about their molecular structure and mechanism of action. We also explore the existing evidence (clinical trials conducted on both animals and humans) supporting the potential benefits of this protein inhibitors from P. vulgaris, also highlighting the urgent need of further studies to confirm the clinical efficacy of the commercial products. This work could contribute to summarize the knowledge and application of P. vulgaris extract as a nutraceutical strategy for controlling unwanted weight gains, also highlighting the current limitations.

Effects of intragastrically-administered Tepary bean lectins on digestive and immune organs: Preclinical evaluation

Previous work showed that Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) lectins exhibit differential cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines by apoptosis induction. In vivo studies using a Tepary bean lectin fraction (TBLF, 50 mg/kg of body weight) after colon cancer induction in rats showed that TBLF inhibited early precancerous lesions without systemic toxicity however, loss of body weight gain and activation of immune cells were observed. In order to know more about the possible adverse effects, we evaluated the administration of TBLF on digestive and immune organs. Sprague Dawley rats were administered TBLF for six weeks and allowed to recover for two weeks. Immune activation was observed through an increased lymphocyte-granulocyte ratio, an increased number of lymphoid follicles in intestinal Peyer's patches and a slight expansion of the splenic white pulp. Atrophy was observed in small intestine villi and crypt foci of the colon without normalization after the recovery period. Pancreas histopathology showed hypertrophy after the six-week administration period, particularly vacuolation and trabecular widening; but after the two-week recovery period atrophy was observed, suggesting a partial compensatory type process. Our results show that TBLF activates the immune system and affects digestive organs through direct interaction with intestinal epithelium, and indirectly by producing pancreatic hyperfunction. Further work will focus in longer recuperation periods after TBLF treatment.

Toxicity Studies of Blockal, a Dietary Supplement Containing Phase 2 Starch Neutralizer (Phase 2), a Standardized Extract of the Common White Kidney Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

The number of available dietary supplements containing “starch blockers” intended for weight loss has risen dramatically in recent years. These supplements are believed to reduce carbohydrate-derived calories by interfering with α-amylase, the digestive enzyme responsible for conversion of complex carbohydrates to simple absorbable sugars. The present paper reports the findings of single- and multiple-dose (4-week) oral toxicity studies in rats of the marketed dietary supplement Blockal. Blockal contains as its main ingredient Phase 2 Starch Neutralizer (Phase 2 or Phaseolamin 2250), a standardized extract derived from the common white kidney bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris) that has been shown to have α-amylase-inhibiting activity. The Blockal acute oral LD50exceeded the highest dose tested (3 g/kg body weight [bw]), which provided a single dose of 1668 mg/kg bw of Phase 2 white kidney bean extract. The no-observed-effect level (NOEL) seen in the 4-week study was equivalent to the highest Blockal dose tested (2 g/kg bw/day), which provided 1112 mg/kg/day of Phase 2 white kidney bean extract. The results of these studies support and are consistent with the safety of the marketed dietary supplement Blockal, and indirectly, the safety of its main ingredient, Phase 2 Starch Neutralizer (Phase 2 or Phaseolamin 2250), a standardized extract derived from the common white kidney bean.

The hypothesis on function of glycosphingolipids and ABO blood groups revisited

Twenty-five years ago the author proposed new ideas of glycoprotein (GPs) and glycosphingolipid (GSLs) functions at the cell membrane. The GPs, apart from their glycan carrying capacity, were assumed to have specific, protein associated, functions. In contrast, GSLs such as those of globo and neolacto/lacto series, were considered to be energetically cheap membrane packing substances, filling in membrane spaces not covered with functional GPs. The terminal carbohydrate structures of the neolacto/lacto GSLs, i.e., sialic acid residues and ABH glycotopes, were postulated to have either regulatory or protective functions, respectively. A special active role was ascribed to terminal β-galactosyl residues of GSLs and GPs. Gangliosides were considered to be functional GSLs. In the present review the author discusses these old ideas in context of the contemporary knowledge and comes to the conclusion that they have not aged.

The nutraceutical role of thePhaseolus vulgarisα-amylase inhibitor

The present review assesses the potential of thePhaseolus vulgarisα-amylase inhibitor isoform 1 (α-AI1) starch blockers as a widely used remedy against obesity and diabetes. Consumption of the α-amylase inhibitor causes marginal intraluminal α-amylase activity facilitated by the inhibitor's appropriate structural, physico-chemical and functional properties. As a result there is decreased postprandial plasma hyperglycaemia and insulin levels, increased resistance of starch to digestion and increased activity of colorectal bacteria. The efficacy and safety of the amylase inhibitor extracts, however, depend on the processing and extraction techniques used. The extracts are potential ingredients in foods for increased carbohydrate tolerance in diabetics, decreased energy intake for reducing obesity and for increased resistant starch. Research developments in the distribution and biosynthesis of the α-amylase inhibitor, relevant physico-chemical properties, the molecular starch-blocking mechanism, anti-obesity and anti-diabetes effects, safety of extracts and the need for research into their potential anti-colorectal cancer effect are discussed.

Safety testing of GM-rice expressing PHA-E lectin using a new animal test design

The 90-day animal study is the core study for the safety assessment of genetically modified foods in the SAFOTEST project. The model compound tested in the 90-day study was a rice variety expressing the kidney bean Phaseolus vulgaris lectin agglutinin E-form (PHA-E lectin). Female Wistar rats were given a nutritionally balanced purified diet with 60% parental rice, 60% PHA-E rice or 60% PHA-E rice spiked with 0.1% recombinant PHA-E lectin for 90 days. This corresponded to a mean daily PHA-E lectin intake of approximately 0, 30 and 100mg/kg body weight for each group, respectively. The spiking was used to increase the specificity and to demonstrate the sensitivity of the study. A range of biological, biochemical, microbiological and pathological parameters were examined and significant differences in weight of small intestine, stomach and pancreas and plasma biochemistry were seen between groups. Included in this paper are also data from the molecular characterisation and chemical analysis of the PHA-E rice, from the construction and production of the PHA-E lectin, and from the preceding 28-day in vivo study where the toxicity of the pure PHA-E lectin was determined. In conclusion, the combined use of information from the compositional analysis, the 28-day study and the characterisation of the PHA-E rice and the PHA-E lectin has improved the design of the 90-day study. The spiking procedure has facilitated the interpretation of the results of the study and transferred it into a valuable tool for the future safety testing of genetically modified foods.

Subchronic oral toxicity of a standardized white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) extract in rats

Dietary supplements containing "starch blockers" are believed to reduce carbohydrate-derived calories by interfering with alpha-amylase, the digestive enzyme responsible for conversion of complex carbohydrates to simple, absorbable sugars. The present paper reports the findings of a 28-day oral toxicity study in rats of Phase 2, a standardized extract derived from the common white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), which has been shown to have alpha-amylase-inhibiting activity. In order to establish safety, eighty male and female Sprague-Dawley rats (10 animals/sex/group) received Phase 2 via oral gavage at doses of 0, 625, 1250, and 2500 mg/kg (7 days/wk) for a period of 31 (males) or 32 (females) days. There were no mortalities, clinical signs, body weight or nutritional effects, gross alterations, clinical or histopathological alterations that were considered attributable to test substance administration. Under conditions of this study and based on toxicological endpoints evaluated, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of Phase 2 was judged to be 2500 mg/kg/day in each sex for administration by oral gavage of a standardized white kidney bean extract, Phase 2 for 28 days.

Differential Effects of Cooked Beans and Cooked Lentils on Protein Metabolism in Intestine and Muscle in Growing Rats

AIMS

The effect of diets based on cooked beans or lentils on protein metabolism in intestines and muscles was studied in rats.

METHOD

The cooked seeds were used as the unique protein source in balanced diets (containing 229 and 190 g of crude protein per kg dry matter) fed to young growing rats for 20 days. Their effects were compared with those of the control casein diet in pair-fed rats. Protein synthesis rates in small and large intestines and in gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were determined in vivo, in a fed state, by the flooding dose method, using 13C-valine.

RESULTS

In the small and large intestine tissues of the legume fed groups, protein, RNA relative masses (mg.100 g BM(-1)) and protein synthesis rates (FSR and ASR) were higher than in the control rats (p < 0.05). In gastrocnemius and soleus muscles,protein and RNA contents (in mg) and protein synthesis rates were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the legume-fed groups than in the control rats.

CONCLUSION

The chronic intake of cooked legumes increased protein synthesis rates in intestinal tissues and decreased them in muscles. This effect was greater for beans than for lentils in the large intestine and in gastrocnemius muscle.

Response of Turkey Poults to Soybean Lectin Levels Typically Encountered in Commercial Diets. 2. Effect on Intestinal Development and Lymphoid Organs

Lectins are capable of altering intestinal morphology by binding to and disrupting the intestinal brush border membrane. They are also known to alter the weight of lymphoid organs. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of soybean lectin (SBL) on intestinal morphology and lymphoid organ weights of poults fed diets containing SBL. Dietary treatments evaluated in this study included a cornstarch and casein-based control (lectin-free) semipurified diet (PD) and semipurified diets containing 0.024 or 0.048% SBL (PDL and PDH, respectively). Experimental diets were fed from hatch to 14 d. Morphological evaluation of the intestine involved measurement of the villi height and perimeter, crypt depth, villus:crypt, and thickness of the muscle layer in the jejunum. Intestinal physical characteristics were also determined by measuring intestinal weight, length, and volume. Results indicated that 0.048% SBL in PDH increased villus:crypt and reduced total intestinal length in turkey poults. In addition, both the 0.024 and 0.048% dietary SBL levels reduced thymus weights. It was concluded that dietary SBL up to 0.048% enhanced intestinal development by increasing villus:crypt, but might alter the structural integrity of lymphoid organs.

Nutritional Evaluation of Raw and Extruded Kidney Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Pinto) in Chicken Diets

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of inclusion of different concentrations (0, 100, 200, and 300 g/kg) of raw kidney bean and extruded kidney bean in broiler chick (0 to 21 d of age) diets on performance, digestive organ sizes, protein and amino acid digestibilities, intestinal viscosity, cecal pH, and blood parameters. Data were analyzed as a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement with 3 levels of kidney bean with and without extrusion. Positive control without kidney bean was used. Increasing the kidney bean content in the diet reduced weight gain and consumption, and increased the feed-to-gain ratio. Relative pancreas, liver, and jejunum weights, and intestinal viscosity were increased in response to increasing kidney bean concentration in the diet. The inclusion of different concentrations of kidney bean did not affect the apparent ileal digestibility of essential and nonessential amino acids, except for Met, Phe, and Cys, which were increased. Increasing kidney bean in the diet did not affect blood parameters, except for total protein, which was increased, and for androstenedione and testosterone, which were reduced. Extrusion significantly improved weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion. Relative pancreas, liver, and jejunum weights were reduced and spleen weight, cecal and intestinal viscosity were increased by extrusion. Apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein and all essential and nonessential amino acids were improved by extrusion. Like-wise, extrusion increased significantly the concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and testosterone. We concluded that the inclusion of kidney bean in chicken diets cause a negative effect on performance and CP and amino acid digestibilities, and modified digestive organ sizes, intestinal viscosity, cecal pH, and some blood parameters. These effects were counteracted by the extrusion of kidney bean. However, the inclusion of extruded kidney bean in a chick diet resulted in poorer performance compared with that obtained with a corn-soybean diet.