The nutraceutical role of the Phaseolus vulgaris α-amylase inhibitor

• Published in: British journal of nutrition 2008-07, Vol.100 (1), p.1-12
• Main Authors: Obiro, Wokadala Cuthbert, Zhang, Tao, Jiang, Bo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: alpha-amylase; Anti-Obesity Agents - therapeutic use; beans; bioactive properties; Biological and medical sciences; chemical structure; Chemistry, Physical; Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris); Diabetes; Diabetes Mellitus - drug therapy; Dietary Supplements; energy intake; enzyme inhibitors; Feeding. Feeding behavior; functional foods; functional properties; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; human nutrition; Humans; Hyperglycaemia; hyperglycemia; Hypoglycemic Agents - therapeutic use; insulin; intestinal microorganisms; literature reviews; Obesity; Obesity - drug therapy; Phaseolus vulgaris; plant extracts; Plant Lectins - adverse effects; Plant Lectins - chemistry; Plant Lectins - therapeutic use; postprandial state; resistant starch; Toxicity; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems; α-Amylase inhibitor
• ISSN: 0007-1145; 1475-2662
• DOI: 10.1017/S0007114508879135

The present review assesses the potential of the Phaseolus vulgaris α-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.