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Amylase inhibitors

Amylase inhibitors

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  • Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates or starches in the body. Because of their purported ability to prevent starch breakdown and absorption, alpha amylase inhibitors have been used for weight loss. At this time, commercially available amylase inhibitors are extracted from wheat or white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris).
  • In humans, amylase inhibitors have been shown to decrease intestinal absorption of carbohydrates by reducing intestinal amylase activity. However, there are few high-quality human studies that support the use of amylase inhibitors for any indication.

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  • Boivin M, Zinsmeister AR, Go VL, et al. Effect of a purified amylase inhibitor on carbohydrate metabolism after a mixed meal in healthy humans. Mayo Clin.Proc. 1987;62(4):249-255.
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  • Celleno L, Tolaini MV, D'Amore A, et al. A Dietary supplement containing standardized Phaseolus vulgaris extract influences body composition of overweight men and women. Int.J Med.Sci. 2007;4(1):45-52.
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  • Chokshi D. 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). Int.J Toxicol. 2006;25(5):361-371.
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  • Choudhury A, Maeda K, Murayama R, et al. Character of a wheat amylase inhibitor preparation and effects on fasting human pancreaticobiliary secretions and hormones. Gastroenterology 1996;111(5):1313-1320.
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  • Lankisch M, Layer P, Rizza RA, et al. Acute postprandial gastrointestinal and metabolic effects of wheat amylase inhibitor (WAI) in normal, obese, and diabetic humans. Pancreas 1998;17(2):176-181.
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  • Rekha MR, Padmaja G. Alpha-amylase inhibitor changes during processing of sweet potato and taro tubers. Plant Foods Hum.Nutr. 2002;57(3-4):285-294.
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  • Thom E. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a new weight-reducing agent of natural origin. J Int.Med.Res. 2000;28(5):229-233.
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  • Udani J, Hardy M, Madsen DC. Blocking carbohydrate absorption and weight loss: a clinical trial using Phase 2 brand proprietary fractionated white bean extract. Altern.Med.Rev. 2004;9(1):63-69.
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