Amorphophallus vs Phaseolus vulgaris

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Amorphophallus

Amorphophallus konjac

Metabolic

Metabolic

Amorphophallus

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Phaseolus vulgaris

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

East and Southeast Asian corm with glucomannan fiber used for weight management and blood sugar.

Most widely cultivated bean; pod extract (Phaseolamin) inhibits starch digestion for weight management.

Active Compounds

glucomannan, konjac mannan, starch, alkaloids, betaine

phaseolamin, phaseolin, lectins, polyphenols, protein, fiber

Traditional Uses

Japanese konyaku food, Chinese digestive tonic, Southeast Asian traditional food

diabetes, weight management, food source, constipation, digestive health

Modern Uses

weight management, blood sugar management, cholesterol reduction, constipation

anti-diabetic, weight management (starch blocker), nutritive food, anti-obesity

Adult Dosage

1-4g glucomannan with full glass water before meals

As food; white kidney bean extract 445-1500mg before carb meals

Contraindications

esophageal obstruction, swallowing difficulties, bowel obstructions

raw bean lectins toxic (must cook), legume allergy

Side Effects

GI bloating, esophageal blockage if insufficient water

bloating, GI upset, lectin toxicity if raw

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E