Phaseolus vulgaris is a bean plant. Various types of dry beans are produced from this plant, including kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, and many others. Some types of these dry beans or the remaining husk can be used to make an "extract." This extract is used as medicine. Phaseolus vulgaris is most commonly used for obesity.

White kidney bean extract, also known as Phaseolus vulgaris extract or common bean extract, comes from the white kidney bean, a legume native to Central America and South America. White kidney bean extract is sold as a weight-loss supplement that blocks the absorption of starch in food—carbohydrates. 1