Effect of the flour of the yellow passion fruit peel (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Deg.) in the glycemic and lipid levels of type 2 diabetes patients

Abstract

The supplementation of diet with soluble dietary fiber can be considered an important therapy measure in the treatment of diabetic and obese patients. In order to evaluate the effect of the flour of the yellow passion fruit peel which is rich in pectin, a phase II clinical trial with 43 patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus was performed. They received daily 30 g of the tested product for 60 days. Statistically significant difference was observed in fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.000) accompanied by a reduction in the average values of glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.032). In relation to the lipid profile, there were no reduced levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in patients during this study; however, there were reduction in the levels of Triglycerides and increase in HDL cholesterol in them. The glycemic levels presented by the patients before and after the use of the passion fruit peel flour are compatible to a positive action to control blood glucose as an adjunct of conventional therapies.