IMPACT OF CARBOHYDRATES AND DIETARY FIBERS FROM HYPHAENE CORIACEA GAERTN. FRUIT ON GLYCEMIC REGULATION AND DIABETIC NUTRITION

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder whose incidence is closely linked to dietary habits. A balanced diet—low in rapidly absorbable sugars and rich in dietary fiber, lean protein, and essential fatty acids—represents an effective strategy for stabilizing blood glucose levels and preventing metabolic complications. In this context, fruits, particularly those derived from traditional medicinal plants, are gaining increasing attention for their hypoglycemic potential. Hyphaene coriacea Gaertn., a palm species belonging to the Arecaceae family, is native to western Madagascar, where its nut-like fruits are traditionally consumed and employed in the management of diabetes. A comprehensive literature review, complemented by previous ethnobotanical and botanical investigations, has documented the traditional uses of Hyphaene coriacea Gaertn., fruits and highlighted their potential nutritional and therapeutic applications. Although beneficial effects have been suggested for other species within the Hyphaene genus, the nutritional composition of Hyphaene coriacea Gaertn. fruit, as well as its potential impact on glycemic regulation, remain poorly explored from a scientific standpoint. This study aimed to characterize the carbohydrate and fiber contents of Hyphaene coriacea Gaertn., fruit in order to evaluate its suitability for inclusion in diets tailored to individuals with diabetes. Mature fruits were harvested in February 2021 in Morondava (Menabe Region, Madagascar), then dried then ground into powder for biochemical analyses. The organic constituents were quantified using standardized analytical protocols. The results revealed a low content of rapidly digestible carbohydrates and a notably high level of dietary fiber, particularly insoluble fiber, which is known to delay carbohydrate absorption and improve glycemic control. These nutritional properties support the hypothesis that Hyphaene coriacea Gaertn. fruit may serve as a functional food of interest in the prevention and dietary management of type 2 diabetes. Keywords: Hyphaene Coriacea Gaertn., Dietary Fiber, Glycemic Regulation, Diabetes Management, Functional Food.