• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.115-125
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• 2008

Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide epidemic. Global projections suggest that most nations will have a doubling of the incidence of Diabetes mellitus(DM) within 20years. The Herb-Combined Remedy(HCR) of DM was known as one of anti-hyperglycaemic agents. But it is unclear whether HCR can be used to treat patients with Diabetic nephropathy or not. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-hyperglycaemic and preventive effects from diabetic nephropathy of HCR in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Treatment with HCR regulated blood glucose levels, but did not affect body weights. In addition, HCR was able to decrease blood glucose levels after 120min. Serum BUN levels were not effective but, serum Creatinine levels were lowered by treatment with HCR or MF. In histopathological observation of renal tissue, both HCR and MF groups showed decreased tendency of inflammation and renal injury. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that HCR is effective to treat patients with DM and also has preventive activity on diabetic nephropathy.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.57-72
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• 2008

Objectives : The Herb-combined Remedy(HCR) for diabetes mellitus is known as an anti-hyperglycaemic agent. But its exact mechanisms are unclear. The present study was carried out to investigate its anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-oxidative effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Methods : Experimental diabetes was induced by injection of STZ(80mg/kg) to ratsvia the peritoneum. The experimental animals were divided into 4 groups : normal group, control group(STZ-induced diabetic rats with no treatment), HCR group(STZ-induced diabetic rats with HCR treatment), MF group(STZ-induced diabetic rats with Metformin treatment). The effects of HCR on STZ-induced diabetes was observed by measuring fasting blood glucose, changes of body weight, food uptake, and water uptake glucose levels in the normal state decline rates in blood glucose levels DPPH free-radical scavenging activity superoxide dismutase in RBC lysate catalase activity in RBC lysate and glutathione reductase activity in RBC lysate. Results : Treatment with HCR regulated blood glucose levels. Treatment with HCR also prevented weight loss in STZ-induced diabetic rats. In addition, oral glucose tolerance decreased following treatment with HCR. Direct anti-oxidative effects on DPPH free-radical scavenging were not observed, but treatment with HCR elevated SOD levels in blood cell lysates from STZ-induced diabetic rats. In addition, the HCR-treatment group showed an elevated tendency to glutathione reductase activity. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that HCR has anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-oxidative effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats.