Objective: To investigate the hypoglycemic effect of Curcuma kwangsiensis polysaccharide (CKP) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. Method: T2DM models were induced through high-sucrose and high-fat diet combined with low-dose abdominal injection of streptozotocin(STZ

45 mg·kg-1).The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:T2DM model group

CKP low dosage group (CKP-LG)

CKP middle dosage group (CKP-MG) and CKP high dosage group (CKP-HG). Another 10 normal rats were selected as normal group. CKP groups with different dosages (0.5

1.0

2.5 g·kg-1·d-1) were ig administered continuously for 6 weeks

once a day. The model group and normal group received ig normal saline of the same volume. After 6 weeks of administration

fasting blood glucose(FBG)

insulin (INS)

total cholesterol (TC)

and triglyceride (TG) levels were detected in rats

and pathological change of pancreas was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining and immunohistochemistry

Fas protein expressions of pancreatic β cells were detected. Result: Compared with the normal rats

FBG

TG

and TC levels were increased significantly in rats of model group

and pancreas Fas protein expressions were increased

with statistically significant difference (P<0.05

P<0.01)

Compared with the model group

CKP groups could reduce FBG

TC and TG levels of T2DM rats

and reduce pancreas Fas protein expressions and reduce apoptosis of pancreatic β cells

with significant difference (P<0.05

P<0.01). Conclusion: The hypoglycemic effect of CKP on T2DM rats may be achieved by protecting pancreatic β cells and reducing their apoptosis.