Objective: To observe the effect of Jiawei Sier decoction for urinary albumin (UAL)

serum superoxide dismutase (SOD)

and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in early type 2 diabetic nephropathy patients

and investigate its clinical efficacy. Method: The 90 cases of early type 2 diabetic nephropathy with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome differentiation of Qi and Yin deficiency were randomly divided into Jiawei Sier decoction group (30 cases)

gingko dipyridolum injection group (30 cases)

and conventional treatment group (30 cases) according to random number table method. The patients in all 3 groups received conventional therapy for type 2 diabetes

based on the above conventional therapy

patients in modified Jiawei Sier decoction group also received Jiawei Sier decoction treatment combined with captopril therapy

patients in gingko dipyridolum injection group also received ginkgo dipyridolum injection combined with captopril therapy. All patients were treated for 4 weeks. UAL

SOD and MDA levels were detected

and the TCM symptom scores were observed both before and after treatment. Result: UAL and MDA levels in Jiawei Sier decoction group and gingko dipyridolum injection group after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (P<0.01)

SOD level was significantly higher than that before treatment (P<0.01)

and TCM symptom scores were significantly lower than those before treatment (P<0.01). As compared with conventional treatment group

UAL and MDA levels in Jiawei Sier decoction group and gingko dipyridolum injection group were significantly lower

while SOD level was higher after treatment (P<0.01)

the TCM symptom scores were significantly lower in Jiawei Sier decoction group and gingko dipyridolum injection group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Jiawei Sier decoction treatment can obviously improve the clinical symptoms

reduce UAL and MDA levels and increase SOD level in serum for patients with early type 2 diabetic nephropathy

this may be related to its resistance to oxidative stress.