Objective: To explore the effects and initial mechanisms of Jinqi Jiangtang tablet on the cognitive dysfunction induced by diabetes. Method: C57BL/6J mice received STZ (120 mg·kg-1) by single intraperitoneal injection combined with high fat food to induce type 2 diabetic mice models. After 8 weeks

Morris water maze test was carried out to select the mice with cognitive dysfunction

then the selected ones were randomly divided into model group

metformin hydrochloride positive drug group

high dose (twice the clinical equivalent dose

1.31 g·kg-1) and low dose (clinical equivalent dose

0.655 g·kg-1) Jinqi Jiangtang tablet groups

n=14 in each group. The mice in normal group and model group received the same volume of distilled water for 10 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and body weight of the mice were measured once respectively before and after administration for 10 weeks. After treatment for 10 weeks

the learning and memory ability was tested by Morris water maze; morphological changes of the hippocampus CA1 area were observed by Nissl staining; the levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in serum were detected by ELISA; synaptophysin(SYN) mRNA expression level in hippocampus was tested by Real-time PCR. Result: As compared with the normal group

FBG level was significantly increased in mice of model group; memory ability was reduced; with obvious hippocampal nerve injury

and serum BDNF levels were significantly decreased; SYN mRNA expression level in hippocampus was significantly reduced

and the body weight was also reduced (P < 0.05

P < 0.01). As compared with the model group

Jinqi Jiangtang tablet high dose group could decrease the level of fasting blood-glucose of the diabetic mice

improve the learning and memory ability and hippocampal nerve injury

significantly increase the level of the serum BDNF and SYN mRNA expression in hippocampus; the body weight in mice of various treatment groups was stable

with statistical difference (P < 0.05

P < 0.01). Conclusion: Jinqi Jiangtang tablet may improve the learning and memory ability in diabetic mice by up-regulating the level of BDNF to protect and nourish the hippocampal neurons and up-regulating SYN mRNA expression in hippocampus to improve the cognitive deficits of the cognitive dysfunction mice.