Objective:To observe the effects of Furong Tongmai capsule (FTC) on the plasma superoxide dismutase(SOD)

malondialdehyde (MDA)levels and the expression of nerve growth factor(NGF) in sciatic nerve in diabetic rats

and to explore possible mechanism on diabetic neuropathy. Method: Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group and diabetic groups. The diabetic rats were randomly divided into model group

FTC groups (0.7

1.4

2.2 g·kg-1 accordingly). After treated 8 weeks

levels of plasma glucose

SOD

MDA were observed. The NGF of sciatic nerve was detected by immuneoshistochemistry array. Result: The levels of blood glucoses in diabetic rats were significantly higher than that in control group. Compared with model group

FTC 1.4

2.2 g·kg-1 groups showed increase in SOD were significantly. Higher level of SOD was found in FTC 1.4

2.2 g·kg-1 groups than those in the model group

while the levels of MDA were lower in the FTC 1.4

2.2 g·kg-1 groups than in the model group. By analysing the NGF of sciatic nerve

the positive rate of NGF expression in sciatic nerve was significantly lower in model and FTC 0.7 g·kg-1 group than that in the control group. The positive rate of NGF expression was significantly higher in the FTC 1.4

2.2 g·kg-1 groups than those in the model and FTC 0.7 g·kg-1 group. Conclusion: FTC may antagonise oxidative stress by increasing plasma SOD level and reducing plasma MDA level. FTC could increase NGF expression in sciatic nerve in diabetic rats.