Objective:To study the protective effect of polysaccharides from Niuxin persimmon leaf on pancreas injury induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in diabetic mouse. Method: Diabetic mice model was established by injection of STZ. The model mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: model group

dimethyldiguanide group (32 mg·kg-1)

low-

medium-and high-dosage groups of Niu Xin persimmon leaf polysaccharides (30

60

120 mg·kg-1). The drugs were given to mice daily for 15 consecutive days. Fasting 12 h at the end of 15th day

the blood samples were collected and centrifuged to obtain serum for test. Glucose oxidase (GOD) and radioimmunoassay (RIA) were used to examine the index of glycemia and insulin for fasting blood glucose(FBG) and fasting insulin(FINS); the levels of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)

interleukin-8(IL-8)

interleukin-6(IL-6) in serum were tested by ELISA. Pathological change was observed by HE staining for mouse pancreas specimens; Expression of NF-κB in pancreas was determined using Western blot analysis. Result: Compared to model control group

Niuxin persimmon polysaccharides significantly reduced the levels of blood-sugar and restored insulin levels in diabetic mice

with significant difference (P<0.05). Inflammatory cytokine levels in serum were reduced by the polysaccharides with s significant difference (P<0.05). The polysaccharides also showed protective effect against the pancreatic injury; as well as down-regulation of NF-κB protein in pancreatic tissue. Conclusion: Niuxin persimmon leaf polysaccharides can play the role of hypoglycemic activity and regulation of insulin. The mechanism may be associated with restoring islet function and inhibition of the inflammatory pathway in the pancreas.