Objective: To observe the protective effect of Foeniculum vulgare extract on hepatic injury of early stage in diabetic rats. Method: The rat diabetes model was induced by streptozotocin (STZ).Diabetic rats based on blood glucose values were randomly divided into model group

metformin group(0.15 g·kg-1)

low(1.5 g·kg-1) and high(3.0 g·kg-1)-doses of F. vulgare groups

and 10 rats were choose as normal group.All groups were perfused once a day for 14 days

the normal control group and model group were intragastrically given the same amount of saline. Two hours after last administration

fasting blood glucose(FBG)

alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

malondialdehyde(MDA)contents and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity for all rats were measured.The morphological changes of liver tissue by routine HE staining were observed. Result: Compared with normal group

the levels of MDA contents

ALT

AST and FBG were increased significantly in the model group(P<0.05

P<0.01)

the levels of serum SOD activity were decreased significantly(P<0.01). The liver tissue structure was not clear and necrotic cells were obvious. Compared with model group

the levels of serum SOD activity were increased significantly(P<0.01)in high and low-doses of F. vulgare groups

the MDA contents

ALT

AST and FBG levels were decreased significantly(P<0.01).The liver tissue structure was improved obviously

the number of necrotic cells was less

the regeneration of liver cells was obvious

in the higher dose group which was improved more obviously. Conclusion: F. vulgare has a protective effect on liver injury of early stage in diabetic rats.