Objective: To investigate the effects of flavonoids from Psidium guajava leaves on the hepatic glucose metabolism and insulin signaling pathway in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic mice. Method: Male BALB/c mice were injected with STZ (60 mg · kg-1

ip) for 5 consecutive days to generate diabetic model

which was indicated by fasting blood glucose concentration ≥11.1 mmol · L-1 for 3 consecutive days. Diabetic mice were randomly divided into model group and P. guajava leaves flavonoids low

medium and high-dose treatment group

every group has 10 mice

the normal control with 10 mice was set.Flavonoids from P. guajava leaves was administered intragastrically at 0.093

0.186

0.372 g · kg-1 · d-1. After 2 weeks of administration

the fasting blood glucose level and fasting weight were measured. In addition

the mice were euthanized and the number of islets

pathological changes were observed. Real time fluorescence PCR was used to investigate the mRNA expression of hepatic glucokinase(GK)

glucokinase regulatory protein(GKRP)

glucose transporter protein 2(GLUT2)

insulin growth factor (IGF-1)

insulin receptor substrate-1(IRS-1) and insulin receptor substrate-2(IRS-2). Result: Compared with the diabetic mice

the blood glucose level decreased (P<0.05)

the numbers of islets

the hepatic mRNA expression of GK

GLUT2

IGF-1

IRS-1 and IRS-1 were increased significantly increased (P<0.01) and the hepatic mRNA expression of GKRP in P. guajava leaves flavonoids groups was decreased (P<0.01)

the medium dose group showed the best action(P<0.05). Conclusion: Flavonoids from P. guajava leaves has the hypoglycemic effect

and the metabolism is likely through the regulation of hepatic glucose metabolic moleculars and insulin signaling pathway

and also the islet regenerating effects.