Objective: To observe the effects of Euphorbiae Humifusae Herba on pancreatic islet beta cells on oxidative stress and apoptosis in diabetic mice. Method: Alloxan solution (80 mg · kg-1) was injected into mice's caudal vein to establish the model of diabetic mice. The diabetic mice were randomly divided into 5 groups:model group

positive controlled group (metformin group)

low-dose Euphorbiae Humifusae Herba group (59 mg · kg-1 · d-1)

medium-dose Euphorbiae Humifusae Herba group (118 mg · kg-1 · d-1)and high-dose Euphorbiae Humifusae Herba group (236 mg · kg-1 · d-1). After successive administration for 14 days

the changes of blood glucose

pancreatic superoxide dismutase (SOD)

glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malonaldehyde(MDA) were observed. TUNEL method was used to determine pancreatic islet beta cells apoptosis. Result: Compared with model group

the body weight in Euphorbiae Humifusae Herba groups was not obviously decreased(P<0.05). The blood glucose in high-dose group and metformin group was lower than that of model group and before medication(P<0.05). Compared with model group

SOD and GSH-Px level in high-dose group and metformin group were increased(P<0.05)

MDA level was decreased (P<0.05)

the cell apoptosis index was decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: Euphorbiae Humifusae Herba humifusae can obviously decrease blood glucose in diabetic mice

its mechanism is probably related to increasing antioxidant capacity of diabetic mice

reducing the pancreatic islet beta cells damage caused by oxidative stress

inhibiting pancreatic islet beta cells apoptosis.