The aim of the present study is to investigate the protective effects of Ophiopogonis japonicas extract on experimental type 2 diabetic rats. The high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) induced type 2 diabetic model in rats was used to observe the effect of Ophiopogonis japonicas extract on blood glucose level

oral glucose tolerance

insulin sensitivity

glycogen content in liver and skeletal muscle

urinary protein excretion and histopathological changes of pancreas. Results showed that Ophiopogonis japonicas extract could significantly lower the blood glucose levels and the AUCs during oral glucose tolerance test

improve insulin sensitivity

increase glycogen contents in liver and skeletal muscle

reduce urinary protein excretion

lower the kidney weight/body weight ratio and alleviate histopathological changes of pancrea occurred in diabetic rats by comparison with untreated diabetic rats. In conclusion

Ophiopogonis japonicas extract exerts remarkable protective effects in experimental type 2 diabetes mellitus

thus justifying its traditional usage.