Abstract: AIM: To study the hypoglycemic action of cortex moutan polysaccharide-2b (CMP-2b)and the its mechanism. METHODS: Some animal models in this study included the glucose-induced hyperglycemic model in mice, the alloxan-induced diabetic model in mice and rats, and the HCSS-induced insulin resistance model in mice.Those models were used to investigate the effects of CMP-2b on blood glucose of normal and hyperglycemic model animals, on serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), serum insulin, glycated hemoglobin (GHb), and apolipoproteinA1 (ApoA1) in alloxan diabetic animals. RESULTS: CMP-2b significantly lowered the blood glucose in hyperglycemic mice and rats induced by glucose and alloxan.CMP-2b also raised the SOD and ApoA1 level, decreased the GHb level in diabetic animals, and improved insulin resistance in mice. CONCLUSION: CMP-2b can control experimental hyperglycemia.Its mechanism is related to improving insulin sensitivity and enhancing the utilization of glucose in peripheral tissues.

Key words: cortex moutan polysaccharide-2b (CMP-2b), hypoglycemic activity, diabetic model, insulin resistance