Antidiabetic effect of an acidic polysaccharide (TAP) from Tremella aurantia and its degradation product (TAP-H)

Isolation, structures, bioactivities, application and future prospective for polysaccharides from Tremella aurantialba: A review

Since ancient times, Tremella aurantialba has been proposed to have medicinal and food benefits. Modern phytochemistry and pharmacological studies have demonstrated that polysaccharides, the main components from T. aurantialba appear to be an all-round talent resisting a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases and protecting against different types of tumors, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. These health and pharmacological benefits have gained much attention from scholars around the world. Further, more and more methods for polysaccharides extraction, purification, structure identification have been proposed. Significantly, the bioactivity of fungus polysaccharides is affected by many factors such as extraction and purification conditions and chemical structure. This paper provides an overview of recent advances in the isolation, structural features and biological effects of polysaccharides derived from T. aurantialba, covers recent advances in the field and outlines future research and applications of these polysaccharides.

Preparation and Antioxidant Activity In Vitro of Fermented Tremella fuciformis Extracellular Polysaccharides

This study was aimed at increasing the capacity of fermented Tremella fuciformis extracellular polysaccharides (TEPS) for possible functional food applications. Thus, strain varieties, fermentation parameters and purification conditions, and the in vitro antioxidant activities of purified EPS fractions were investigated. An EPS high-yield strain Tf526 was selected, and the effects of seven independent fermentation factors (time, temperature, initial pH, inoculum size, shaking speed, carbon, and nitrogen source) on the EPS yield were evaluated. By single factor optimization test, yeast extract and glucose were chosen as nitrogen sources and carbon sources, respectively, and with initial pH of 6.0, inoculum size of 8%, shaking speed of 150 rpm, and culture at 25 °C for 72 h, the optimal yield of TEPS reached 0.76 ± 0.03 mg/mL. Additionally, A-722MP resin showed the most efficient decoloration ratio compared to six other tested resins. Furthermore, optimal decoloration parameters of A-722MP resin were obtained as follows: decoloration time of 2 h, resins dosage of 2 g, and temperature of 30 °C. Decoloration ratio, deproteinization ratio, and polysaccharide retention ratio were 62.14 ± 2.3%, 81.21 ± 2.13%, and 73.42 ± 1.96%, respectively. Furthermore, the crude TEPS was extracted and four polysaccharide fractions were isolated and purified as Tf1-a, Tf1-b, Tf2, and Tf3 by the DEAE-Sepharose FF column and the Sephasryl S100 column. In general, the antioxidant activities of the Lf1-a and Lf1-b were lower compared with Vc at the concentration of 0.1 to 3 mg/mL, but the FRAP assay, DPPH scavenging activity, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity analysis still revealed that Tf1-a and Tf1-b possess significant antioxidant activities in vitro. At the concentration of 3 mg/mL, the reducing power of Lf1-a and Lf1-b reached 0.86 and 0.70, the maximum DPPH radical were 54.23 ± 1.68% and 61.62 ± 2.73%, and the maximum hydroxyl radicals scavenging rates were 58.76 ± 2.58% and 45.81 ± 1.79%, respectively. Moreover, there were significant correlations (r > 0.8) among the selected concentrations and antioxidant activities of TEPS major fractions Tf1-a and Tf1-b. Therefore, it is expected that Tf1-a and Tf1-b polysaccharide fractions from fermented TEPS may serve as active ingredients in functional foods.

Yeast exopolysaccharides and their physiological functions

Mounting evidence indicated the capability of various microorganisms in biosynthesis of exopolysaccharides (EPSs). A wide range of evidence extensively investigated the ability of bacterial species for EPS synthesis and their favorable effects, so little is known regarding yeast species. Many factors like composition of growth media and fermentation conditions are related to the structural and physical properties of EPSs. The EPS protects the producer yeast strain against extreme environment. Researchers proposed that yeast EPSs have priority over bacterial EPSs because of high yields of EPS biosynthesis and easy separation methods from growth media. Besides, they have drawn increasing attention due to their interesting biological activities, food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics applications. Although a limited number of studies exist, this review aims to highlight the EPS structure and various applications of known yeast species in detail.

Role of edible mushroom as a potent therapeutics for the diabetes and obesity

Diabetes and obesity are the most frequently found disease worldwide. Several factors are responsible for obesity, i.e., imbalance in energy expenditure, environmental factors, feeding habit, lifestyle, etc., which can also be responsible for type 2 diabetes mellitus. There are several synthetic drugs available to combat these diseases which have some side effects on sufferers. Therefore, people are shifting towards inexpensive, effective, widely available natural and herbal medicines. Edible mushrooms, which have been used from ancient time to cure these diseases, contain anti-oxidant, fibers, triterpenoids, alkaloid, and other phytochemicals. Comatin, β-glucan, Tremellastin, and Lentinan KS-2 are active chemicals of mushrooms which show great effect on diabetes mellitus and obesity by modulating either cellular function or biochemical pathways. Here, in this review, we have discussed the potential role of edible mushrooms and its biochemicals in control of diabetes and obesity. Using Bioinformatics, we can find the specific targets of theses biochemicals, so that these can be more effective.

Antioxidant and Anti-Diabetic Activities of Polysaccharides from Guava Leaves

Guava (Psidium guajava L., Myrtaceae) leaves have been used as a folk herbal tea to treat diabetes for a long time in Asia and North America. In this study, we isolated polysaccharides from guava leaves (GLP), and evaluated its antioxidant activity in vitro and anti-diabetic effects on diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin combined with high-fat diet. The results indicated that GLP exhibited good DPPH, OH, and ABTS free-radical scavenging abilities, and significantly lowered fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, total triglycerides, glycated serum protein, creatinine, and malonaldehyde. Meanwhile, it significantly increased the total antioxidant activity and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity in diabetic mice, as well as ameliorated the damage of liver, kidney, and pancreas. Thus, polysaccharides from guava leaves could be explored as a potential antioxidant or anti-diabetic agents for functional foods or complementary medicine.

Applicability of Isolates and Fractions of Plant Extracts in Murine Models in Type II Diabetes: A Systematic Review

Type II diabetes mellitus is one of the most common public health problems worldwide. Its increasing prevalence in several countries and the difficult metabolic control of individuals with the disease justify studying strategies for primary prevention. The population has sought alternative and cheaper ways to treat the disease, including the use of plants considered medicinal by the population. In this study, we carried out a systematic review on the applicability of isolates and fractions of plant extracts in animal models in type II diabetes. A literature search was performed in MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus databases. Studies using other experimental animals (horses, rabbits, and monkeys) and humans as well as articles in Chinese, German, and Russian were excluded. We assessed the quality of the studies included by using the criteria described in the ARRIVE guidelines. In general, the animals that received fractions or isolates presented reduced blood glucose levels, normalization of body weight and plasma insulin levels, and reduced total triglycerides and cholesterol. In addition, we observed wide variation among the analyzed parameters, which hindered comparison between the studies found. In further studies, standardized reports and experimental design would help to establish comparable study groups and advance the overall knowledge, thus facilitating translatability from animal data to human clinical conditions.

The hypoglycemic effect of a polysaccharide (GLP) from Gracilaria lemaneiformis and its degradation products in diabetic mice

This study investigated the hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects ofGracilaria lemaneiformispolysaccharides (GLP, GLP1, GLP2) in alloxan-induced diabetic mice.

The Fruiting Bodies, Submerged Culture Biomass, and Acidic Polysaccharide Glucuronoxylomannan of Yellow Brain Mushroom Tremella mesenterica Modulate the Immunity of Peripheral Blood Leukocytes and Splenocytes in Rats with Impaired Glucose Tolerance

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic disease with hyperglycemia and impaired immune function, is increasing worldwide. Progression from impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) to type 2 DM has recently become a target for early intervention. The fruiting bodies (FB) and submerged culture mycelium (CM) of Tremella mesenterica, an edible and medicinal mushroom, have been demonstrated to have antihyperglycemic and immunomodulatory activities in type 1 DM rats. Herein, we investigated the effects of acidic polysaccharide glucuronoxylomannan (GX) extracted from CM on the immunocyte responses. Male Wistar rats were injected with streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) plus nicotinamide (200 mg/kg) for the induction of IGT, and gavaged daily with vehicle, FB, CM, or GX (1 g/kg/day). Rats injected with saline and gavaged vehicle were used as controls. Two weeks later, peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and splenocytes were collected. Ingestion of FB, CM, and GX significantly decreased blood glucose levels in the postprandial period and in oral glucose tolerance test, and partially reversed T-splenocytic proliferation in IGT rats. CM significantly decreased T-helper lymphocytes in the PBLs and B-splenocytes. In addition, FB, CM, and GX significantly reversed the IGT-induced decreases in tumor necrosis factor-α production; GX significantly increased interleukin-6 production in T-lymphocytes in the PBLs and splenocytes; and CM and GX significantly reversed IGT-induced decrease in interferon-γ production in T-lymphocytes in the spleen. In conclusion, FB, CM, and acidic polysaccharide GX of T. mesenterica may increase T-cell immunity via the elevation of proinflammatory and T-helper cytokine production in rats with impaired glucose tolerance.

Hypoglycemic property of acidic polysaccharide extracted from Saccharina japonica and its potential mechanism

In the present study, a sulfated polysaccharide fucoidan extracted from Saccharina japonica was administered to normal and alloxan-diabetic rats/mice, and its effects on glycemia, insulin and serum lipid levels were evaluated. Fucoidan administered at 200 or 1200 mg/kg body weight/day could significantly reduce the blood glucose level by 22% and 34%, respectively, in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Serum insulin levels in diabetic mice were increased by the administration of fucoidan (P<0.05). The results of an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) revealed that fucoidan treatment had some effect on glucose disposal after 15 days of treatment. Furthermore, fucoidan altered plasma lipid levels by lowering cholesterol, triglyceride and plasma low-density lipoprotein concentrations, while elevating plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol at 100 or 300 mg/kg body weight/day. The results suggested that fucoidan exhibited a considerable hypoglycemic effect, possibly by stimulating pancreatic release of insulin and/or by reducing insulin metabolism. Our results indicated that fucoidan could be developed as a potential oral hypoglycemic agents or functional food for the management of diabetes.

Branching structure and chain conformation of water-soluble glucan extracted from Auricularia auricula-judae

A water-soluble neutral polysaccharide (AF1) was extracted from Auricularia (A.) auricula-judae with 0.15 M aqueous NaCl at 80-100 °C. Its chemical components and structure were analyzed by GC, GC-MS, and NMR. AF1 was identified as a β-(1→3)-D-glucan with two β-(1→6)-D-glucosyl residues for every three main chain glucose residues, showing a comb-branched structure. The M(w) values of AF1 in both aqueous solution and DMSO determined by LLS and SEC-LLS were in the narrow range of 2.07-2.15 × 10(6), indicating AF1 existed as single chains in the two solvents. The high intrinsic viscosity [η] of 1753 mL/g and the structure-sensitive parameter ρ (≡R(g)/R(h)) value of 2.3 in water revealed that AF1 existed as stiff chain conformation. Moreover, we directly observed the extended stiff chain conformation by AFM. The branching structure led to the water solubility of AF1, and the intramolecular hydrogen bonds sustained the stiff chain conformation. The rheological results showed that this polysaccharide aqueous solution had higher viscosity than even xanthan, a pronounced thickening agent. This work provided important information for developing new thickeners in food fields, and how neutral polysaccharides can be used as good candidates.

Purification, chemical modification and immunostimulating activity of polysaccharides from Tremella aurantialba fruit bodies

Ultrafiltration and a series of chromatographic steps were used to isolate and purify polysaccharides from Tremella aurantialba fruit bodies. Three crude fractions (TAP50w, TAP10-50w, and TAP1-10w), five semi-purified fractions (TAPA-TAPE), and one purified fraction (TAPA1) were obtained. A sulfated derivative of TAPA1 (TAPA1-s) was prepared by chemical modification. The immunostimulating activity of the polysaccharide fractions in vitro was determined using the mouse spleen lymphocyte proliferation assay. Of the three crude fractions tested, cell proliferation rates were increased most by TAP50w. Furthermore, TAPA1-s was markedly more stimulatory than TAPA1, indicating that sulfonation was an effective way to enhance the immunostimulating activity of polysaccharide.

THE EFFECTS OFTREMELLA AURANTIAON TESTOSTERONE AND CORTICOSTERONE PRODUCTIONS IN NORMAL AND DIABETIC RATS

Tremella aurantia (TA) has been traditionally used as food and crude medicine in Chinese society. The polysaccharide isolated from the fruiting bodies of TA exhibits significant hypoglycemic activity in diabetic mouse models of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Diabetes will cause sexual dysfunction in patients. In the present study, we examined if the treatment of TA on IDDM and NIDDM rats will restore steroidogenesis and then the reproductive function. The fruiting bodies (FB), mycelium (TM) and polysaccharide (GX) of TA were fed to the IDDM and NIDDM rats, and testosterone and corticosterone levels in plasma, the weight of steroidogenic organs, and the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein and P450scc enzyme were determined. Plasma testosterone productions were significantly suppressed with the feeding of FB or TM in normal rat (p < 0.05). Testosterone productions were also significantly suppressed in IDDM diabetes rats (p <0.05), and FB or TM could not restore the inhibitory effects (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference of the testosterone production between normal and NIDDM rats (p > 0.05). In plasma corticosterone production, there were no differences among control, FB- or TM-fed normal rats (p > 0.05). Corticosterone levels were reduced in IDDM rats compared to control, and FB or TM could restore its level. Corticosterone levels were induced in NIDDM rats compared to control (p <0.05), but FB, TM or GX significantly brought the corticosterone back (p < 0.05) to the control levels. Considering steroidogenic organs, IDDM rats with or without TA treatments had heavier testis and adrenal glands, but not epididymis, than normal rats with or without TA treatments. There were no effects of TA on the weight of steroidogenic organs among normal and NIDDM rats. However, GX feeding in NIDDM rat had lesser testis weight compared to NIDDM rats. The expression of StAR protein and P450scc enzyme were not different among groups in IDDM and NIDDM rats. Plasma testosterone productions were suppressed in normal rats with the feeding of TA (FB and TM). IDDM rats did have lower testosterone, but not in NIDDM, and FB or TM could not restore the inhibitory effects. The induction of IDDM or NIDDM rats did affect steroidogenesis and steroidogenic organ weights, and the feeding of TA had different effects on steroidogenesis in different types of diabetic rats.

Compare activities on regulating lipid-metabolism and reducing oxidative stress of diabetic rats of Tremella aurantialba broth's extract (TBE) with its mycelia polysaccharides (TMP)

Abnormal lipid-metabolism and elevated oxidative stress are the familiar complications of diabetic mellitus. Regulated lipid-metabolism and decreased oxidative stress have become the key indices to cure diabetic complications. The activities of broth extract (TBE) and mycelia polysaccharides (TMP) of Tremella aurantialba, which is one of the best-known multipurpose medicinal fungi in China, were studied using alloxan-induced diabetic rats. TBE contains saponins, while TMP contains polysaccharides. Both TBE and TMP could reduce the blood glucose levels of diabetic rats; TBE had stronger abilities to reduce the levels of total cholesterol and total triglyceride in serum, those of malondialdehyde, and enhance the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase in different tissues of diabetic rats (P < 0.01). TBE had slightly stronger abilities to enhance the total antioxidant capability, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in different tissues of diabetic rats, but no significant difference was found between TBE and TMP groups. All these results indicated that TBE was more capable of regulating lipid-metabolism and decreasing oxidative stress.

Production of extracellular polysaccharides by submerged mycelial culture of Laetiporus sulphureus var. miniatus and their insulinotropic properties

In the present study, optimum culture conditions for the production of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) in submerged culture of an edible mushroom, Laetiporus sulphureus var. miniatus and their stimulatory effects on insulinoma cell (RINm5F) proliferation and insulin secretion were investigated. The maximum mycelial growth (4.1 g l(-1)) and EPS production (0.6 g l(-1)) in submerged flask culture were achieved in a medium containing 30 g l(-1) maltose, 2 g l(-1) soy peptone, and 2 mM MnSO(4).5H2O at an initial pH 2.0 and temperature 25 degrees C. In the stirred-tank fermenter under optimized medium, the concentrations of mycelial biomass and EPS reached a maximum level of 8.1 and 3.9 g l(-1), respectively. Interestingly, supplementation of deep sea water (DSW) into the culture medium significantly increased both mycelial biomass and EPS production by 4- and 6.7-fold at 70% (v/v) DSW medium, respectively. The EPS were proved to be glucose-rich polysaccharides and were able to increase proliferation and insulin secretary function of rat insulinoma RINm5F cells, in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, EPS also strikingly reduced the streptozotocin-induced apoptosis in RINm5F cells indicating the mode of the cytoprotective role of EPS on RINm5F cells.

Hypoglycemic effects of exopolysaccharides produced by mycelial cultures of two different mushrooms Tremella fuciformis and Phellinus baumii in ob/ob mice

The anti-diabetic activities of the exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by submerged mycelial culture of two different mushrooms, Tremella fuciformis and Phellinus baumii, in ob/ob mice were investigated. All the animals were randomly divided into three groups with seven animals in each group: The control group received 0.9% NaCl solution; the diabetic groups were treated with EPS from T. fuciformis (Tf EPS) and P. baumii (Pb EPS) at the level of 200 mg/kg body weight using an oral zoned daily for 52 days. The plasma glucose levels in the EPS-fed mice were substantially reduced by about 52% (Tf EPS) and 32% (Pb EPS), respectively, as compared to control mice. The results of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) revealed that both EPS-fed groups significantly increased the glucose disposal after 52 days of EPS treatments. Furthermore, higher food efficiency ratios and reduced blood triglyceride levels were observed in the EPS-treated groups. Because peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) is indeed a key regulator of insulin action, we investigated the expression pattern of adipose tissue PPAR-gamma messenger RNA (mRNA) and plasma levels of PPAR-gamma. It was revealed that PPAR-gamma was significantly activated in response to EPS treatments. The results suggested that both EPS exhibited considerable hypoglycemic effect and improved insulin sensitivity possibly through regulating PPAR-gamma-mediated lipid metabolism. Our results indicated that two mushroom-derived EPS might be developed as potential oral hypoglycemic agents or functional foods for the management of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Effect of fungal polysaccharides on the modulation of plasma proteins in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

To search out novel biomarkers for monitoring diabetes prognosis, we examined the effect of hypoglycemic fungal exopolysaccharides (EPS) on the differential levels of plasma proteins in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The orally administrated EPS exhibited an excellent hypoglycemic effect, lowering the average plasma glucose level, and increasing insulin secretion in diabetic rats. The 2-DE analysis of rat plasma demonstrated that about 500 visualized spots were differentially regulated, of which 20 spots were identified as principal diabetes-associated proteins. The distinct effect of diabetes induction on the pattern of rat plasma proteins includes the down-regulation of albumin, apolipoprotein E (Apo E), alpha1-inhibitor-3, fetuin beta, Gc-globulin, hemopexin, vitronectin, and transthyretin (TTR) monomer, and the up-regulation of Apo A-I, Apo A-IV, ceruloplasmin, alpha1-antitrypsin, serine protease inhibitor III, and transferrin. Those protein levels were interestingly restored to those of healthy rats by EPS treatment, although the order of magnitude of the changes differed widely. Two proteins of interest showed distinct differential expression with opposite trends: TTR tetramer was significantly down-regulated and immunoglobulin (Ig) kappa light chain was significantly up-regulated upon diabetes induction, both of which were also normalized to those of healthy groups after EPS treatment.

Effects of ingested fruiting bodies, submerged culture biomass, and acidic polysaccharide glucuronoxylomannan of Tremella mesenterica Retz.:Fr. on glycemic responses in normal and diabetic rats

Mushroom polysaccharides have been shown to regulate glucose metabolism. Using male Wistar rats injected with saline (normal rats), streptozotocin (STZ-NT rats), or streptozotocin plus nicotinamide (STZ+NT rats), we investigated the hypoglycemic activity of orally ingested fruiting bodies (FB), submerged culture biomass (CM), or the acidic polysaccharide glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) of Tremella mesenterica, an edible jelly mushroom. Our results demonstrated that FB ingestion significantly attenuated the elevated blood glucose levels in an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in STZ-NT rats. However, in STZ+NT rats, FB, CM, and GXM ingestion significantly attenuated the increases in food and water intake, 2-h postprandial blood glucose concentrations, and blood glucose levels in OGTT. Moreover, FB and GXM ingestion significantly decreased serum concentration of fructosamine in STZ+NT rats. Our results indicated that T. mesenterica might be developed as a potential oral hypoglycemic agent or functional food for diabetic patients and for persons with high risk for diabetes mellitus.

Effects of Tremella mesenterica on steroidogenesis in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells

Tremella mesenterica (TM), a yellow jelly mushroom, has been traditionally used as food and crude medicine to improve several kinds of symptoms in Chinese society for a long time. Recent studies have illustrated that the fractions of fruiting bodies of TM exhibit a significant hypoglycemic activity in diabetic mouse models, which usually suffer from sexual dysfunction. In a previous study, we showed that TM reduced plasma testosterone production in normal rats without any positive effect in diabetic rats. It evolved a question of TM directly regulating Leydig cell steroidogenesis. In this study, MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells were treated with vehicle, different dosages of TM with or without human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG 50 ng/ml) to clarify the effects. Results showed that TM at different dosages (0.01-10 mg/ml) did not have any effect on MA-10 cell steroidogenesis (p > 0.05). In the presence of hCG, there was an inhibitory trend that TA suppressed MA-10 cell progesterone production at 3 hr treatment with a statistically significant difference by the 10 mg/ml TM (p < 0.05). In time course effect, TM alone did not have any effect on MA-10 cell steroidogenesis from at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 hr (p > 0.05). However, TM did reduce hCG-treated MA-10 cell progesterone production at 1, 2 and 3 hr (p < 0.05), respectively. To determine whether TM would have adverse effects on MA-10 cell steroidogenesis in the presence of hCG, MTT assay and recovery studies were conducted. MTT assay indicated that TM had no effect on surviving cells. In addition, with the removal of TM, and then the addition of hCG (2 and 4 hr), progesterone levels were restored within 4 hr. Taken together, present studies suggested that TM suppressed hCG-treated steroidogenesis in MA-10 cells without any toxicity effect.

Hypoglycemic effect of crude exopolysaccharides produced by a medicinal mushroom Phellinus baumii in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The antidiabetic effect of the crude exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced from submerged mycelial culture of Phellinus baumii in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats was investigated. The produced EPS consisted of two different heteropolysaccharides and two proteoglycans. The food intake of the diabetic control rats (STZ) was increased by 28.1%, whereas body weight gain was reduced by 44.1% as compared to the nondiabetic animals (NC). The plasma glucose level in the EPS-fed rats (EPS) was substantially reduced by 52.3% as compared to the diabetic rats (STZ), which is the highest hypoglycemic effect among mushroom-derived materials documented in literature. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and asparate aminotransferase (AST) were significantly decreased by administration of P. baumii EPS, thereby exhibiting a remedial role in liver function. The significant increase in weights of liver, spleen, and kidney was observed in diabetic groups (both STZ and EPS) compared to NC. The results suggest that orally administrated P. baumii EPS exhibited considerable hypoglycemic effect in STZ-induced diabetic rats and that these EPS may be useful for the management of diabetes mellitus.

Natural medicines used in the traditional Chinese medical system for therapy of diabetes mellitus

The rapidly increasing diabetes mellitus is becoming a serious threat to mankind health in all parts of the world. The control and treatment of diabetes and its complications mainly depend on the chemical or biochemical agents, but the fact is that it has never been reported that someone had recovered totally from diabetes. With the distinctive traditional medical opinions and natural medicines mainly originated in herbs, the traditional Chinese medicine performed a good clinical practice and is showing a bright future in the therapy of diabetes mellitus and its complications. Based on a large number of chemical and pharmacological research work, numerous bioactive compounds have been found in Chinese medicinal plants for diabetes. The present paper reviews 86 natural medicines with regards to their origin, anti-diabetic active principles and/or pharmacological test results, which are commonly used in the traditional Chinese medical system and have demonstrated experimental or/and clinical anti-diabetic effectiveness. Among these natural medicines, 82 originate from plants and 4 from animals or insects, which covers 45 families. It is strongly significant to pay close attention to traditional Chinese medical therapeutics and natural medicines for treatment of diabetes mellitus and its complications.