Study on the Pathogenesis of Streptozocin (STZ)-Induced Type 2 Senile Diabetes in Mice and the Comparative Therapeutic Effects of Guangxi Sweet Tea and Shutangbao

This study investigated the pathogenesis and comparative therapeutic effects of Guangxi sweet tea versus Shutangbao in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 senile diabetic mice, and their effects on Alzheimer's disease. Mice were randomized into four groups: model group, treatment group 1, treatment group 2, and control group. The control group received intraperitoneal injection of 0.3 ml saline for 30 days, followed by 0.3 ml distilled water gavage for another 30 days. The other groups were modeled with STZ combined with aluminum maltolate: 0.3 ml/d intraperitoneal aluminum maltolate for 30 days, then 0.3 ml STZ daily for 5 days. From day 31, treatment groups received 0.3 ml/d Guangxi sweet tea or Shutangbao by gavage for 30 days. Blood glucose levels and learning-memory ability (Y-maze water labyrinth) were measured.Results showed: Model, treatment 1, and 2 groups had higher blood glucose than control group at day 5 post-modeling (P < 0.01). Brain β-secretase activity was higher in the model group (P < 0.05) but lower in treatment groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) compared to control group. Treatment groups needed fewer trials in the Y-maze test than the model group (P < 0.01)[1]. Successful modeling was confirmed by increased blood glucose and decreased α-secretase activity. Post-treatment, both groups showed reduced β-secretase activity, improved memory, and treatment 1 showed decreased blood glucose.