4. Conclusion
The present study for the first time reports the hypoglycemic
and hypolipidemic effects of the crude polysaccharides from the
corn silk in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats. In this study, after
administering POCS, the food intake of streptozotocin-induced
diabetic rats was even higher than the control group, especially
at the third and fourth week. The body weight of groups were
significantly different (P < 0.05). POCS treated group showed significantly
hypoglycemic effect (P < 0.05) at fourth week, compared
with the control group. Results of this study demonstrated that
POCS did not have any appreciable effect on BG in normal rats.
POCS had beneficial effects on the improvement in the control
of BG levels. Administration of POCS could significantly (P < 0.05)
lower the TC level of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. No
significant (P < 0.05) difference was observed between the TG levels
of Groups IV–VI and control group. The glucose tolerance ofdiabetic control was worse than normal control. Evidently, POCS
can improve the glucose tolerance of diabetic rats (P < 0.05). Meantime,
POCS can improve the depressant and fatigue resistance of
diabetic rats.