OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of rutin on serum glucose and lipid levels in hyperglycemic rats.METHODS: Male Wistar rats were subjected to intraperitoneal streptozotocin injections and a high-sugar,high-fat diet to establish a hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic model.The model was considered to be successfully established in rats with fasting blood sugar (FBS) ＞ 11.1 mmol/L.The study included 6 groups with 10 rats each: a blank control group,a model group,a metformin group,and groups on large,medium and small doses of rutin.The groups received intraperitoneal streptozotocin or normal saline for 21 d.FBS,serum lipids,serum insulin,insulin sensitivity index (ISI),and levels of catalase (CAT),glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px),superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were evaluated in all rats.Pancreatic tissue samples were harvested to observe structural changes in islet cells.RESULTS: Large,medium,and small doses of rutin were associated with significantly reduced FBS (P ＜0.05),and increased levels of ISI,CAT,GSH-Px and SOD,as well as decreased MDA (P ＜ 0.05).Rutin administration was also related with reduced total cholesterol,triglycerides and low density lipoprotein chesterol,as well as increased high density lipoprotein chesterol (P ＜ 0.05).Histologic evaluation revealed rutin induced repair of damaged islet cells.CONCLUSION: In diabetic rat models,rutin can significantly reduce FBS and blood lipids,improve anti-oxidant activity,increase insulin sensitivity,and induce repair of damaged islet cells.