Abstract: A mouse model of diabetes was successfully established by intraperitoneal injection of low-dose streptozotocin (50 mg/kg mb), and continuously administered by gavage with soluble dietary fiber (600 mg/kg mb) from black soybean hull for 28 days. Body mass, and the concentrations of blood glucose, insulin and anti-inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-4, and C-reactive protein) were measured during the administration period, and pathological sections of pancreatic tissue were analyzed. The results showed that compared with the model group, the mice in the positive drug (metformin) and soluble dietary fiber groups had lower body mass and decreased fasting blood glucose level (P < 0.05); the insulin level decreased, but there was no significant difference between the model and soluble dietary fiber groups. The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α and C-reactive protein significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while the concentration of interleukin-4 significantly increased (P < 0.05). According to the histopathological analysis of pancreatic tissue, the soluble dietary fiber had a repairing effect on the damaged pancreas of diabetic mice, and increased the islet area and the number of β cells. This study provides a scientific basis for the development of soluble dietary fiber products from black soybean hull.

Key words: black soybean hull, soluble dietary fiber, type 2 diabetes, blood glucose concentration, anti-inflammatory factors