Protective effect of the polysaccharide from Ophiopogon japonicus on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

► OJP1 had protective effect on the STZ-induced oxidative stress in diabetic rats. ► OJP1 improved the lipid metabolism in diabetic rats. ► OJP1 decreased the TGF-β1 and CTGF mRNA expressions in the kidneys of diabetic rats. ► OJP1 had protective effects on the liver and kidney in diabetic rats. ► OJP1 might serve as a potential drug and functional food for the diabetes and its complications.