Abstract Rape (Brassica napus L.) bee pollen (RBP) is a functional food rich in nutrients obtained by worker bees collecting rape pollen and mixing it with nectar and bee salivary enzymes. The study aimed to investigate the protective impact of RBP on renal tissue damage and modulating gut microbiota in diabetic rats. We established a diabetic model of rat via streptozotocin injection, then the rats were treated with RBP for 6 weeks. Results showed that RBP significantly suppressed fasting glucose, reduced oxidative stress and prevented renal pathological changes as well as renal function damage in diabetic rats. In addition, RBP reduced the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, C‐reaction protein, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1β, and IL‐18), and the expression levels of transforming growth factor‐β1, p‐Smad2, and p‐Smad3 in the kidney. Moreover, RBP supplementation also improved the gut microbial dysregulation in diabetic rats. Based on the results, RBP can improve kidney tissue damage in diabetic rats. This study will promote the development of RBP functional food.
