Objective To investigate the effects of extracts obtained from different parts of Portulaca olerace on blood glucose and lipid metabolism in insulin resistant type 2 diabetic rats. Methods The experimental type 2 diabetic rat model was established by injection of streptozotocin (25 mg/kg) and fed on high-calory laboratory chow. The model rats were treated separately with extracts from different parts of Portulaca oleracea by gastrogavage for twelve weeks, and randomly divided into the model group, Portulace oleracea group, Portulace oleracea MH group and Portulace oleracea MS group, and normal control group and polyene contralcon control group as well. The differences of values of parameters between each experimental group and model group were observed and analyzed: oral glucose tolerance (OGTT), serum insulin, insulin sensitivity index (ISI), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoproteins-cholesterol, free fatty acid and the ratio of apolipoprotein A I (ApoA I) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). Results There was a significant difference in improving the blood glucose metabolism between Portulace oleracea group and the model group, and between Portulace oleracea group and polyene contralcon control group. Portulace olerace MH exerted an approximately significant effect in comparison with the model group. Portulace oleracea MS showed almost no effects. As regards the lipid metabolism, compared with the model group, Portulace olerace group increased HDL-c most significantly, simultaneously reduced TC, TG and FFA. Compared with the model group, the Portulace oleracea MH lowered TG most significantly, meanwhile lowered TC and FFA, but did not increased HDL-C distinctly. In comparison with the model group, Portulace oleracea MS lowered FFA most significantly, approximately significantly lowering TG, but did not show a significant effect on TC and HDL-c metabolism. Each treatment group of Portulace oleracea had no obvious effects on the ratio of apolipoproteinA I (ApoA I) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). Conclusion Chinese medicinal herb Portulaca oleraceaa treatment may improve the blood glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats. Portulace oleracea MH has a tendency to improve the blood glucose metabolism, but the difference is not significant. All Portulace oleracea, Portulace oleracea MH and Portulace oleracea MS may significantly improve the lipid metabolism, but affecting different aspects, which might related to different mechanisms or of action or different steps of the metabolism.