Antihyperglycaemic and tissue-repair effects of Myrmeleon formicarius extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of Myrmeleon formicarius (antlion) extract on liver and kidney histology in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. METHODS: Twenty-four mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and were then divided into six groups. Untreated diabetic mice served as the negative control group, and glibenclamide-treated mice served as the positive control group. Mice in the other four groups, namely T1, T2, T3, and T4 groups, received M. formicarius (antlion) extract at 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 mg/kg, respectively. Permanent thin sections were used to examine liver and kidney histology. RESULTS: The most appropriate antihyperglycaemic dosage of the M. formicarius extract was 10 mg/kg for 2 days. Histological examination of the liver and kidneys showed that the antlion extract at 10 and 5 mg/kg exhibited significant tissue-repair effects. CONCLUSION: M. formicarius (antlion) extract can not only reduce blood glucose levels but also repair hyperglycaemia-induced tissue damage.