IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECTS STUDY OF KECOMBRANG FLOWER EXTRACT [ETLINGERA ELATIOR (JACK) R.M. SMITH] ON SWISS WEBSTER MICE

• Main Author: Muhammad Hidayatulloh, Syarief
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/76628
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Currently, there are many diseases related to the immune system. To overcome these diseases, immunomodulatory compounds that can affect the immune system are needed. One source of immunomodulators can come from plants, including kecombrang [Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M. Smith] which is often used as a cooking spice. Kecombrang is one of the typical Indonesian spices that has various benefits. Some of the benefits of kecombrang include antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer. This study aimed to assess the immunomodulatory properties of kecombrang flowers. The active compounds of kecombrang flower were extracted using ethanol through maceration method. Immunomodulatory efficacy of ethanol extract of kecombrang flower (EEBK) was tested in Swiss Webster mice through carbon clearance test, organ index, and antibody titer as humoral immune response. The immunomodulatory effect was further tested through swimming test. The results showed that EEBK at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight was immunosuppressive with a phagocytic index of 0.89. Both doses of EEBK (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) did not affect organ index (liver, spleen, and thymus gland). The immunosuppressive effect of EEBK at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight was also evident from the results of both primary and secondary antibody titers which were lower than the control. In line with the immunosuppressive effect, both doses also did not increase stamina in the swimming test. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that increasing the dose of EEBK increases the immunosuppressive effect that can be used for patients with autoimmune diseases.