Immunostimulatory Activities of Pegagan Embun (Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam.) in White Male Mice

Abstract

Introduction: Pegagan embun (Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides L.) has many pharmacological activies, such as improving the immune system. Aim: This research aims to study the immunomodulatory effect of pegagan embun herbs ethanol extract (Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides L.) determined by phagocytic activity and capacity of macrophages, total and percentage of leukocytes. Methods: 25 male white mice were divided into 5 equal groups. Negative control group were given Na CMC 0.5%, the extract treated group were given pegagan embun ethanol extract at doses of 10, 50, 200 mg/kgbw, and the positive control group was given Stimuno 50 mg/kgbw orally for 7 days. On the 8th day, the total and percentage of leukocytes were counted through blood sample taken intravenously. The mice were then induced with Staphylococcus aureus suspension. After one hour, the peritoneal fluids was taken to determine the macrophages activity and capacity. The macrophages phagocytic activity and capacity, total and percentage of leukocytes were analyzed by One-Way Anova followed by Duncan Multiple Range Test (p<0.05). Results: The results show significant increase of concentration (p<0.05) towards macrophages phagocytic activity and capacity, and total leukocytes count. Percentage of leukocytes show that lymphocytes increase significantly (p<0.05), meanwhile neutrophils segments decrease significantly (p<0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that ethanol extract of pegagan embun herb at doses of 10, 50, 200 mg/kgbw shows immunostimulatory activity. Key words: Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam., Staphylococcus aureus, Phagocytosis, Macrophage, Leukocytes