Effects of Jamaican cherry (Muntingia calabura L.) Fruits Extract on Immunoglobulin G Levels and Hematological Profiles in Mice

Abstract

Background: Jamaican cherry (Muntingia calabura L.) fruits contain potential immunomodulatory agents such as phenolic and flavonoid compounds. However, previous research was limited only to the effect of Jamaican cherry fruits on non-specific immune response namely the phagocytic index. Objective: This study aims to determine the immunomodulatory activity of Jamaican cherry fruits against specific immune response by measuring the antibody formation named immunoglobulin G (IgG). In addition, the hematological profile of the animals induced by hepatitis B vaccine was also evaluated. Materials and methods: forty male mice were grouped into 8 groups consist of control, treatment, and standard groups. Control group was given CMC-Na 0.5%, six treatment groups were each given either the methanol extract of Jamaican cherry fruits (MEJF), or ethyl acetate fraction of Jamaican cherry fruits (EAJFJ) with the doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW (each dose for one group), and levamisole was given to the standard group. Levamisole and extract of Jamaican cherry fruits were prepared as a suspension in CMCNa 0.5% and administered orally for 15 days. Mice were induced with hepatitis B vaccine intraperitoneally twice. The levels of IgG, hematological profiles, and organ index were measured on the 16th day. Results: The administration of MEJF and EAFJF stimulated IgG production significantly compared to the control group (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the MEJF and EAFJF did not influence the hematological profile. An increase of the spleen index was found in the EAFJF group compared to the control. Both MEJF and EAFJF were shown to have flavonoids, phenolics, and triterpenoids contents. Conclusion: MEJF and EAFJF possessed immunostimulant properties by increasing the specific (humoral) immune response (IgG) after induction with the hepatitis B vaccine. Key words: Jamaican cherry (Muntingia calabura L.), Immunoglobulin G, Hepatitis B vaccine, Hematological profile