Immunomodulatory potential of galing (Cayratia trifolia L. Domin) plant on IgM antibody and monocytes in Salmonella typhi-infected rats

Abstract

Typhoid fever remains a health problem that requires support from both humoral and cellular immune responses. Therefore, the search for natural immunomodulators is important. Galing plant (Cayratia trifolia L. Domin) contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, which are thought to have the potential to enhance immune responses. This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of ethanol extracts of galing leaves and stems on immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels and monocyte counts in male white rats induced with Salmonella typhi. The research hypothesis was that ethanol extract of galing plant could increase IgM levels and monocyte counts. This study used a randomized posttest-only control group design with seven treatment groups: normal control, negative control, positive control, leaf extract at doses of 400 and 500 mg/kg BW, and stem extract at doses of 400 and 500 mg/kg BW. IgM levels were measured using the ELISA method, while monocyte counts were analyzed using a hematology analyzer. The results showed that administration of ethanol extract of galing plant significantly increased IgM levels and monocyte counts compared with the negative control (p<0.05). The leaf extract group at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW showed the highest IgM level of 22.94 ± 2.00 ng/mL and the highest monocyte count of 8.44 ± 0.11%. A positive correlation was found between IgM levels and monocyte counts (p<0.05). Ethanol extract of galing plant has the potential to be developed as a natural immunomodulator to enhance immune responses against infection.