Effect of bengkoang (Pachyrhizus erosus) fiber extract on murine macrophage-like J774.1 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages

Abstract

Bengkoang (Pachyrhizus erosus (L) Urban) is an edible root vegetable containing fairly large amounts of carbohydrates and crude fibers. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of the bengkoang fiber extract (BFE) on macrophages in vitro and in vivo. BEF was prepared by heat-extraction from the bengkoang fiber in distilled water at 121°C for 20min. BFE stimulated the phagocytotic activity of J774.1 cells. In addition, BFE significantly facilitated production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 by J774.1 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages. BFE also facilitated the gene expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. The phagocytotic activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages was significantly enhanced by oral administration of BFE to BALB/c mice for 7days. Ex vivo analysis revealed that production and gene expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in peritoneal macrophages from the BFE-administered mice were significantly enhanced. These results demonstrated that BFE activates macrophages in vitro and in vivo.