Abstract
Purpose: To investigate in vivo immunomodulatoryeffect and histopathological feature of mouse liver and kidney following treatment with 2 neolignans (Pc-1 and Pc-2) isolated from red betel (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav) leaf. Methods: Balb/c mice immune response was induced with Listeria monocytogenes. Immunomodulatory effect was tested by using macrophage phagocytic, nitric oxide, and lymphocyte proliferation assays. The morphological features of liver and kidney were observed with light microscope and then compared with the liver and kidney of control group. Results: At the dose of 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight, both Pc-1 and Pc-2 significantly increased the activity and the capacity of macrophages (p < 0.05). Both Pc-1 and Pc-2 significantly increased phagocytic activity of macrophage by 25% and 23%, respectively, and phagocytic index to 38 and 52, respectively at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight. Increases in nitric oxide production due to Pc-1 and Pc2 (at doses of 2.5, 5, and, 10 mg/kg body weight) were also observed although no lymphocyte proliferation effect was observed. Histopathological examination of liver and kidney of mice given Pc-1 demonstrated normal features. On the other hand, hydropic degeneration and liver necrosis were seen in mice given Pc-2 treatment. Based on this result and the structure similarity of the two compounds (Pc-1 and Pc-2), an interesting presumption was made that the ‐OH functional group (Pc-2) was responsible for the toxicity that caused liver damage. Conclusion : The two neolignans (Pc-1 and Pc-2) isolated from the leaves of P. crocatum Ruiz & Pav. are capable of increasing macrophage phagocytosis as well as nitric oxide production but not lymphocyte proliferation. Histophatological features of liver given Pc-2 demonstrate hydropic degeneration and necrosis, possibly due to the ‐OH group on Pc-2.
Highlights
Research related to the application of immunostimulants in the immune system has not lead to the conclusion that firm and need a new immunostimulatory and search for new sources of novel immunostimulatory
We report immunomodulatory effect of two neolignans isolated from red betel in Balb/c mice ie: macrophage phagocytic, nitric oxide production, and lymphocyte proliferation test
Both compounds isolated from the leaves of red betel (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav) significantly increased (p < 0.05) the phagocytosis percentage and phagocytosis index of peritoneal macrophages of mice infected with Listeria monocytogenes
Summary
Research related to the application of immunostimulants in the immune system has not lead to the conclusion that firm and need a new immunostimulatory and search for new sources of novel immunostimulatory. In Indonesia, red betel is used as a medicinal plant for treating various diseases, the methanolic extract was reported to have antiproliferative effect on human breast (T47D) cells [3]. Phytochemical investigation of Piper species has led to the isolation of a large number of physiologically active compounds including neolignans [2].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
