The immunomodulatory activity of parijoto fruit (Medinilla speciosa) fraction against phagocytosis macrophages and lymphocyte proliferation

Abstract

The immune system's principal functions are to preserve health and defend against dangerous invaders (antigens). Parijoto fruit (Medinilla speciosa) is a plant that can potentially have immunomodulatory activity because it contains flavonoid and terpenoid compounds. The aim of this research is to ascertain the total flavonoid and phytochemical content of the parijoto fruit fraction, as well as its potential in vitro immunomodulatory activity. The extraction of powdered parijoto fruit was conducted using 70% ethanol, followed by the separation into n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water fraction. The phytochemical content was analyzed with gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry. The total flavonoid contents were determined by colorimetric analysis. In addition, the immunomodulatory activity assay was conducted in vitro to evaluate the phagocytic activity (phagocytic capacity [PC] and phagocytic index) of macrophages and the proliferation of lymphocytes (stimulation index [SI]). The GC results showed that parijoto fruit extract contains 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid-, and phthalic acid. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the greatest total flavonoid concentration at 7.4094 ± 0.49 mg QE/g sample. In vitro, immunomodulatory tests showed that all fractions could significantly increase macrophage phagocytic activity compared to control cells. The highest value of PC and phagocytic index was found in the n-hexane phase with a concentration of 750 g/mL of 82.75 ± 0.87 and a concentration of 500 g/mL of 6.62 ± 0.19, respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the most significant SI for lymphocyte proliferation, recorded at a concentration of 750 g/mL with a value of 8.70 ± 1.01. The ethyl acetate fraction's SI >3 value in the lymphocyte proliferation test suggests that it exhibits lymphocyte proliferation activity. The parijoto fruit may enhance the phagocytic role of macrophages and promote lymphocyte proliferation, indicating its potential as an immunomodulatory therapy.