Immunomodulatory Effects of Combined Ethanol Extracts of Curcuma mangga and Picria fel-terrae on Cellular- and Humoral-Mediated Immunity in Wistar Rats and Mice.

Previous studies have shown that the extracts of Curcuma mangga Valeton & Zijp rhizomes and Picria fel-terrae Lour. leaves could modulate cellular- and humoral-mediated immunity in macrophages and animal models. In the present study, the immunomodulatory effects of combined ethanol extracts of C. mangga rhizomes and P. fel-terrae leaves were investigated on cellular- and humoral-mediated immunity in Wistar rats and mice. The phytochemical constituents of the ethanol extracts of C. mangga and P. fel-terrae, and combined extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Mice were orally administered with combined extracts of C. mangga and P. fel-terrae (1 : 1) at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg·bw for 7 days, and the carbon clearance method was used to investigate their phagocytosis activity. Wistar rats were treated orally with the combined extracts 72 h prior to sensitization with Staphylococcus aureus and continued for 14 days. The effect of extracts on delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response was determined by the paw edema method, while the effects on antibody (IgG and IgM) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Picfeltarraenin VI and ferruginol were the major components in the extracts of P. fel-terrae and C. mangga, respectively. The combined extracts at 1 : 1 ratio demonstrated a dose-dependent stimulation of both cellular- and humoral-mediated immunity in both animal models. The combined extracts displayed the strongest stimulation on DTH response and phagocytosis activity at 100 mg/kg·bw, which were comparable with those of the positive control, levamisole. IgG and IgM production and IL-2 release were also stimulated after treatment with extracts. The combined extracts of C. mangga and P. fel-terrae possess strong stimulatory activities on cellular- and humoral-mediated immunity and may be developed as a potential nutraceutical for the modulation of immune responses.

Immunomodulatory effects of standardized extract of Curcuma mangga val. on cytokines, antibody and delayed-type hypersensitivity response in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recently, we have highlighted the immunomodulatory activity of Curcuma mangga Val. on phagocytosis ability. The current study was conducted to determine the immunomodulatory effects of the standardized extract of C. mangga rhizomes by in vitro and in vivo studies. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The C. mangga extract was standardized according to a guideline for herbal preparation. The extract was investigated for its immunomodulatory effects on gene expression of cytokines, cytokines and antibody production as well as delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response. The gene expression of cytokines on lipopolysaccharide-induced-RAW 264.7 cells was analysed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. The effect of the extract on DTH response was investigated by the paw edema method, meanwhile the effects of the extract on antibody and cytokine production from normal and cyclophosphamide-induced Salmonella typhimurium infected rats were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). FINDINGS/RESULTS: The extract of C. mangga demonstrated an inhibitory effect on gene expression of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6 as compared to lipopolysaccharide-induced cells. The extract also depicted inhibitory activity on IL-4 production as compared to the negative control. Whereas, the DTH response and production of immunoglobulin G from both groups after treatment with C. mangga extract were higher than those of negative control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The results indicated that the C. mangga extract has immunomodulatory effects, emphasizing its potential to be developed as immunotherapeutic agent.

Preformulation Study of Pugun Tano (Curanga fel-terrae [Lour.] Merr) Ethanolic Extract Granule Mass in Capsule as Hepatoprotective Drug.

BACKGROUND: Pugun tano extract had been studied for its effect as hepatoprotector. However, the usage of the plant in the form of extract has a limitation, especially if the extract is consumed by the people due to the unpleasant taste and odour. Then, the extract needs to be transformed into a particular dosage form, such as a capsule. But before the capsule can be produced, a preformulation study of pugun tano extract into a granule mass in capsule need to be evaluated. AIM: The study aimed to formulate the ethanolic extract of pugun tano (Curanga fel-terrae (Lour.) Merr) as granule mass in the capsule dosage form. METHODS: The pugun tano ethanolic extract was formulated in several steps included preparation of dry extract using coating method with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and granule mass production. The excipients used for the granule mass were lactose granules (made with tapioca starch using wet granulation), corn starch (made with 3 concentrations of 5% (F1), 7.5% (F2) and 10% (F3)), talcum, magnesium stearate, methylparaben, and propylparaben. The granule mass was evaluated for the bulk density, tapped density, inter-particle porosity, Carr's index, Hausner ratio, angle of repose, and flowability. RESULTS: The results showed that all of the formulae passed the requirement of the preformulation test. The bulk density of the granule mass was 0.79 - 0.86 g/ml; the tapped density was 0.88 - 0.90 g/ml; the inter-particle porosity was 0.03 - 0.14; the Carr's index was 2.71 - 11.94%; the Hausner ratio was 1.09-1.12; the angle of repose was 26.10 - 28.90°; and the flowing time was 5.97 - 6.63 seconds. All of the formulae showed good flowability and free-flowing properties. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the obtained formula containing pugun tano ethanolic extract can be formulated into granule mass for the capsule dosage form.

Formulation and Antibacterial Activity of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng Leaves Ethanolic Extract as Herbal Mouthwash Against Halitosis Caused Bacteria.

BACKGROUND: Halitosis is one of the unpleasant conditions which could alter the self-confidence and cause serious illness. One of the treatments to overcome halitosis is by using mouthwash. Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng is one of the plants that is known to have antibacterial activity which can be used to overcome halitosis caused bacteria. AIM: To formulate the Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng leaves ethanolic extract as herbal mouthwash and to evaluate the antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. METHODS: The methods of the study included the characterization and screening of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng leaves dried powder; the extraction process by maceration using 96% ethanol; the antibacterial activity test of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng leaves ethanolic extract and the formulation and evaluation of mouthwash dosage form with various concentrations of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng leaves ethanolic extract. RESULTS: The characterization results showed that the Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng leaves powder contained 7.92% of water, 29.26% of water-soluble substance, 13.32% of ethanol soluble substance, 0.82% of total ash and 0.66% of acid insoluble ash. The screening examination gave glycoside, saponin, flavonoid, tannin and steroid/triterpenoid positive results. The antibacterial activity test of the Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng mouthwash showed that the dosage form with 2% of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng extract successfully inhibited the growth of bacteria with 12.00 and 11.25 mm of inhibition diameter for both Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng leaves ethanolic extract can be formulated in mouthwash dosage form and has antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans bacteria.

Physical Evaluation and Anti-Aging Effect of Red Bean Ethanolic Extract (Vigna angularis (Wild.) Ohwi & Ohashi) Peel-Off Gel Mask.

BACKGROUND: The product development of an anti-aging dosage for human skin is a very interesting issue because every human wants to be looked young as long as possible. A studies and development of plant that contain of antioxidant properties need to be studied further. AIM: The aim of this research was to formulate and evaluate the physical and anti-aging effect of the Peel-Off Gel Mask from Red Bean Ethanol Extract (PGMRB). METHODS: The Extract Ethanol of Red Bean was extracted by maceration methods with ethanol 96%. The Peel-off base was consisted of Polyvinyl alcohol, glycerin and carbomer 940. The gel formulation was made in 3 formulas (F1, F2, and F3) consisted with 1%, 3% and 5% ethanol extract, respectively. The blank formula (F0) was also prepared as a control formula. The evaluation of gel formulation included organoleptic test, pH determination, stability test, homogeneity test, peeling time, irritation test and anti-aging effect test included moisture level, skin pore size, the evenness test and dark spot test by using skin analyzer. RESULTS: All of the formula showed a homogen, pH around 6, peeling time less than 20 minutes, no irritation and stable for 12 weeks storage at room temperature. The treatment with PGMRB demonstrated an improvement on the moisture level, pore size, evenness and the number of black spots with F3 containing 5% extract as the best formula. CONCLUSION: The ethanol extract of red bean can be formulated become a peel-off gel mask and having the anti-aging effect.

Macadamia Nuts Oil in Nanocream and Conventional Cream as Skin Anti-Aging: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: The effect of an active substance in a dosage form can be influenced by the different method of preparation. Nanotechnology has been used widely in all aspects including drug delivery system. Nanocream is one of the cosmetic dosage forms to improve the absorption of active substances on the skin. AIM: The study was to compare macadamia nuts oil nanocream with conventional cream as skin antiaging dosage form. METHODS: The formulation of nanocream was consisted of macadamia nuts oil 10%, tween 80, propylene glycol, cetyl alcohol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben and distilled water. The anti-aging was conducted by comparing the nanocream and conventional cream. The evaluation of anti-aging activity was conducted using skin analyzer apparatus. The aging parameters were moisture, evenness, pore size, black spot, and wrinkle of the skin. The data were collected for 4 weeks. All the data obtained were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Macadamia nut oil nanocream dosage form showed better antiaging activity on the skin compared to conventional cream which were characterized by changes in skin condition on each aging skin parameter such as water content, pore size, melanin, and wrinkles. CONCLUSON: It is concluded that macadamia nuts oil in nanocream dosage form has better antiaging activity on the skin compared to conventional cream and macadamia nuts oil can be used as an effective skin anti-aging dosage form.

Effects of aerosol formulation to amino acids and fatty acids contents in Haruan extract.

Haruan (Channa striatus) extract was formulated to aerosol for wound and burn treatment. Haruan extract is containing amino acids and fatty acids that important for wound healing process. The purpose of this study is to observe the effect of formulation and other excipients in the formula to amino acids and fatty acids content in Haruan extract before and after formulated into aerosol. Precolumn derivatization with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AQC) method is used for amino acids analysis. Fatty acids in Haruan extract were esterified using transesterification method to form FAMEs before analyzed using GC. Boron trifluoride-methanol reagent is used for transesterification. Tyrosine and methionine concentrations were different after formulated. The concentrations were decrease. There are six fatty acids have amount that significantly different after formulated into concentrate and aerosol. Contents of these fatty acids were increase. Generally, fatty acids which had content increased after formulated were the long-chain fatty acids. This might be happen because of chain extension process. Saponification and decarboxylation would give the chain extended product. Therefore contents of long-chain fatty acids were increase. Generally, the aerosol formulation did not affect the amino acids concentrations in Haruan extract while some long-chain fatty acids concentrations were increase after formulated into concentrate and aerosol.

Wound healing effect of Haruan (Channa striatus) spray.

Haruan (Channa striatus) is a type of fresh water fish in Malaysia that is known to promote wound healing. Haruan water extract has been formulated in an aerosol system which can produce a film for wound dressing. As topical preparation, Haruan spray needs to be evaluated in terms of the possibility to cause irritation reaction or toxic response. Three experiments were carried out to evaluate the safety of Haruan spray which are Primary Skin Irritation test, Intracutaneous test and Systemic Injection test. The result shows that Haruan spray gave no significant responses to all the above tests. The investigation of the effect of Haruan spray as wound dressing in the healing process was performed in Sprague-Dawley rats where 6-cm long full-thickness incision wound and burn wound were made on the back of the animals. Haruan spray was tested and compared with blank formula as control. Tensile strength test of treated wound was carried out at the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th day after wounding and treatment. The burn wounds contraction was measured daily for 21 days. Results showed that haruan water extract spray formula is not only effective but also safe for application to both incision and burn wounds.

Effect of limonene on permeation enhancement of ketoprofen in palm oil esters nanoemulsion.

This study sets out to investigate the in vitro permeation of ketoprofen from the formulated nanoemulsions through excised rat skin. In vitro permeation of ketoprofen nanoemulsion through rat skin was evaluated in Franz diffusion cells and compared with marketed product (Fastum gel). Limonene which has been reported to be a good enhancer for ketoprofen was selected. Moreover the effects of limonene which was added to the nanoemulsion formulations at levels of 1%, 2%, 3% and on rat skin permeation of ketoprofen were also evaluated. The selected optimized formulation was further studied for skin irritation. Utilization of limonene as a penetration enhancer increased the permeation of ketoprofen from the formulated nanoemulsion with increasing concentrations of limonene. The results obtained showed that nanoemulsion with 3% limonene produced similar and comparable skin permeation of ketoprofen with marketed formulation and the skin irritation study on rats showed the optimized formulation prepared was safe.