Effect of Pegagan Leave (Centella Asiatica [L]. Urban) Ethanol Extract on IFN- Secretion on the Spleen of Balb/C Mice that Infected with Listeria Monocytogenes

Abstract

Pegagan (Centella asiatica (L). Urban) is believed having immunostimulant potency; several related study have been done, though its effect on interferon gamma (IFN- ) secretion have not been reported. Hence, this study aimed at exploring the effect of ethanol extract of Pegagan leave (Centella asiatica (L). Urban) on IFN- secretion on the spleen of Balb/C mice infected by Listeria monocytogenes. This quasy experimental study was conducted toward 50 female Balb/C mice that were grouped into five, namely: group K which was a control group that only given aquabidest; group EC-ZP given 1.95mg Echinacea and zinc pikolinat suspension; and group EEP I, EEP II and EEPIII that given ethanol extract of C. asiatica (L). Urban respectively at 50, 150 and 450mg/kgBW doses. The interventions were given for 14 days; on the day-15, all groups were infected with 104CFU L. monocytogenes intra peritoneal. Observation of IFN- secretion were performed at day-2 and 4 after infection. Results were analyzed by using analysis of variance to determine the statistical significance of IFN- secretion between groups. This study showed that ethanol extract of C. asiatica (L). Urban at 150mg/kgBW dose showed significantly higher IFN- secretion (p<0.05) compared to control group at day-4 after infection but has no difference with ethanol extract of C. asiatica (L). Urban at 50mg/kgBW dose. It can be concluded that at day-4 as peak of immune response of L. monocytogenes infection, ethanol extract of C. asiatica (L). Urban at 150mg/kgBW dose enhance IFN- secretion. Further study is needed to explore the effect of C. asiatica (L). Urban on other parameter of immune response related to IFN- secretion.