Immunomodulatory Activities of Sambucus javanica Extracts in DMBAExposedBALB/c Mouse

Accumulating evidence shows the genus of Sambucus exerts a broad spectrum ofmedicinal potencies such as anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, and antidiabetes. Based on theprevious studies, we hypothesized that bioactive compounds of Sambucus might alter severalbiological systems, including the immune system. Therefore, this study extensively aimed toevaluate the immunomodulatory activities of Sambucus javanica extracts in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-treated BALB/c mouse.

The experimental mice were orally administrated with 2.8 mg.kg-1 BW of DMBA forten times within a month. After that, the mice were treated by S. javanica berries and leavesextracts for 2 weeks. Subsequently, the inflammation rate was evaluated by using flow cytometryanalysis, whereas the necrosis incidences were observed by hematoxylin & eosin staining.

Based on the results, we found the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)and interferon gamma (IFN-ɣ) were increased however after treated by S. javanica berries andleaves extracts were significantly decreased. In the same way, necrosis incidence was increasedin the DMBA-treated group however it was diminished with S. javanica extracts treatment.

Together, these results suggested that S. javanica extracts have immunomodulatoryactivities to suppress inflammation and reduce necrosis incidence in experimental mice.