Immunomodulator Effect of Polyherbal Extract Turmeric-Meniran on Macrophages Profile of Mice Cancer Model by DMBA Injection

The immune system has responsibility for various infections, including cancer. Macrophage cells are divided into Macrophage 1 (M1) and Macrophage 2 (M2) based on polarization against cancer cells. Alternative medicine, such as herbal medicine, have potential to modulate the immune system. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of the combination of Meniran and Turmeric extracts for regulating immune system cells, especially macrophage cells profile against cancer. This experiment was used Mus musculus cancer model that were injected subcutaneously with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) 45 mg/kg body weight. Animal models were treated with Meniran and Turmeric extract combination for 2 weeks. The immunocompetent cell parameters were analyzed using flow cytometry, with markers CD11b cells and cytokines secreted in macrophage [i.e., interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, also tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)]. The study showed that DMBA injection on mice increased the cell level of CD11b⁺ and CD11b⁺IL10⁺ (M2), at the same time decreased the cell level of M1, i.e., CD11b⁺IL6⁺ and CD11b⁺TNF-α⁺ compared with the Normal group. The Meniran and Turmeric extract combination treatment on DMBA-injected mice decreased the level of the cells of CD11b⁺ and CD11b⁺IL10⁺, meanwhile it increased the level of the cells of CD11b⁺IL6⁺ and CD11b⁺TNF-α⁺. The result indicated that the Meniran and Turmeric combination had the potential to modulate the immune system, especially macrophage cells profile against cancer.