Evaluation of phagocytic index and haematological parameters of Sida rhombifolia extracts in mice as immunomodulator

Background: Sida rhombifolia was reported to have potential anti-hepatitis C virus activity. Anti-viral activities of plants were also reported to modulate immunity. Objective: This research was conducted by testing the immunomodulating activities of Sida rhombifolia extract. Method: This study evaluated cell viability in HepG2 culture cells to determine the 50% of cell viability. The Immunomodulatory activity was evaluated by examining the phagocytic index value and haematology profile. Result: The results showed that the IC50 Sida rhombifolia was 32.5 μg/mL, while the IC50 of CCl4 as negative control was 16.68 μg/mL. Moreover, 100% of cell viability was observed at ½ IC50 and ¼ IC50 of Sida rhombifolia, indicating no toxic effect from the extract. Immunomodulatory assay found that Sida rhombifolia extract demonstrated an immunostimulant effect. The phagocytic index value of Sida rhombifolia was higher than that of the standard drug (a commercial immunostimulant product). Moreover, the haematology evaluation demonstrated no negative effect on haemoglobin, hematocrit and erythrocyte, which showed no difference in values compared to the normal control and the immunostimulant product. Conclusion: Sida rhombifolia plant extract has the potential as an immunomodulator candidate for treating hepatitis.