Evaluation of in vitro immunomodulatory effect of fractions of Ficus septica Burm. f. and their total flavonoid and phenolic contents

The study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effects of some fractions of ethanolic extract of F. septica Burm. f. on Balb/c mice macrophage phagocytosis and lymphocyte proliferation. In addition, we also determined the total flavonoid and phenolic contents in the fractions. These fractions were n-hexane soluble fraction, ethyl acetate soluble fraction and ethyl acetate insoluble fraction. These fractions were then tested on lymphocytes proliferation by a MTT reduction method and on macrophage phagocytosis activity based on the number of latex beads uptake by the cells. In the study, the total phenolics content of ethyl acetate-soluble, ethyl acetate-insoluble and n-hexane soluble fractions were 35.53; 7.59 and 0.33%, respectively. Whereas their total flavonoids content were 3.27; 0.81 and 0.05%, respectively. All fractions exhibited to increase the lymphocytes proliferation and macrophage phagocytosis activity. Among them, ethyl acetate fraction had highest immunomodulatory effects. In conclusion, ethyl acetate fraction of ethanolic extract of Ficus septica Burm. f is potential to develop as an immunomodulatory agent.