THE POTENTIAL OF INDONESIAN TRADITIONAL HERBAL MEDICINE AS IMMUNOMODULATORY AGENTS: A REVIEW

The prevalence of infectious diseases in the world, including in Indonesia, has increased significantly. One of the factors of death due to infectious disease is decreasing the human body’s immune system. Therefore, studies on immunomodulatory agents need further investigation. Many studies have shown that secondary metabolite compounds contained in plants have immunomodulatory properties. These compounds are flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, phenols, terpenoids, tannins, glycosides, saponins, and sterols. In Indonesia, there are many types of medicinal plants containing secondary metabolite compounds. Besides, Indonesian people usually consume Jamu for immune-boosting. Jamu is made from Indonesian traditional herbal medicine such as ginger, turmeric, galangal, Curcuma, cinnamon, sand ginger, lemongrass, cardamom, tamarind, lime and cloves. The most frequently used Indonesian traditional herbal medicine investigated regarding their constituents and immunomodulatory effect should be explored. Although, more research is needed to prove efficacy and assure safety scientifically. This paper aims to give comprehensive views useful for future development and further improve its utility as immunomodulatory agents.