Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs and spreading through the air. Each year, approximately 10 million new TB cases are reported worldwide, with Indonesia ranking third in the highest number of TB cases. TB treatment faces challenges due to drug resistance, such as MDR-TB and XDR-TB, which drives research into alternative therapies, one of which is the extract of Merremia mammosa, known for its antibacterial and immunomodulatory potential. This study is aimed at evaluating the potential of Merremia mammosa extract in enhancing immune responses, particularly through lung macrophages, in mice infected with M. tuberculosis. The research was conducted at the Integrated Laboratory of the Poltekkes Kemenkes Surabaya, from March to December 2024. Mice were divided into treatment and control groups, receiving extracts at varying doses after TB bacteria injection. The results indicated that Merremia mammosa extract could reduce lung cell necrosis, with the treatment groups showing lower levels of necrosis compared to the positive control group. The P13 and P12 treatment groups showed the best results, with minimal to no necrosis, indicating the potential therapeutic effects of the extract in improving lung tissue. Appropriate dose adjustments are necessary for optimal lung protection.
Khambali et al. (Thu,) studied this question.