Preliminary study of immunomodulatory effects of fermented garlic honey on non-specific immune responses

Introduction: Honey and Garlic is recognized to offer several health advantages due to its numerous constituents, one of which being flavonoids. Flavonoids’ pharmacological activity includes antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties. Honey's immunomodulatory action plays a vital role in immune system boosting. The purpose of this study is to determine the immunomodulatory effect of fermented garlic honey, which is considered to have a synergistic effect, using two alternative techniques. Methods: Macrophage phagocytic activity is the first approach, while the delayed type hypersensitivity is the second. Each method used 30 male rats (Rattus norvegicus) divided into 5 groups, where each group consisted of 6 rats. Group I negative (Placebo 0,005 g/kg BW), group II positive (Stimuno 0,005 g/kg BW), group III FGH dose I (1,5 g/kg BW), group IV FGH dose II (3 g/kg BW), group V FGH dose III (4,5 g/kg BW). The dosage form was orally given for 21 days. The Macrophage phagocytic activity method measured %activity of macrophage phagocytosis using a microscope. The rats were injected with an antigen which is Staphylococcus aureus by intraperitoneal route. Results: The Delayed Type Hypersensitivity was measured volume change of the rat’s feet at the 4, 24, and 48 hours using a plethysmometer.  Based on the results, fermented garlic honey had an immunomodulatory effect. The dose 2 (3 g/kg BW) has the highest effectiveness as an immunomodulator. Fermented Garlic Honey may be concluded to be efficient as an immunomodulator by enhancing the macrophage phagocytic activity indicator and lowering the edema volume of the rat. Conclusion: Fermented garlic honey can increase the immune system and can be used as an immunostimulant. The most effective dose of fermented garlic honey as immunomodulator is dose 2 was 3 g/kg BW.