The Potential of Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC. as Immunomodulators: Formulation, Activity Testing, and Extract Profiling

Damaris Br Hutapea ¹, Yasmiwar Susilawati ², Muhaimin Muhaimin ²

⁰Doctoral Program in Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Padjadjaran University, Bandung 45363, Indonesia.

Pharmaceuticals (basel, Switzerland) +

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July 30, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Andaliman fruit extract shows potential as an immunomodulatory agent, enhancing lymphocyte viability. A stable emulsion formulation was developed for soft capsules, offering a promising herbal medicine candidate.

Area Of Science

Phytochemistry
Immunology
Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background

Andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.) is an Indonesian plant with potential medicinal properties.
Its fruit contains phenolic compounds that can modulate the immune response.

Purpose Of The Study

To profile the extract of Zanthoxylum acanthopodium fruit.
To assess its immunomodulatory activity.
To develop a stable soft capsule formulation of the extract as an emulsion.

Main Methods

Extract profiling using liquid chromatography UHPLC-HRMS and mzcloud database.
Immunomodulatory activity assessment via lymphocyte viability assay.
Development of an emulsion formulation for soft capsules with varying oils, solubilizers, and emulsifiers.

Main Results

Andaliman extract contains 4% total phenolics, 0.35% total flavonoids, and 0.13% quercetin.
LC-HRMS identified eleven potential immunomodulatory compounds.
Formulation F3.3F (30% MCT oil, lauroyl-PEG-32 glycerides, 35% Polysorbate 80) showed optimal stability.
Andaliman extract significantly improved lymphocyte viability compared to kojic acid.

Conclusions

Zanthoxylum acanthopodium fruit extract demonstrates significant immunomodulatory potential.
A stable emulsion formulation suitable for soft capsules was successfully developed.
Andaliman extract is a promising candidate for herbal medicine development.

Keywords:

Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC. andaliman immunomodulator soft capsule