The Effect of Miana (Coleus Scutellariodes [L]) on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in Balb/C Mice Infected with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major global health problem. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance has posed a major threat towards the mission of TB eradication. Traditional medication has been a staple alternative and adjuvant to conventional treatment for Indonesians. Miana leaves (Coleus scutellariodes) is one such traditional medicine that has a potential role as immunoregulator, antiinflammation, and antimicrobial agent. Several studies have shown that Miana leaves extract can regulate TLR 4, the number of CD4 T cells, IFN-γ levels, and TNF-α.Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) mediates angiogenesis and vasodilatation to provide oxygenation and access for immune cells in hypoxic and inflamed site sue to infection focus. This study aims to study the effect of Miana leaves on VEGF expression. Balb/c mice were infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and were treated using Miana leaves extract, rifampicin, and rifampicin plus Miana. VEGF protein levels before infection, after infection, and after treatment were measured using ELISA. The results showed that there was a significant difference in VEGF level means between treatment groups. VEGF levels in rifampicin, Miana, and rifampicin plus Miana groups were significantly lower than placebo. VEGF level was significantly lower in rifampicin group compared to Miana group. VEGF level was significantly lower in rifampicin plus Miana group compared to Miana group. There was no significant difference of VEGF level between rifampicin and rifampicin plus Miana group. The results indicate that Maina leaves does have an effect on VEGF level in mice infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.