International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS)
Vol 15, No 3: September 2026

Nutritional profile and immunomodulatory potential of a polyherbal honey formulation for stunted children

Akrom Akrom (Universitas Ahmad Dahlan)
Titiek Hidayati (Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta)
Arif Budi Setianto (Universitas Ahmad Dahlan)
Laela Hayu Nurani (Universitas Ahmad Dahlan)
Ikhwan Dahlan Rais (Universitas Ahmad Dahlan)
Nurkhasanah Nurkhasanah (Universitas Ahmad Dahlan)
Lukman Hardia (Universitas Pendidikan Muhammadiyah)
Prasasti Bintarum (Imogiri 1 Public Health Center, Bantul Resi)
Muslih Anwar (National Research and Innovation Agency)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Sep 2026

Abstract

Stunting remains a major public health challenge in Indonesia and has been linked to immune dysregulation, including increased pro-inflammatory TNF-α and reduced anti-inflammatory IL-4 activity. Nutrient-dense polyherbal supplementation may provide a complementary strategy to support nutritional status and immune function. This experimental study investigated the nutritional composition and immunomodulatory activity of polyherbal honey (PHH) formulated with curcuma xanthorrhiza, black cumin seeds, and honey. Vitamins, minerals, and bioactive constituents were characterized using laboratory assays. The immunomodulatory effects of PHH were subsequently evaluated in HTB-183 cells by measuring IL-4 and TNF-α expression after exposure to different formulation concentrations. The analysis confirmed the presence of vitamins A, C, and E; calcium and potassium; and several bioactive compounds in the PHH formulation. PHH exposure increased IL-4 expression and reduced TNF-α expression relative to untreated cells, although the magnitude of these responses varied across concentrations. These findings demonstrate that PHH contains nutritional and phytochemical constituents with potential immunomodulatory activity. Further preclinical and clinical investigations are required to determine its efficacy and safety as complementary nutritional support for children with stunting.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

IJPHS

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions

Description

International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS) is an interdisciplinary journal that publishes material on all aspects of public health science. This IJPHS provides the ideal platform for the discussion of more sophisticated public health research and practice for authors and readers world ...