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Objectives The objective of the study is to evaluate the chondroprotective activity of Channa striatus (Channa) and glucosamine sulphate (glucosamine) on histomorphometric examinations, serum biomarker, and inflammatory mediators in experimental osteoarthritis (OA) rabbit model. Design Anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) was performed to induce OA in thirty-three male New Zealand white rabbits and were randomly divided into three groups: Channa, glucosamine, and control group. The control group received drinking water and the Channa and glucosamine groups were orally administered with 51.4 mg/kg of Channa extract and 77.5 mg/kg of glucosamine sulphate in drinking water, respectively, for eight weeks and then sacrificed. The articular cartilage was evaluated macroscopically and histologically using semiquantitative and quantitative methods. Serum cartilage oligomeric matric protein (COMP), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) enzyme, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were also determined. Results Macroscopic analysis revealed that Channa group have a significantly lower severity grade of total macroscopic score compared to the control (p < 0.001) and glucosamine (p < 0.05) groups. Semiquantitative histology scoring showed that both Channa and glucosamine groups had lower severity grading of total histology score compared to the control group (p < 0.001). In comparison with the control, Channa group had lower histopathological changes in three compartments of the joint compared to glucosamine group which had lower histological scoring in two compartments only. The cartilage thickness, area, and roughness of both Channa (p < 0.05) and glucosamine (p < 0.05) groups were superior compared to the control group. However, the Channa group demonstrated significantly less cartilage roughness compared to the glucosamine group (p < 0.05). Serum COMP levels were lower in both Channa (p < 0.05) and glucosamine (p < 0.05) groups compared to the control group. Conclusion Both oral administ

Channa striatus (Haruan) is Malaysian freshwater fish that is traditionally used to treat ailments related to wound and also ulcers. The aimed of the present study was to determine the mechanisms of anti-ulcer activity of chloroform: methanol extract of C. striatus fillet (CMCS) in rats. The antiulcer profile of CMCS, given orally in the doses of 50, 250 and 500mg/kg, was assessed using the ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer models. The mechanisms of antiulcer of CMCS were determined as follows; i) the antisecretory activity of CMCS was measured using the pyloric ligation rat model, and; ii) the role of nitric oxide (NO) and sulfhydryl compounds in the modulation of CMCS antiulcer activity were determined by pre-treating the rats with L-NAME or NEM, respectively, followed by the pre-treatment of rats with CMCS before subjecting the animals to the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. From the results obtained, CMCS exerted significant (P<0.05) antiulcer activity in both models of gastric ulcer wherein the macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the stomach supported the antiulcer claim. With regard to its antisecretory effect, CMCS did not change the volume and pH, but reduce the total acidity only at the lower doses of the gastric juice. Moreover, CMCS demonstrated antiulcer activity was reversed by NEM, but not affected by L-NAME. In conclusion, CMCS shows antiulcer activity that is modulated via its cytoprotective, but not antisecretory effect, and in the presence of sulfhysryl compounds, but not NO.

This study evaluated the antidepressant-like effect of lipid extract of C. striatus in chronic unpredictablemild stress (CUMS)model of depression in male rats and its mechanism of action. The animals were subjected to CUMS for six weeks by using variety of stressors. At the end of CUMS protocol, animals were subjected to forced swimming test (FST) and open field test followed by biochemical assay. The CUMS protocol produced depressive-like behavior in rats by decreasing the body weight, decreasing the sucrose preference, and increasing the duration of immobility in FST. The CUMS protocol increased plasma corticosterone and decreased hippocampal and prefrontal cortex levels of monoamines (serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Further, the CUMS protocol increased interleukin-6 (in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex) and nuclear factor-kappa B (in prefrontal cortex but not in hippocampus).The lipid extract of C. striatus (125, 250, and 500mg/kg) significantly (

Haruan fish is a fresh water carnivorous fish popularly known in tropical countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. The aqueous extract of the fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, namely, eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) and deicosahexaenoic acids (HA). These fatty acids possess cytotoxic effects. Here we study the cytotoxic effects of the extract on neuroblastoma cancer cell line, SK-N-SH cells, MTI assay, phase contrast microscopy and flow cytometry were the methods used to determine the cytotoxic effects of the extract. For MTT assay, the cells were treated with different concentrations of the extract range from 3.125 µg/ml to 100 µg/ml. For the phase contrast microscopy and flow cytometry, 100 µg/ml of the extract was adopted as the concentration used for the treatment of the cells prior to observation and recording of results. From MTT assay, cell visibility of 68.8% were recorded, indicating lack of cytotoxic effect. The result for phase contrast microscopy showed no clear different between treated and control group, supporting the MTT result. However, flow cytometry results indicates significant (P < 0.05) apoptosis when control cells were compared with treated ones. Aqueous haruan fish extract possess mild cytotoxic effects on SK-N-SH cells.

Channastriatus (Haruan), a freshwater and snakehead fish, is traditionally used by the Malay to heal wound and lessens post-operative pain and discomfort. The objective of the present study is to elucidate the gastroprotective activity of chloroform:metanol extract of C. striatus fillet. The fillets were extracted using the methanol: chloroform (2:1; v/v) solvent system. The extract (labeled as MCECS), prepared in the doses of 50, 250, and 500 mg/kg, was orally administered into rats for 7 continuous days and then the animals were subjected to the ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer models. Following the euthanization of treated rats, the stomach was callected for macroscopic and microscopic analysis. The results showed that oral administration of MCECS exhibited significant (p<0.05) and dose-dependent antiulcer activity when assessed using both models of gastric ulcer. In addition, the macroscopic findings were supported by the microscopic observations. In conclusion, C. striatus extract exerted remarkable antiulcer activity that warranted in-depth studies in an attempt to develop its extract as a halal-based product.

Channa striata (Bloch.) is a fresh water fish belonging to the family Channidae. The stripped snakehead fish possesses wide range of medicinal properties. In view of traditional use of C. striata for wound healing, the present study was undertaken to investigate the beneficial effects of orally administered freeze dried aqueous extract of Channa striata (AECS) in experimentally induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats. Aspirin induced ulcerogenesis in pyloric ligation model was used for the assessment of antiulcer activity and Ranitidine (50 mg/kg) was employed as the standard drug. The various gastric parameters like volume of gastric juice, pH, free and total acidities, ulcer index, and levels of antioxidant enzymes like catalase, superoxide dismutase, and lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde were determined. AECS at concentrations of 40% and 50% w/v significantly decreased the volume of gastric juice and increased the levels of catalase while considerable decrease in free and total acidities and increase in superoxide dismutase were observed with the treatment of standard drug and AECS (50% w/v). All the test doses of AECS markedly decreased ulcer index and malondialdehyde compared to the standard drug whereas AECS 30% w/v did not alter volume of gastric juice, pH, free and total acidities, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. From these findings, it can be concluded that AECS is devoid of acid neutralizing effects at lower doses and possesses antisecretory and antiulcer activities and this could be related to its antioxidant mechanism.

Murrel namely Channa striatus or haruan contains all essential elements to maintain good health and to recover the lost energy after prolonged illness. The fatty acid composition (% of total fatty acid) indicated the abundant presence of C16:0 fatty acid as 30% and the other major fatty acids were C22:6 (15%), C20:4 (19%), C18:1 (12%) and C18:0 (15%). Haruan contains arachidonic acid (C20:4) as 19.0%, a precursor for prostaglandin and thromboxane biosyntheses. Both fatty and amino acids are important components for wound healing processes. Both the fillet and mucus extracts of haruan were found to exhibit a concentration dependent antinociceptive activity. In vitro antioxidant activity was higher in Channa roe protein hydrolysate than in Labeo roe protein hydrolysate in both DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reducing power. Protein content of roe concentrates (RPC) was found to be 90.2% (Channa) and 82.5% (Lates). Water absorption, oil absorption, foam capacity, stability and emulsifying capacity were found to be higher in Channa RPC than in Lates RPC. Characterization of protein hydrolysates from muscle and myofibrillar samples of haruan showed different kinetic and proteolytic activities. The skin extract of haruan influences the serotonergic receptor system thus they can function as an anti-depressant. Thus, haruan is the best example for food as medicine.

Haruan or Channa striatus is source of protein that is widely consumed in the region and its extract is well known for having medical values. It is of great advantage if this product could be taken orally rather than by injection because the oral route of drug delivery is still preferred by the vast majority of patients. However protein and peptides can be denatured or degraded by the acidic pH of the stomach and the presence of endogenous enzymes. In order to protect or prevent digestion and degradation of the protein in the stomach and to ensure the protein reaches the gastro intestinal (GI) tract, Carboxymethyl Starch (CMS) nanogel system was developed using electron irradiation method. However stability of HTE during the irradiation process needed to be studied before being developed further. In this study, the HTE was irradiated using electron beams. Its stability was analysed in terms of physical and chemical changes by looking at colour difference, melting point by using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and molecular bonds by using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) respectively. The results of this study were that no apparent colour difference was observed with HTE before and after irradiation. These observations were supported by the FTIR and DSC results that showed that there were no changes in molecular bonds and melting point, compared between no irradiation and irradiation HTE during electron irradiation up to 10 kGy. Statistically the test showed no significant difference at p < 0.005 between melting temperatures.

BACKGROUND: In our previous study, the aqueous extract of Channa striatus (family: Channidae) fillet (AECSF) showed an antidepressant-like effect in mice. However, the mechanism of the antidepressant-like effect is unknown. AIM: The objective of this study was to explore the involvement of monoamines in the antidepressant-like effect of AECSF in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AECSF was prepared by steaming the fillets of C. striatus. The male ICR mice were pretreated with various monoaminergic antagonists viz., p-chlorophenylalanine (100 mg/kg, i.p.), prazosin (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and yohimbine (1 mg/kg, i.p.), SCH23390 (0.05 mg/kg, s.c.) and sulpiride (50 mg/kg, i.p.) followed by treatment with AECSF and tested in tail suspension test (TST). Two-way ANOVA with Tukey test were used at p < 0.05 for significance. RESULTS: The pretreatments with p-chlorophenylalanine, prazosin and yohimbine, but not with SCH23390 and sulpiride, were able to reverse the antidepressant-like effect of AECSF in TST. CONCLUSIONS: The antidepressant-like effect of AECSF may be mediated through the serotonergic and noradrenergic systems and not through the dopaminergic system.

The haruan (Channa striatus) is an indigenous, predatory freshwater fish of Malaysia. It is a common food fish among the local populace with traditionally identified pharmacological benefits in treating wound and pain and in boosting energy of the sick. Channa striatus is also a subject of renewed interest in Malaysian folk medicine in the search for a better cure for diseases and ailments. Amino acids and fatty acids, found in high concentrations in the fish, might have contributed to its pharmacological properties. Important amino acids of the fish include glycine, lysine and arginine, while its fatty acids are arachidonic acid, palmitic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. They appear to effect their influence through the formation of several types of bioactive molecules. Extracts of the fish are produced from whole fish, roe, mucus and skin of the fish. This review updates research findings on potential uses of Channa striatus, beyond the traditional prescription as a wound healer, pain reliever and energy booster to include its properties as a ACE-inhibitor, anti-depressant and neuroregenerative agent. The fish appears to have wide-ranging medical uses and should be studied more intensively to unearth its other properties and mechanisms of action.

Objective: The present study was carried out to investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of virgin coconut oil (VCO) produced by theMalaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (MARDI) using various in vivo models. Materials and Methods: Two types of VCOs, produced via standard drying (VCOA) and fermentation (VCOB) processes were used in this study. Both VCOA and VCOB were serially diluted using 1% Tween 80 to concentrations (v/v) of 10, 50 and 100%. Antinociceptive and anti- inflammatory activities of both VCOs were examined using various in vivomodel systems. The antinociceptive activity of the VCOs were compared to those of 1% Tween 80 (used as a negative control), morphine (5 mg/kg) and/or acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg). Results: Both VCOA and VCOB exhibited significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent antinociceptive activity in the acetic acid-induced writhing test. Both VCOs also exerted significant (p < 0.05) antinociceptive activity in both phases of the formalin and hot-plate tests. Interestingly, the VCOs exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in an acute (carrageenan-induced paw edema test), but not in a chronic (cotton-pellet-induced granuloma test) model of inflammation. Conclusion: The MARDI-produced VCOs possessed antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. Further studies are needed to confirm these observations.

Background and Objectives: Channa (C.) striatus (Malay-Haruan), is a fresh water snakehead fish, consumed as a rejuvenating diet in post-parturition period in local Malay population. The aqueous extract of C. striatus fillet (AECSF) was reported to act through serotonergic receptor system in a previous study. There is no scientific report on neuropharmacological effects of C. striatus. Based on these data, the antidepressant-like effect of C. striatus was evaluated in mice models of depression. Materials and Methods: AECSF was prepared by steaming the fillets as described previously. Antidepressant activity was studied in male ICR mice using forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Open-field test was used to evaluate any psychomotor stimulant activity. AECSF was administered intraperitoneally at the concentrations of 30%, 40% and 50% w/v at the dosage of 10 ml/kg. Amitriptyline (10 mg/kg) was used as positive control. Results: All the three concentrations of AECSF (30%, 40% and 50% w/v) significantly reduced the immobility time (p < 0.001) in FST and TST. All the three concentrations of AECSF (30%, 40% and 50% w/v) significantly (p < 0.001) reduced locomotor activity in a dose-dependent manner in open-field test. Conclusions: AECSF produced significant reduction of immobility time in both FST and TST. Amitriptyline produced a significant reduction of immobility time in both FST and TST similar to previous findings. The AECSF produced a dose-dependent decrease in locomotor activity in the open-field test. This hypolocomotion effect indicated the absence of any psychomotor stimulant activity thereby supporting the antidepressant-like effect of the AECSF. The pharmacological mechanisms of the observed antidepressant-like effect and hypolocomotion effect are not understood from our study. Hence, further studies are required.

Ficus religiosa is being used in Ayurvedic and Malay traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases including gastric ulcer. Considering the above claims, the present work was undertaken to validate the anti-ulcer potential of the ethanol extract of stem bark of F. religiosa against in vivo indomethacin- and cold restrained stress-induced gastric ulcer, and pylorus ligation assays. The extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly (P<0.05) reduced the ulcer index in all assays used. The extract also significantly (P<0.05) and increased the pH of gastric acid while at the same time reduced the volume of gastric juice and, free and total acidities. In conclusion, the present study provide preliminary data on the antiulcer potential of F. religiosa stem bark and support the traditional uses of the plant for the treatment of gastric ulcer.

Malaysia was ranked twelfth in world ranking of Mega biodiversity countries, as declared by UNESCO in 1997. BUT the question is SO WHAT? Since independence in 1957, none of our natural products have been developed to produce pharmaceutical drugs. Further, no single indigenous species has been made into a tradeable COMMODITY.By 2004, we were no longer ranked among the top twelve mega-biodiversity countries, as we were ranked 14th among the 17 countries listed in 2004. This is because most of our forests have been logged, stripping off the nation’s bio-wealth (Malaysia’s Mega-diversity under threat, 2004 http://www.greenpeace.org/international/press/reports/malaysia-s-mega-diversity-unde). Even now, no one knows for sure what we still have, and what has already been eradicated. Logging has destroyed our forests which we have replaced with mono exotic species i.e. either rubber or palm oil. Terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems are under constant threat. Although 70 % of the earth’s surface is covered by water, the freshwater ecosystem comprises only 2%. However, 12% of all animal species, and 40% of all the recognised fish, which totals about 8,400 species, are in the freshwater ecosystem (http://www.fao.org/sd/EPdirect/EPre0044.htm). Unfortuntely with freshwater ecosystems being reduced, at least one fifth of all freshwater fishes are already extinct or seriously endangered. Further, since 1995, 70% of the world’s marine fishes have been either fully exploited or over fished and depleted.One should also remember that fish is accountable for approximately 17% of the animal protein in the normal human diet, and around 29% in Asia. Hence the loss and degradation of biodiversity in the marine ecosystem is very alarming and will have phenomenal implications on the food and livelihood security of humans. Previously, 75% of the fishes consumed were from nature i.e. wild species, while the remaining 25% was from aquaculture production. Today however, approximately 85

Evaluation of amino and fatty acids compositions in Haruan Traditional Extracts (HTE) was done using HPLC and GC methods. The HTE contained at least 17 amino acids with glutamic acid, glycine, leusine, aspartic acid, proline, alanine and arginine are the most, with values 1.87-43.13 mg/g, 21.80-80.85 mg/g, 7.85-40.19 mg/g, 13.85-44.07 mg/g, 9.49-45.46 mg/g, 11.38-35.25 mg/g and 5.99-21.79 mg/g, respectively. Meanwhile, the highest percentage of fatty acids is palmitic acid; 3.54-26.84 % of total protein. The others major fatty acids are stearic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid with values 3.25-15.90 %, 1.40-27.68 %, 0.51- 7.82 % of total protein, respectively. HTE also found to have 4 extra bioactive compounds labelled as 1 to 4 on chromatographic tracing which in line with previously finding. It is concluded that the HTE is containing all the important amino acids plus some fatty acids, which is the basis to conduct antioxidant composition in both fresh Haruan and the HTE which was claimed to have wound healing properties. Comparative study was also carried out in various other extraction protocols, including commercial product.

Cadmium were found in the die casting factory as by product of zinc alloy that used in the manufacturing of die cast. Metallothionein (MT) a carrier protein plays an important role in the detoxification process of cadmium in human. The usefulness of MT gene expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) as a biomarker of cadmium exposure and susceptibility could be determine by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). 41 male workers from die casting factory were involved in the cross-sectional comparative study and were divided into exposed and comparative group. MT gene expressions were found to proportionates increase with blood cadmium (BCd) levels. MT basal expression levels were significantly correlated with the BCd levels with r-value 0.616 for exposed group and 0.639 for comparative group. MT induction expression level were significant correlated with BCd level (r = 0.188 for exposed group, r = 0.342 for comparative group). This suggested that MT gene expression in PBLs can be used as a biomarker of susceptibility to cadmium.

The present study was carried out to establish the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties of an aqueous extract of jute plant leaves, Corchorus capsularis L. (Tiliaceae), in experimental animals. The antinociceptive activity was measured using the abdominal constriction, hot plate and formalin tests, while the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities were measured using the carrageenan-induced paw edema and brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia tests, respectively. The extract, obtained after 72 h soaking of the air-dried leaves in distilled water, freeze-drying for 72 h and then prepared in dosages of 11.57, 57.85, and 115.7 mg/kg, was administered subcutaneously (10 ml/kg) 30 min prior to subjection to the above mentioned assays. The extract was found to exhibit significant (antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic, activities in a dosage-independent manner. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of C. capsularis possesses antinociceptive and antipyretic activities and supports the previous claim of its traditional use to treat various ailments.

This innovation relates to a process for preparation of fish extract. The extract produced according to the process is shown to possess pharmaceutical functions. The innovation offers a simple extraction are eliminated.

The present study was carried out to elucidate the antinociceptive, antiinflammatory and antipyretic properties of the aqueous and lipid-based extracts of Channa striatus fillet in rats. The antinociceptive activity was assessed using the formalin test, and the antiinflammatory and antipyretic activities were assessed using the carrageenan-induced paw edema and brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia tests, respectively. Both types of extracts were prepared in concentrations of 10%, 50% and 100% by serial dilution in distilled water or dimethyl sulfoxide, respectively, and were administered subcutaneously 30 min prior to each test. Except for the 10% aqueous extract which exhibits activity only in the early phase, the extracts were found to exhibit significant (P < 0. 05) activity in the early and late phases of the formalin test. Furthermore, the aqueous and lipid-based extracts were also found to show significant (P < 0. 05) antiinflammatory activity, with the former showing a greater effect at the lowest concentration used. The lipid-based, but not the aqueous, extract was found to have significant (P < 0.05) activity in the pyrexia test. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that C. striatus extracts possess antinociceptive, antiinflammatory and antipyretic activities.

The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of Corchorus capsularis leaves chloroform extract were investigated in experimental animal models. The antinociceptive activity was measured using the writhing, hot plate and formalin tests, while the anti-inflammatory activity was measured using the carrageenan-induced paw edema test. The extract, obtained after 72 h soaking of the air-dried leaves in chloroform followed by in vacuo evaporation to dryness, was weighed and prepared by serial dilution in DMSO in the doses of 20, 100 and 200 mg/kg. The extract was administered (s.c.) 30 min prior to subjection to the respective assays. The extract was found to exhibit significant (p<0.05) antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. As a conclusion, the present study confirmed the traditional claims of using C. capsularis to treat various ailments related to inflammation and pain.

The present study was carried out to establish the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties of the aqueous extract of Melastoma malabathricum leaves in experimental animals. The antinociceptive activity was measured using abdominal constriction, hot-plate, and formalin tests, whereas the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities were measured using carrageenan-induced paw edema and brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia tests, respectively. The extract, which was obtained after soaking the air-dried leaves in distilled water for 72 h and then preparing in concentrations of 10%, 50%, and 100% (v/v), was administered subcutaneously 30 min prior to subjection to the above mentioned assays. At all concentrations tested, the extract was found to exhibit significant (P < 0.05) antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities in a concentration-independent manner. Our findings that the aqueous extract of M. malabathricum possesses antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities supports previous claims on its traditional uses to treat various ailments.

The objective of this current study was to analyze the biochemical compositions of three Malaysian Channa spp. fish. The proximate analysis revealed that the protein content of Channa lucius, Channa micropeltes and Channa striatus was 19.9%, 22.1%, 23.0% (% of dry weight), respectively. The total lipid content was generally high, ranging from 5.7% to 11.9% and crude ash ranged from 1.0% to 1.8%. The major amino acids were glutamic acid, aspartic acid and lysine, ranging from 9.7% to 21.7%, and the most abundant fatty acid in Channa spp. was C16:0, ranging from 25.6% to 30.4%. The other major fatty acids detected were C22:6, C18:1 and C18:0. The level of arachidonic acid (C20:4) was unusually high in C. striatus (19.02%). The levels of DHA in these fish would also explain the use of Channa spp., especially C. striatus, which has been used for centuries for reducing pain, inflammation and promote wound healing in Malaysia.

1. Fatty acid profiles in the external mucus extract and roe of Channa striatus were determined using gas chromatography (GC). 2. The mucus samples were collected by inducing hypothermic stress (−20°C) for about 1 hr, and the roe were collected from gravid females at night soon after they liberated their eggs in a spawning program. 3. All mucus and roe samples were freeze-dried, except a part of roe which was not. 4. The mucus extract contained unsaturated fatty acid (oleic acid, C18:1 and linoleic acid, C18:2) as a major component, 21.25% and 22.47% of total lipid. 5. For the freeze- and nonfreeze-dried roe, the major components of fatty acid were somewhat similar to the mucus but with higher percentages: 58.56%, 26.08% and 45.76%, 20.94%. Interestingly, the nonfreeze-dried roe contained a large proportion of arachidic acid, C20:0 (22.16%), which was totally absent in the freeze-dried roe samples. 6. This profiling of the fatty acid mucus extract and roe is useful in strengthening the earlier claims that haruan possesses a potential remedy for wound healing (Mat Jais et al. 1994). Therefore, we are discussing the possibility of getting an optimum amount of the essential fatty acid for wound healing from various other parts of the fish without sacrificing the fish.

A study was carried out on three enzymes in rice field fish which can be used as possible biomarkers for pesticide exposure. The results obtained showed that the activity of the enzyme EROD (ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase) increased between 1.5-2.2 fold in snakehead or haruan (Channa striata) sampled from the pesticide polluted areas, particularly the recycled areas and only a slight increase in EROD activity in climbing perch or puyu (Anabas testudineus). Increase in the activity of carboxylesterase was also noted. The percentage inhibition of acety1cholinesterase ranges from 18.4%-57.4% and 2.5%-34.2% for Channa striata and Anabas testudineus, respectively. Generally, a higher percentage of acety1cholinesterase inhibition was noted for those fish sampled from the recycled areas. The noted changes in the activity of these enzymes suggest exposure of rice field fish to foreign compounds, possibly pesticides, which are known to induce EROD activity and inhibit acety1cholinesterase activity. Therefore it may be possible to use these enzymes as biomarkers for pesticide exposure.

Haruan, Channa striatus, is a snakehead fish consumed in many parts of the southeast Asian region. It is believed to promote wound healing, as well as reduce post-operative pain. In an attempt to establish the scientific basis for the alleged pain-relieving benefits of this fish, we studied the antinociceptive effects of whole fillet and mucus extracts from haruan in the mouse using the abdominal constriction and tail flick tests. In the abdominal constriction test, the 30 min fillet extract exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of the writhing response in the 10-50% concentration range, with 20% as the IC50 value. This activity was not dependent on the duration of extraction, with no significant differences among the extracts obtained at durations of 10, 20, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min (range between 45-54% inhibition at 20% concentration). The mucus extract also showed concentration-dependent inhibition of the abdominal constriction response - at the highest concentration used the average inhibition was 68.9%, while IC50 value was 25%. Neither the fillet extract (30 min, 20%) nor the mucus extract (25%) had any demonstrable effect on the tail flick latency on their own, but significantly enhanced the antinociceptive activity of morphine in this assay. Similarly, low concentrations of the mucus and fillet extract enhanced the effects of morphine in the abdominal constriction test. Collectively, these results suggest a scientific basis for the folklore practice of eating haruan fish in the post-operative period for pain relief: Haruan extracts have antinociceptive activity and enhance the activity of other antinociceptive agents.

1. Two species of snakehead fish are available in Sabah, i.e. Channa striatus and Channa melanosoma, and are commonly known as haruan. Haruan is consumed by many Malaysians to induce healing after a clinical operations. However, there is no scientific evidence as yet to substantiate the claim, and so it was decided to analyse the biochemical composition in haruan to determine which compounds may have a possible role or potential in wound healing. 2. Samples (midline fillet) of both species were extracted separately in hexane for the qualitative analysis of fatty acids by a gas chromatography, Hewlett-Packard 5890A, using a 10 meter superox 11 column (Alltech) at temperature between 190 and 245°C. Peak areas were calculated automatically using Hewlett-Packard 3393A computing integrator. Subsequently, the amino acid composition was analysed using a precolumn derivatization reverse phase HPLC waters PICO-TAG system. 3. Haruan is found to contain unusually high arachidonic acid (AA) but almost no eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). AA which is a precursor of prostaglandin may initiate blood clotting and be responsible for growth. Haruan also contains all the essential amino acids for wound healing, particularly glycine which is the most important component of human skin collagen. Therefore, haruan contained all the basic biochemical requirements for wound healing.