Snakehead fish, Haruan (Channa striata): Emerging potential for nutraceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and biomedical applications

Abstract

This is a collaborative effort between Malaysia and Bangladesh to introduce and promote the
striped-snakehead Haruan Channa striata (Bloch 1793) or Shol in Bangladesh as natural product resources for
food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. The objective is to involve up-scaling biotechnological activity to
prepare by-product(s) utilizing every-parts of the fish. The project will reduce organic waste, generate higher
revenue and improve quality-life of farmers. Here is a case-study as a reference, reviewing outcome of a
drug discovery R & D on the species in Malaysia since 1985 where Haruan, a good source of protein, the
undisputed oral traditional medicine inducing quick recovery for ladies after giving birth. Accordingly, stock
identification and environmental physiology data of this indigenous species were obtained: inhabiting warm,
clean, shallow slow-running or stagnant water with aquatic-flora or dead-wood as hiding/resting place
ambushing preys. This information is key to a sustainable commercial-scale aquaculture Haruan Agro-
Pharmaceutical Industry (HAPI); comprising pre-harvest; and extended to post-harvest activities. The
establishment is to maintaining and sustaining the unique biochemistry reflecting carnivorous behavior
consuming other fishes, amphibians and reptiles. The fish contains high-protein (>60 %), low-fat (<3 %)
and comprehensive dietary minerals with a good amino acid profile, high in Glycine and fatty acid with ?-6
(Arachidonic Acid), ?-3 (Docasahexaenoic Acid or DHA), albumin and cyclic-peptide N-arachidonylglycine
@ NAGly. Hence, a proprietary standard operating procedure as a technology had been established, and
successfully performed for extracting the biochemistry through a Pressurized In-Water Extraction (PIWE).
The extract is termed as Haruan Manan (HM). However, actual protocol is a trade-secret. It is a bioactive,
key ingredient in every Haruan Biomedical Product (HBP) inducing wound-healing, reducing-pain, treating
inflammation and inhibiting growth of pathogenic bacteria (including Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter
pylori). These four physiological steps to healing, curing and treating are demonstrated by our first product:
Haruan Cream containing 5% of the HM for skin disease, eczema. HM is a signature, Active Pharmaceutical
Ingredient (API); and we are discussing, demonstrating and high-lighting potential of C. striata as functionalfood,
nutraceuticals and API.