Abstract

Channa striata (also known as Channa striatus) is an air-breathing freshwater snakehead fish that is well known in the Asian region for its medicinal properties, particularly in wound healing. It is recognised as a traditional medicine (TM), which can be served as alternative treatment method. With the advancement of technology, researchers have made a lot of progress in characterising the biomolecules of this fish. Various types of bioactive molecules have been identified in the fish, and their therapeutic effects are being studied. The C. striata have exhibited antibacterial, antinociceptive and effective wound recovery property through various pharmacology assays. It has been regarded as a source of traditional medicine that could complement modern medicine in promoting human health. The applications of C. striata extracts by practitioners in treating different illnesses are discussed. Besides, the approaches towards scarless wound in future applications involving the snakehead fish are also highlighted. Challenges and solutions to develop an aquatic-derived drug were also covered. The Channa striata extract as a natural product has shown great prospects for wound healing enhancement. Many biomolecules associated with antibacterial and antinociceptive properties, which are crucial for healthy wound recovery were identified in the species. Significant advances and researches in the region have successfully led to a better understanding of the species, which provide a promising future for drug development.

Keywords: Channa striata, fish, medicine, natural product, skin regeneration, scarless, wound healing.

Graphical Abstract