Cream that heals wounds faster

PENANG: Extracts from the haruan (snakehead fish) can heal wounds faster, relieve minor skin conditions and diminish scars, according to a University Sains Malaysia expert.

School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assoc. Prof Dr Saringat Baie, who formulated the cream containing the extract after a year’s research, said the cream was also safe for baby nappy rash.

He said his tem had done studies on rats to evaluate the wound healing effects of haruan extract formulated as a palm oil-based cream.

"Channa striatus (haruan) is known to have fatty acids which can regulate prostaglandin synthesis and hence, induce wound healing.

"The haruan also has certain amino acids that help in the healing process," Dr Saringat told a press conference.

He said the cream was in the process of being approved by the Health Ministry, adding the cream, haruan tablets and moisturiser were now sold at USM’s pharmacy.

He is now working on formulating a cosmetic "night cream", specially for the face, which has haruan extract and carotene rich in Vitamin A and E from palm oil.

"My latest research is to prove the claim that the night cream can prevent premature aging of the skin," he said, adding that the research was funded by a RM18,000 grant from USM.

Dr Saringat said he had also formulated halia or ginger tablets which were effective in "removing wind from the tummy," easing motion sickness and were good for pregnant women suffering from morning sickness.

Source ; The Star, 5.8.99