Effects of Channa striata Extract on Albumin Serum and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Hyperglycemic Rats with Wound Injury: A Randomized Control Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Patients with hyperglycemia often experience slow wound healing due to poor circulation. Extract from the striped snakehead fish Channa striata has anti-inflammatory properties and a high albumin level. It has been widely used to accelerate wound healing in a post-operative setting. AIM: This study evaluated the effect of the C. striata extract Pujimin Plus® on the albumin serum level and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in hyperglycemic rats experiencing wound injury. METHODS: This randomized controlled experiment was performed in 30 streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic adult male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). The rats were intentionally wounded, and the albumin and NLR levels were evaluated regularly. Overall, 15 rats in the intervention group were given 81 mg/day C. striata extract, and 15 rats in the control group received sodium-carboxymethyl cellulose as a placebo for 10 days. RESULTS: After 10 days of intervention the albumin level in the intervention group was higher than that in the control group (2.66 ± 0.36 vs. 2.46 ± 0.13 g/dL, p > 0.05); the intervention group also showed a lower neutrophil level (23.22% vs. 26.98%, p > 0.05), a higher lymphocyte level (65.66% vs. 62.16%, p > 0.05), and a lower NLR value (0.37 vs. 0.45, p > 0.05). None of these results was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: There was a possible positive effect of C. striata extract on albumin serum level and NLR value following wound injury in hyperglycemic rats.