ABSTRACT

Introduction: Malaysia, a nation rich in biodiversity, is home to the carnivorous freshwater fish Channa striatus, locally known as Haruan. Traditionally consumed by postpartum mothers for accelerated recovery, Haruan is recognized for its high nutritional and therapeutic value. Belonging to a family comprising over 30 species distributed across East and Southeast Asia, Channa striatus is a protein-rich species, with wild samples showing up to 78.3% protein content. Objective: Haruan requires at least 40% dietary protein for optimal growth in aquaculture, highlighting its potential as a source of functional food. Its therapeutic efficacy is attributed to the presence of 17 amino acids including aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, leucine, isoleucine, and histidine, which contribute to tissue repair, anti-inflammatory action, and wound healing. Findings: Notably, the Haruan extract promotes platelet aggregation and blood clotting. A key innovation in harnessing its medicinal value is the development of Haruan Manan, an in-water extract derived using Pressurized In-Water Extraction technology. This extract serves as the bioactive foundation for a range of Haruan-based biomedical products, including skin care formulations. Safety assessments have confirmed heavy metal contents (arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury) are within permissible levels for human use. Conclusion: The growing body of scientific evidence supports the traditional use of Channa striatus and strengthens its position as a natural functional food. The development of diverse consumer products such as tablets, capsules, and Halal-certified collagen and gelatin further underscores its commercial and therapeutic potential, positioning Haruan as a valuable resource in nutraceutical and biomedical industries.