Effect of the Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus annus L.) Addition as an Omega-6 Source in Snakehead Fish (Channa striata) Albumin Gel on Wound Closure

Abstract

Gel is a semisolid or viscous preparation, which is non-sticky, easy to apply on the skin and easy to wash off. The application of snakehead fish albumin as a traditional medicine is usually found in the form of extracts (liquid or powder). Many do not like these extract preparations because of their pungent aroma and easy to stale. Gel preparations are an alternative in utilizing albumin into products that are easy to apply, by means of smearing. Sunflower seed oil is added as a source of omega-6 which can speed up the wound closure process. The results of Phase 1 showed that different concentrations of sunflower seed oil affected the quality of albumin gel, namely pH, viscosity, omega-6, protein content, fat content, and water content. The best albumin gel was obtained at a concentration of 6% snakehead fish albumin extract with the following results pH 6.8, viscosity 4016 cP, omega-6 1.68%, protein content 3.18%, fat content 3.56%, and water content 92.64%. Research Phase 2 showed that the highest fatty acid in the preparation was linoleic acid (C18:2, n-6) 1.68 g/100g. Observation of wound closure showed that experimental animals given the best concentration of 6% albumin gel experienced the fastest wound closure where wound closure reached 70% on the 7th day.