Use of Aloe vera Extract for Wound Healing in Hybrid Walking Catfish (Clarias macrocephalus x Clarias gariepinus)

Abstract

This research aimed to identify levels of Aloe vera extract concentration for healing the catfish’s wound by prolonged bathing. The defined concentrations were 0 (as control group), 100 and 200 ppm with 20 ppm Oxytetracyclin as a positive control. The hybrid catfish (Clarias macrocephalus x Clarias gariepinus) at 8-9 gram/fish (3-4 inches length) were injured by putting cotton soaked with 6% acetic acid at the dorsal area underneath the caudal fin for 1 minute. Then the skin wound of the individual was observed every 3 days and marks were given: 10 for maximum wound and decreasing with progressing of wound healing. Results showed swollen, and redness of the wound was found after 1-3 days post wounding (9-10 marks). Then this inflammation reduced causing decreasing redness on the skin. After that new skin would be formed and the healing process was done when the whole wound filled up with new tissue formation, but scar would be shown. Effect of 100 and 200 ppm of Aloe vera bath (Aloe bath) could be seen 6 days post wounding resulting in low wounding marks, as well as oxytetracycline bath. It was indicated that overall marks of Aloe baths lower than that of control groups significantly (P<0.05), where the Aloe bath showed none significantly different from tetracyclin bath (P>0.05).