Evaluation of Wound Healing Effect of Eel Mucus Ointment (Belutidine) in Mice by Incision Model

Abstract

Background: It has been reported by the Ministry of Health that the prevalence of wounded and worsening events is increasing in Indonesia. This situation requires more intensive attention. Eel mucus has been an alternative treatment of wounds in some parts of Indonesian society since ancient times. Aim and Objectives: To explore the effectiveness of eel mucus ointment as a natural wound healing product. Material and Methods: This experimental study used 45 mice divided into 3 groups; 15 mice in each group. All mice were aseptically wounded 1.5 cm on their anterior region of back skin using a sterile scalpel, and then treated with placebo, povidone iodine ointment, and with eel mucous ointment (Belutidine). On the third, sixth and ninth day, the mice were sacrificed. Data on wound length were taken on 9^th day. Microscopic data of histologic slides collected were: number of neutrophil, mono-nuclear, neo-vascular and fibrosis cells. Data were analyzed using statistical analysis. Results: There was a significant difference in wound length between the groups (p = 0.008). The number of mono-nuclear cells on the third day was different significantly among the groups (p = 0.008). There was no significant difference of the overall observed cells on day 6 and there was a difference in mean number of neutrophils and fibrosis on day nine (p < 0.05). On day nine, the group treated with eel mucus ointment had the highest number of mean of neo-vascular and fibrosis cells. Conclusion: Eel mucous ointment is effective for wound healing.