Effectiveness of Butterfly Pea Leaf Extract (Clitoria ternatea) on the Wound Healing Process in Betta Fish (Betta splendens) Animal Model

Abstract

Betta fish (Betta splendens) are among the most popular freshwater ornamental fish in Indonesia and worldwide. However, in the cultivation process, farmers often encounter several challenges, one of which is injuries caused by various factors, such as fighting between fish. A potential natural solution to address this problem is the use of butterfly pea leaf extract. Butterfly pea leaf extract has shown promising potential as a wound-healing agent in fish. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the bioactive compounds present in butterfly pea leaves in accelerating the wound-healing process of betta fish (Betta splendens). The method used in this research was an experimental design with five treatments and three replications: P0 (control), P1 (50 ppm), P2 (100 ppm), P3 (150 ppm), and P4 (200 ppm). The research began with the extraction of butterfly pea leaves, phytochemical testing of the extract, preparation of tools and materials, infliction of wounds on betta fish, and maintenance. The parameters measured during the research were wound healing, blood profile, survival rate, growth, and water quality. Wound healing parameters included wound width, healing percentage, and daily healing rate. Blood profile parameters included erythrocytes, leukocytes, and hematocrit. Growth parameters included absolute weight and absolute length. Water quality parameters included temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen. The results showed that butterfly pea leaf extract (Clitoria ternatea) had a significant effect on the wound healing process, with the 200 ppm dosage providing the best outcome. The Duncan test results showed that the erythrocyte count in the control group (P0) was significantly different from all treatments. Treatment 1 (P1) differed significantly from P0, P3, and P4, but not from P2. Treatment 2 (P2) was significantly different from P0 and P4, but not from P1 and P3. Treatment 3 (P3) did not differ significantly from P2 and P4, but was significantly different from P0 and P1. Treatment 4 (P4) was significantly different from P0, P1, and P2, but not from P3. The results of this research indicate that a dose of 200 ppm produced the best outcomes among all treatments. The wound healing process in betta fish was observed to be faster and more effective at this dosage.