The four institutions carried out a six-month research program involving 20 community health centers (puskesmas), 6 sub-districts, and 243 villages across Sergai. The study demonstrated that administering a syrup containing a combination of snakehead fish extract, meniran, temulawak, and honey, developed by PT MMP, effectively reduced stunting prevalence.

Integrated Data Recording Through a Stunting Database System

Prof. Bens Pardamean, B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the Research Team in the Registry Study Report on Stunting Prevalence in Serdang Bedagai Regency, stated that this research innovation implemented systematic data recording through an Integrated Database System.

Read More: Hasim Djojohadikusumo Appreciates and Praises Snakehead Fish Cultivation to Reduce Stunting Rates by PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals in Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra

“Sergai has implemented several stunting intervention programs, including the distribution of PT MMP products, supplementary feeding (PMT), and a combination of both,” said Prof. Bens Pardamean while presenting the research findings during the Stunting Innovation Reflection Event with Bina Nusantara University on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

The event was attended by the Regent of Serdang Bedagai, H. Darma Wijaya, along with regional leaders from various districts and municipalities. Prof. Bens explained that the processes of data recording, storage, and access for analyzing the impact of programs or interventions on the growth and development of stunted children were conducted using the StuntingDB application.

Also present offline were the Head of the Indonesian National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN RI), dr. Hasto Wardoyo, Sp.OG (K), represented by the Deputy for Training, Research, and Development Prof. drh. Muhammad Rizal Martua Damanik, M.Rep.Sc., Ph.D. Other attendees included Prof. Dr. dr. Sarma Nursani Lumban Raja, Sp.OG (K), Dr. rer. dr. M. Ichwan, M.Sc. from the Faculty of Medicine, USU, the USU Faculty of Pharmacy research team led by Imam Bagus Sumantri, S.Farm., M.Si., Apt, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Khairunnisa, S.Si., M.Pharm., Ph.D., and Sutristo, Director of PT MMP.

Significant Reduction in Stunting Cases After Data Validation

The number of stunted children in Serdang Bedagai initially reached 483 toddlers. After the first validation stage, which removed duplicate data, and the second validation stage, the data were refined to 219 toddlers from 17 community health centers.

Research Results Show Channa Syrup Product from PT MMP Provided the Most Significant Impact on Stunting Intervention

After six months of research, participant characteristics showed improvements in height growth, weight gain, appetite, and a reduction in the frequency of fever or diarrhea among toddlers.

“Overall, all three intervention programs demonstrated significant impact. However, the administration of Channa syrup product from PT MMP showed the most significant impact compared to the other two intervention programs,” said Prof. Bens Pardamean, who also serves as Director of the Bioinformatics & Data Science Research Center at BINUS University.

Participants who consumed the Channa syrup product from PT MMP experienced significant anthropometric improvements, with an average increase of 8.45 cm in height and 2.80 kg in body weight over a six-month period.

“The syrup containing a combination of snakehead fish extract, meniran, and temulawak developed by PT MMP has been proven to significantly reduce stunting rates,” Prof. Bens emphasized.

PT MMP’s Commitment to Mother and Child Health Products Based on Indonesian Natural Resources

Meanwhile, Sutristo, Director of PT MMP, explained that the company focuses on developing health products for mothers and children, utilizing Indonesia’s natural resources, particularly snakehead fish (Channa striata) as the main raw material.

The developed products cater to various life stages, including pregnant women, postpartum mothers, breastfeeding mothers, and children.

“To ensure raw material availability, the company has successfully cultivated snakehead fish using organic maggot feed and domesticated broodstock, ensuring sustainability and consistent product quality,” Sutristo stated.

Read More: ChannaFit Successfully Provides the Best Impact in Stunting Management Through a Research Collaboration by BINUS, USU, and PT MMP in Serdang Bedagai

Preclinical Testing by USU Shows Promising Results for Stunting Intervention

Preclinical testing of the syrup formulation containing a combination of snakehead fish extract, temulawak, meniran, and honey was also conducted by the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara.

“Supplementation of the combined extracts in syrup form administered to test animals at a dose of 135 mg/kg body weight showed the best activity, followed by doses of 90 mg/kg and 45 mg/kg,” explained Imam Bagus Sumantri, Head of the Preclinical Testing Research Team.

Snakehead fish (Channa striata) is a local natural resource with high nutritional potential, containing a complete profile of essential amino acids that closely matches the body’s requirements, thereby supporting efforts to prevent malnutrition.

Meanwhile, temulawak, meniran, and honey contain compounds known to improve appetite. “The data indicate that the combination of snakehead fish extract, temulawak, meniran, and honey represents a promising approach for stunting intervention,” Sutristo concluded.

Source: Media Indonesia

The post Collaboration Between BINUS University, Serdang Bedagai Regency Government, USU, and PT MMP Successfully Reduced Stunting Rates by 38% in Serdang Bedagai Regency appeared first on Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals.

At this official event, many unique products from selected local producers were presented, one of which was developed by PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals (MPP) — introducing a natural wound dressing made from seaweed.

This wound dressing represents a new innovation that combines natural raw materials from seaweed and snakehead fish (Channa striata) extract, forming a wound care product known as Channa Film.

The exhibition was initiated by the Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resource Surveillance (PSDKP) in collaboration with the Tropical Seaweed Innovation Network (TSIN), and held at the Ballroom of Mina Bahari III Building, the main office of the Ministry in Jakarta.

Read More: The Signing of Research Collaboration Agreement between PT MMP and FK USU

Channa Film Gains Special Attention from the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries

Unexpectedly, Channa Film drew special attention from the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, who also served as the keynote speaker at the event.

According to Minister Sakti, technological advancement and innovation in seaweed processing must be encouraged so that the results can be utilized as industrial supporting materials as well as innovative product applications — one of which is represented by Channa Film.

“This is one of the steps to address the challenges in seaweed downstream development. There is a link and match between seaweed research and development with the seaweed industry players, which will advance Indonesia’s national seaweed industry,” said Minister Sakti during his visit to the Channa Film booth.

Read More: Hasim Djojohadikusumo Appreciates and Praises Snakehead Fish Cultivation to Reduce Stunting Rates by PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals in Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra

The Advantages and Composition of Channa Film as a Natural Wound Dressing Innovation for General and Diabetic Wounds

Guntur Berlian, M.Sc, Scientific Affairs Manager of PT MMP, accompanied by researcher M. Ichwan from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sumatera Utara (USU), and Sutristo, Director of PT MMP, provided an explanation to Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono and the Director General of PSDKP.

They explained that besides containing alginate and albumin, which are widely reported to play an important role in wound healing, Channa Film also contains kappa-carrageenan, a compound that provides superior adhesive potential and flexibility — helping reduce mechanical disruption on the wound area.

Guntur further elaborated that animal testing on Channa Film was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, USU. The study proved that applying Channa Film significantly accelerated wound healing in diabetic-induced test animals.

This indicates that the activity of Channa Film is not only potentially effective for treating common wounds, but also applicable for diabetic wounds.

“Currently, the clinical research phase for Channa Film is already underway,” Guntur added.

The post Innovation of Natural-Based Wound Dressing Attracts Attention from Indonesia’s Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries at Seaweed Fest 2021 appeared first on Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals.

This stunting prevention initiative is carried out by providing additional nutritional intake in the form of capsules or syrup made from snakehead fish cultivation. As part of its innovation efforts, PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals (MMP) has produced five types of snakehead fish–based processed products designed as supplementary nutrition for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers—recognized as highly beneficial in preventing early stunting.

Read More: Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment Appreciates Sergai Regency Government and PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals in Developing Snakehead Fish

Appreciation from Hasim Djojohadikusumo for Snakehead Fish Cultivation by PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals (MMP)

Acknowledging this development, philanthropist and national figure Hasim Djojohadikusumo expressed his appreciation and praise toward the modern snakehead fish cultivation carried out by MMP during his visit to the company’s factory and research facilities.

“Today we are observing the research facilities and the development of maggot facilities derived from flies, which can help address nutritional deficiencies in Indonesia. This is a significant innovation, including from snakehead fish cultivated in Serdang Bedagai. The progress and research are truly remarkable,” said Hasim during his visit to the snakehead fish processing plant in Dusun IV, Kota Galuh Village, Perbaungan District.

Hasim, who is also the younger brother of Indonesia’s Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto, stated that products made from snakehead fish—such as Channa, Striatamin, ChannaFit, Channa Boost, and Channa Plus—represent an important innovation in addressing stunting growth in Indonesia. “I believe this is one of the most interesting solutions and responses to this national problem,” he remarked on July 17, 2022.

Meanwhile, Budi Sumalim, SE, expressed his gratitude for Hasim’s visit to Serdang Bedagai.

“Today, Mr. Hasim and his team are observing the snakehead fish processing facilities and their use in multivitamin products aimed at reducing stunting growth in Indonesia,” Budi stated in his remarks.

He further explained that Hasim was greatly impressed by how snakehead fish are fully optimized from upstream to downstream sectors in Serdang Bedagai.

“Snakehead fish are known to be challenging to cultivate. However, today in Serdang Bedagai, PT Mega Medica has succeeded—following two years of research—and in the last 10 months, we have successfully produced high-potential snakehead fish broodstock suitable for farmers and local communities,” said Budi Sumalim.

Read More: Serdang Bedagai Local Government Collaborates on Stunting Alleviation Research using Snakehead Fish and Striped Catfish Products

Various Processed Products from Snakehead Fish Cultivation

There are several snakehead fish–based products developed from this cultivation initiative:

1. Channa Striata
   A standardized herbal medicine (OHT) used to increase albumin levels through oral snakehead fish extract.
2. Channa Plus
   A combination of snakehead fish extract and sea cucumber that helps accelerate wound healing, increase albumin levels, support post-surgery recovery, and assist the healing of chronic conditions such as hypoalbuminemia and malnutrition.
3. Striatamin
   A supplement to help enhance the immune system, formulated from snakehead fish extract and turmeric extract.
4. ChannaFit
   A high-protein nutritional syrup for children, enriched with honey, meniran, and temulawak to support nutritional needs and strengthen the immune system.
5. Channa Boost
   A capsule supplement made from standardized natural ingredients including snakehead fish extract, meniran, and temulawak to help maintain strong immunity.

The post Hasim Djojohadikusumo Appreciates and Praises Snakehead Fish Cultivation to Reduce Stunting Rates by PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals in Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra appeared first on Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals.

Read More: Faculty of Pharmacy USU, PT Akar Rimba, and PT MMP Receive RISTEK/BRIN Research Grant for the Development of Natural Products to Prevent Covid-19

Recognition for Sergai as a Pilot Project in Snakehead Fish Development in Indonesia

Assistant Deputy for Downstreaming of Marine Resources, Ir. Amalyos, M.M., emphasized during the Coordination Meeting on the Utilization of Snakehead Fish Development in Indonesia for Stunting and Covid-19 Prevention (26 October 2021), that Sergai is considered a pilot project, champion, and showcase in snakehead fish cultivation.

“This is truly an outstanding achievement. Snakehead fish, which was never regarded as a superior commodity, has now contributed to the local economy and raised Sergai’s profile nationally and internationally,” he remarked.

Amalyos further highlighted that the ecosystem developed in Sergai includes both upstream and downstream sectors. “What makes this even more interesting is that not only is the upstream prepared, but also the downstream. With cooperatives and key players already in place, this has become an extraordinary industrial ecosystem,” he added.

MIGI: Sergai Should Become a Learning Business Center

Chairman of the Indonesian Snakehead Fish Community (MIGI), Yunan Rhedian, stated that Sergai has the potential to become a learning business center for snakehead fish cultivation.

According to him, the government should fully support the efforts of the Sergai Regency Government in strengthening this sector.

“There should be a dedicated area that continually acts as an engine to produce snakehead fish, just like Sergai,” Yunan explained.

He added that Sergai already has adequate infrastructure with PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals serving as both an industry partner and an off-taker for community-based snakehead fish production.

PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals: Commitment to Innovation in Snakehead-Based Products

Director of PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals (MMP), Sutristo, highlighted the company’s commitment to continuously supporting snakehead fish cultivation, ensuring added value for the commodity.

MMP has developed various supplements made from snakehead fish, in both capsule and syrup formulations, which have already been approved by Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM). These products are beneficial for the prevention of stunting and Covid-19, developed in collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU).

Sutristo also underlined the need for superior snakehead fish genetics that are easy to cultivate.

“We can adapt snakehead fish genetics to specific needs. For consumption, fast-growing varieties are required. For pharmaceutical use, varieties with high albumin content are necessary. Currently, Indonesia’s demand for injectable albumin is still 100% met through imports,” he explained.

Read More: The Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PT MMP and Serdang Bedagai Health Service on Research Collaboration in Reducing Stunting

Targeting Self-Sufficiency in Albumin Production

PT MMP aims to achieve independence in producing albumin-based medicines in Indonesia. Alongside oral supplements such as capsules and syrups, the company has also developed snakehead fish extracts combined with Phyllanthus niruri (chanca piedra) and Curcuma xanthorrhiza (temulawak) to enhance immunity and address stunting.

“To meet Indonesia’s high demand for albumin, which is still fully imported, we are committed to pursuing continuous research innovations with universities and researchers. Our goal is to eventually produce injectable albumin derived from snakehead fish domestically,” Sutristo concluded.

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