![]() Undefined anti-inflammatory substances in the saliva of medicinal leeches have been reported.( Lauche 2014, Porshinsky 2011) Uses and Pharmacology tessulatum ACE ( TtACE).( Rivière 2004) Peptides with antimicrobial properties have also been identified.( Salzet 2005) medicinalis.( Baskova 1992, Rados 2004, Whitaker 2004) Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)−like properties have been detected in the Theromyzon tessulatum leech via an identified soluble enzyme named T. There is conflicting evidence as to whether an anesthetic is secreted by H. In addition to hirudin, leeches secrete hirustasin, which selectively inhibits tissue kallikreins antistasin and ghilanten, which inhibit factor Xa calin, apyrase, and saratin, which inhibit platelet aggregation a histamine-like compound, which causes vasodilation hyaluronidase and collagenase, which increase permeability and bdellin and eglin, which are proteinase inhibitors.( Deckmyn 1995, Dippenaar 2006, Harsfalvi 1995, Whitaker 2005) medicinalis secretes hirudin, a selective thrombin inhibitor, which enhances bleeding and prevents coagulation.( Chepeha 2002, Dippenaar 2006, Whitaker 2005) Hirudin was first described more than a century ago and characterized as a 65-amino acid peptide with antithrombokinase activity.( Whitaker 2005) Early therapeutic studies of hirudin were limited by low natural yield, but the compound has recently been produced in larger quantities by recombinant gene techniques.( Hand 1994, Wallis 1988) Recombinant hirudin binds avidly to thrombin, thus low doses inhibit venous thrombosis in animals. The 19th century heralded the widespread use of leeches for bloodletting-leading to a leech shortage from 1825 to 1850 in France and requiring the importation of leeches from America.( Hayden 1988, Hodgson 2003, Rao 2003, Ventura 2005, Whitaker 2004, Whitaker 2005) By the end of the 19th century, medicinal use of leeches had lost popularity due to adoption of modern concepts of pathology and microbiology.( Whitaker 2005) Extracts from leeches have been marketed in creams for topical application.( Shakouri 2018) Chemistryĭifferent species of leeches secrete varying compounds with differing hematological actions.( Ledizet 2005, Rivière 2004)įollowing attachment, H. The Greek physician Galen (AD 130 to 201) commonly used leeches for bloodletting. The medicinal use of leeches dates back to ancient Egypt around 1300 BC. Under such conditions, leeches can survive for up to 18 months. Leeches obtained from commercial breeders are easily maintained in a chlorine-free salt solution at 10 to 20☌ (50 to 68☏). The posterior sucker is used for attachment and crawling.( Whitaker 2005) The anterior sucker has 3 jaws, each with 60 to 100 teeth for biting. ![]() medicinalis has both anterior and posterior suckers, with the head located at the narrow, tapered end. ![]() medicinalis can reach up to 12 cm in length but is generally smaller, weighing 1 to 1.5 g before feeding. medicinalis) is preferred because of their ability to bite deeply and cause prolonged bleeding, even after detachment. There are more than 700 species of leeches, all of which are carnivorous.( Whitaker 2005) The leech is an hermaphrodite, containing both male and female sexual organs, but is not self-fertile. Allergic reactions and infections may develop. InteractionsĮxtensive blood loss may occur. Avoid use because of risk of infection and anemia. Information regarding safety in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. ContraindicationsĪrterial insufficiency, previous exposure to leeches (risk of allergic reaction), immunosuppression (risk of infection), patient refusal to accept possible subsequent blood transfusions, and unstable medical conditions have been described as contraindications for extensive leech therapy. DosingĬonsult existing institutional guidelines for recommendations regarding the use of leeches. However, clinical trial data are lacking to recommend use for any indication. Use in osteoarthritis has also been investigated. Leech therapy has been investigated for its analgesic and wound healing effects, and for stimulating blood flow at postsurgical sites. Leeches have traditionally been used for bloodletting. Phylum AnnelidaĬommon Name(s): Fresh water leech, Medicinal leech Scientific Name(s): Hirudo medicinalis L.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |