American Society of Hirudotherapy

Asiaticobdella Hirudin-1

Putative hirudin-like factor with RGD motif from African medicinal leech — dual thrombin-inhibitor / integrin-binder mechanism unique to A. fenestrata.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Asiaticobdella Hirudin-1 compared with other characterized leech-derived compoundsHementerin80 kDaHementin80 kDaHementin-Like Protein (HLP-1)80 kDaLeech Collagenase70 kDaHaemadipsa yanyuanensis Progr…70 kDaLeech Apyrase67 kDaCalin65 kDaHyaluronidase60 kDaAntithrombin III binding prot…58 kDaCollagenolytic Fibrinolysin55 kDaLeech Thrombospondin-Like Pro…50 kDaAsiaticobdella Hirudin-17 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Asiaticobdella Hirudin-1 (highlighted) alongside other characterized leech salivary compounds. Smaller proteins/peptides generally diffuse and act faster.

Mechanistic Evidence Box

Preclinical / mechanistic
Page type
Compound profile
Evidence type
Putative hirudin-like factor with RGD motif from African medicinal leech — dual thrombin-inhibitor / integrin-binder mechanism unique to A. fenestrata.
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Recombinant (genetically expressed)
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

This putative hirudin's in vitro thrombin-binding activity does NOT establish clinical efficacy of whole-leech therapy. No FDA-approved derivative exists; A. fenestrata is taxonomically distinct from the FDA-cleared K040187 medicinal leech species.

Molecular Profile

Category
Anticoagulant
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
7,000 Da
Source species
Asiaticobdella fenestrata
Discovered
2025 · Schulz L et al.
Asiaticobdella Hirudin-1 molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • thrombin (Factor IIa) + platelet integrin (via N-terminal RGD)

Key Citations

  1. Schulz L et al. (2025), Parasitol Res · PMID 41198932

External Resources

    Related Anticoagulant Compounds

    This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.