American Society of Hirudotherapy

Bdellin C

Additional bdellin variant — Kazal-type proteinase inhibitor with trypsin/plasmin specificity.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Bdellin C 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 kDaBdellin C5.1 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Bdellin C (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
Additional bdellin variant — Kazal-type proteinase inhibitor with trypsin/plasmin specificity.
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Purified natural compound

Clinical translation limit

Bdellin C is documented mechanistically only; no human evidence. In vitro inhibition of trypsin/plasmin does NOT establish clinical anti-inflammatory or fibrinolytic-modulating efficacy, and no FDA-approved derivative exists.

Molecular Profile

Category
Proteinase Inhibitor
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
5,100 Da
Source species
Hirudo medicinalis
Discovered
2008
Bdellin C molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • trypsin
  • plasmin

Key Citations

  1. Liu Z et al. (2019), Parasit Vectors

External Resources

    Related Proteinase Inhibitor 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.