American Society of Hirudotherapy

Granulin (leech-derived)

Growth factor and wound-healing modulator — promotes angiogenesis and tissue regeneration.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Granulin (leech-derived) 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 kDaGranulin (leech-derived)13 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Granulin (leech-derived) (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
Growth factor and wound-healing modulator — promotes angiogenesis and tissue regeneration.
Evidence level
Preclinical (animal)
Drug vs leech
Purified natural compound

Clinical translation limit

Leech-derived granulin's reported wound-healing and angiogenic activity in preclinical models does NOT establish clinical efficacy. No FDA-approved derivative exists. Distinct from human progranulin-targeted therapeutics in development for unrelated indications.

Molecular Profile

Category
Other
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
13,000 Da
Source species
Hirudo medicinalis
Granulin (leech-derived) molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • progranulin pathway, wound-healing

Key Citations

  1. Hong S et al. (1999), Eur J Biochem

External Resources

    Related Other 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.