American Society of Hirudotherapy

Hirudinaria manillensis Multimeric Decorsins

One monomeric + four multimeric decorsin paralogs from Asian buffalo leech — Tolksdorf 2025 demonstrates platelet-aggregation inhibitory activity for all but one paralog.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Hirudinaria manillensis Multimeric Decorsins 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 kDaHirudinaria manillensis Multi…16 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Hirudinaria manillensis Multimeric Decorsins (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
One monomeric + four multimeric decorsin paralogs from Asian buffalo leech — Tolksdorf 2025 demonstrates platelet-aggregation inhibitory activity for all but one paralog.
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Recombinant (genetically expressed)
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

Multimeric decorsins' in vitro platelet inhibition does NOT establish clinical efficacy. No FDA-approved multimeric decorsin derivative exists; clinical RGD-mimetic GPIIb/IIIa antagonists (eptifibatide, tirofiban) are monovalent synthetic peptidomimetics, not multimeric.

Molecular Profile

Category
Antiplatelet
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
16,000 Da
Source species
Hirudinaria manillensis
Discovered
2025 · Tolksdorf C et al.
Hirudinaria manillensis Multimeric Decorsins molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • platelet integrin αIIbβ3 (multivalent RGD binding via multiple decorsin domains)

Key Citations

  1. Tolksdorf C et al. (2025), Int J Mol Sci · PMID 41303498

External Resources

    Related Antiplatelet 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.