American Society of Hirudotherapy

Leech Collagenase

ECM-degrading enzyme — facilitates spread of salivary compounds at the bite site.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Leech Collagenase 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 kDaLHyal (Leech Hyaluronidase)50 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Leech Collagenase (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
ECM-degrading enzyme — facilitates spread of salivary compounds at the bite site.
Evidence level
Mechanistic discussion
Drug vs leech
Leech-derived crude extract

Clinical translation limit

Leech collagenase is a mechanistic 'spreading factor' description, not a characterized clinical drug. Distinct from FDA-approved bacterial-derived collagenase products (e.g., Santyl, Xiaflex) which are unrelated commercial enzymes. No leech-derived collagenase is FDA-approved.

Molecular Profile

Category
ECM Enzyme
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
70,000 Da
Source species
Hirudo medicinalis
Leech Collagenase molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • → interstitial collagen (Type I, III)

External Resources

    Related ECM Enzyme Compounds

    Hyaluronidase

    Enzyme that degrades hyaluronic acid in extracellular matrix — 'spreading factor' enhancing diffusion of other SGS compounds.

    LHyal (Leech Hyaluronidase)

    Hyperactive Hirudo medicinalis hyaluronate hydrolase used for HA oligosaccharide industrial production — Liao 2023 yeast-surface-display recombinant biocatalyst.

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    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.