American Society of Hirudotherapy

Leech Hirudo Lectin

Carbohydrate-binding lectin reported in Hirudo medicinalis salivary glands — putative agglutinin / immune modulator.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Leech Hirudo Lectin 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 kDaLeech Hirudo Lectin30 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Leech Hirudo Lectin (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
Carbohydrate-binding lectin reported in Hirudo medicinalis salivary glands — putative agglutinin / immune modulator.
Evidence level
Mechanistic discussion
Drug vs leech
Purified natural compound

Clinical translation limit

This lectin is documented mechanistically only. Hypothesized roles in pathogen agglutination or host-immune modulation are NOT clinically validated. No FDA-approved derivative exists.

Molecular Profile

Category
Other
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
30,000 Da
Source species
Hirudo medicinalis
Discovered
2018
Leech Hirudo Lectin molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • → carbohydrate ligands on bacterial / host surfaces

External Resources

    Related Other Compounds

    Granulin (leech-derived)

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

    Leech VEGF Modulator

    Vascular endothelial growth factor pathway modulator — angiogenic and wound-healing implications.

    Leech PDGF Modulator

    Platelet-derived growth factor pathway modulator — implications for wound-healing.

    Leech Granulin-A

    Granulin-family peptide identified in Hirudo medicinalis — putative growth-factor / wound-healing analog (mechanistic only).

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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.