American Society of Hirudotherapy

Leech Substance P Modulator

Salivary factor reported to modulate the substance P / neurokinin-1 nociceptive pathway.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Leech Substance P Modulator 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 Substance P Modulator14 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Leech Substance P Modulator (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
Salivary factor reported to modulate the substance P / neurokinin-1 nociceptive pathway.
Evidence level
Mechanistic discussion
Drug vs leech
Purified natural compound

Clinical translation limit

Leech substance P modulator is documented mechanistically only; no human evidence. Hypothesized nociceptive modulation does NOT establish clinical analgesic efficacy, and no FDA-approved derivative exists.

Molecular Profile

Category
Analgesic
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
14,000 Da
Source species
Hirudo medicinalis
Discovered
2018
Leech Substance P Modulator molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • → substance P signaling
  • → neurokinin-1 receptor pathway

Key Citations

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

External Resources

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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.