American Society of Hirudotherapy

Poeciguamerin

Antistasin-domain dual analgesic + antithrombotic serine protease inhibitor from Poecilobdella manillensis — Wang 2023 explains the painless-bleed phenotype.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Poeciguamerin 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 kDaPoeciguamerin5.5 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Poeciguamerin (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
Antistasin-domain dual analgesic + antithrombotic serine protease inhibitor from Poecilobdella manillensis — Wang 2023 explains the painless-bleed phenotype.
Evidence level
Preclinical (animal)
Drug vs leech
Purified natural compound
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

Poeciguamerin's preclinical analgesic + antithrombotic activity in murine models does NOT establish clinical efficacy in humans. No FDA-approved derivative exists; P. manillensis is not the FDA-cleared K040187 medicinal leech species.

Molecular Profile

Category
Proteinase Inhibitor
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
5,500 Da
Source species
Poecilobdella manillensis
Discovered
2023 · Wang C et al.
Poeciguamerin molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • leukocyte elastase (primary)
  • FXIIa
  • kallikrein

Key Citations

  1. Wang C et al. (2023), Int J Mol Sci · PMID 37446275

External Resources

    Related Proteinase Inhibitor 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.