American Society of Hirudotherapy

Controversy: hirudotherapy (leech therapy) as an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis

Research article published in Acta medica Indonesiana (2015)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewClinical TrialsGunawan F et al. · Acta medica Indonesiana, 2015

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease found in the elderly. Drug options that are recommended by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon (AAOS) are acetaminophen, NSAIDs, tramadol, capscaicin and intraarticular corticosteroids. However, there is concern for the possible side effects resulting from long term use of those medications. Researchers are searching for a safer treatment modality for OA. Leech therapy (hirudotheraphy) is one of the therapies under investigation, given its purported analgesic and antiinflammatory properties.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAcetaminophenAgedAnti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-SteroidalComplementary TherapiesHumansIndonesiaLeechingOsteoarthritisRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicTreatment Outcome

Summary

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease found in the elderly. Drug options that are recommended by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon (AAOS) are acetaminophen, NSAIDs, tramadol, capscaicin and intraarticular corticosteroids.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This article discusses osteoarthritis (OA) as the most common degenerative joint disease in the elderly and outlines current pharmacologic options recommended by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, including acetaminophen, NSAIDs, tramadol, capsaicin, and intraarticular corticosteroids, while noting concerns about side effects from long-term use of these medications. It identifies leech therapy (hirudotherapy) as one of the treatment modalities under investigation for OA, citing its purported analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This framing is directly relevant to ASH's domain, as it positions hirudotherapy as a candidate complementary approach for a highly prevalent clinical condition driven by the need for safer alternatives to conventional pharmacotherapy. However, the abstract is general and introductory in scope, providing no quantitative outcome data, trial results, or specific findings regarding leech therapy's use in OA, so its evidentiary contribution is limited.

Citation

Controversy: hirudotherapy (leech therapy) as an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis.

Gunawan F et al. · Acta medica Indonesiana, 2015

DOI

Added to ASH library: March 18, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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.