American Society of Hirudotherapy

Characterization and antioxidant activities of glycosaminoglycans from dried leech

Biochemistry published in Glycoconj J (2023)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Salivary PharmacologyShen T et al. · Glycoconjugate journal, 2023

Abstract

Dried leech (Whitmania pigra whitman) has been widely used as a traditional animal-based Chinese medicine. Dried leech extracts have been reported to have various biological activities that are often associated with mammalian glycosaminoglycans. However, their presence and possible structural characteristics within dried leech were previously unknown. In this study, glycosaminoglycans were isolated from dried leech for the first time and their structures were analyzed by the combination of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, liquid chromatography-ion trap/time-of-flight mass spectrometry and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate were detected in dried leech with varied disaccharide compositions and possess a heterogeneous structure. Heparan sulfate species possess an equal amount of total 2-O-sulfated, N-sulfated and acetylated disaccharides, while chondroitin sulfate /dermatan sulfate contain high content of 4-O-sulfated disaccharides. Also, the quantitative analysis revealed that the contents of heparan sulfate and chondroitin/dermatan sulfate in dried leech varied significantly, with chondroitin/dermatan sulfate being by far the most abundant. This novel structural information could help clarify the possible involvement of these polysaccharides in the biological activities of the dried leech. Furthermore, leech glycosaminoglycans showed a strong ABTS radical scavenging ability, which suggests the potential of leech polysaccharides for exploitation in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

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

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsGlycosaminoglycansChondroitin SulfatesDermatan SulfateAntioxidantsHeparan SulfateMammalsDisaccharides

Summary

First identification of glycosaminoglycans (heparan sulfate and chondroitin/dermatan sulfate) in dried Whitmania pigra leech extracts. Demonstrated strong ABTS radical scavenging activity, supporting nutraceutical potential.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study characterized the structural properties and antioxidant activities of glycosaminoglycans isolated from dried leech (*Whitmania pigra*). Researchers identified specific heparan sulfate and chondroitin/dermatan sulfate structures within the dried tissue, noting that chondroitin/dermatan sulfate was the most abundant component. Additionally, these polysaccharides exhibited a strong ABTS radical scavenging ability, which the authors suggest indicates potential for future exploitation in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. However, because the research analyzes chemical extracts from dried tissue rather than the live secretions associated with hirudotherapy, its practical relevance to clinical leech therapy is limited and human health outcomes are not established.

Citation

Characterization and antioxidant activities of glycosaminoglycans from dried leech.

Shen T et al. · Glycoconjugate journal, 2023

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 26, 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.