American Society of Hirudotherapy

Medicinal leech therapy (hirudotherapy): a brief overview

Research article published in Complementary therapies in clinical practice (2010)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewClinical TrialsDrug DevelopmentSingh A · Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 2010

Abstract

Hirudotherapy is a treatment using medicinal leeches. Hirudo medicinali, have been used to treat patients for centuries. In the past, leeches have proved to be an effective treatment for a number of conditions including battle wound treatment. Currently leeches may be used to assist in the treatment of abscesses, arthritis, glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, thrombosis and some venous disorders. Medical leeches may also be used in plastic surgery and in some blood circulatory problems. During feeding, leeches secrete a complex mixture of different biologically and pharmacologically active substances into the wound. Hirudin is the prominent constituent of leech saliva. It is sometimes used to describe all the active constituents in the leech saliva. This paper outlines the potential use of leech therapy in current medical care in India.

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

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsHirudinsHirudo medicinalisHumansIndiaLeechingSaliva

Summary

Hirudotherapy is a treatment using medicinal leeches. Hirudo medicinali, have been used to treat patients for centuries.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This article is a narrative review providing a brief overview of hirudotherapy—the therapeutic use of medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis)—spanning its historical applications and current uses in conditions such as abscesses, arthritis, glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, thrombosis, venous disorders, plastic surgery, and circulatory problems, with a geographic focus on India. It is directly relevant to ASH's domain, as it describes the leech salivary secretome—principally hirudin and other pharmacologically active substances secreted during feeding—as the mechanistic basis for therapeutic benefit. The review serves as a general introductory reference for practitioners and researchers. Caveats: this is a non-systematic, brief overview rather than a primary study or meta-analysis, and it provides no original data, dosing protocols, safety analyses, or critical appraisal of evidence; clinical applications are listed as potential or traditional uses without rigorous efficacy substantiation.

Citation

Medicinal leech therapy (hirudotherapy): a brief overview.

Singh A · Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 2010

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.