American Society of Hirudotherapy

Medicinal Leech Therapy in Acute Herpes Zoster Condition- A Case Report

Research article published in Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences (2025)

Last Updated: November 1, 2026ASH Editorial · based on the books
Research article — evidence review: Off-label use means application outside the FDA-cleared indication. Clinical evidence (RCTs or systematic reviews) supports this use, but the FDA has not cleared it.Article reference: Content describes science, methodology, or organizational reference material — not a clinical efficacy claim.
Evidence: Case reportDrug DevelopmentItankar PB et al. · Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences, 2025

Abstract

Herpes zoster is an acute viral skin disease characterized by the painful skin rashes, burning sensation, blisters, and post-herpetic neuralgia caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV). In immune-compromised people, many dermatomes are implicated. In Ayurveda, it is correlated with visarpa having the same clinical presentation as herpes zoster. The study aims to explore the effectiveness of medicinal leech therapy and internal ayurvedic medicinal formulation in acute herpes zoster conditions. A 26-year-old male patient visited OPD (outpatient department) with a complaint of reddish rashes and a small vesicular eruption over the left lateral aspect of the chest associated with a burning sensation and pain. Leech therapy was performed promptly as an emergency treatment, along with internal medication for the next 10 days. This case report concludes that Leech therapy and internal ayurvedic medicine are found to be effective management of acute herpes zoster.

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

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article

Summary

Peer-reviewed research on therapeutic compound development relevant to leech-derived anticoagulants and antithrombotic agents. Indexed in PubMed and verified against the NCBI record.

Citation

Reference (Vancouver style)

Itankar PB, Sawarkar GR, Chakole DA. Medicinal Leech Therapy in Acute Herpes Zoster Condition- A Case Report. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2025;17(Suppl 5):S3787-S3789. doi:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_510_25. PMID: 41846760

Bibliographic details (authors, volume, pages, DOI) are taken from the PubMed record.

Added to ASH library: May 28, 2026 · Site last updated: November 1, 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.