American Society of Hirudotherapy

[Medicinal leeches and hirudotherapy]

Research article published in Turkiye parazitolojii dergisi (2011)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewSalivary PharmacologyClinical TrialsGenomics & ProteomicsGödekmerdan A et al. · Turkiye parazitolojii dergisi, 2011

Abstract

Leeches have been used in the treatment of certain diseases since ancient times. There are a few species of medicinal leeches. However, H. medicinalis and H. verbana are known in Turkey. Currently, Turkey is one of the world's most important leech-exporting countries. Secretion of the salivary glands of medical leeches contains more than 100 bioactive substances. These secretions include vasodilators, bacteriostatic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulants, anti-edematous, which eliminate microcirculatory disorders, restore the damaged vascular permeability of tissues and organs, eliminate hypoxia, reduce blood pressure, increase immune system activity, resolving the cause of pain and improve the bioenergetic status of the organism. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Food and Drug Authority of USA-FDA) have allowed the sale of leeches in this country, the use for plastic surgery, the general purposes and microsurgery in 2004. Turkey is the richest source in terms of the medical leech. Better evaluation of this valuable commodity and more effective use of hirudotherapy in modern medical practice as supportive treatment is very important.

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

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsBloodlettingHirudo medicinalisHumansLeechingSalivary GlandsTurkey

Summary

Leeches have been used in the treatment of certain diseases since ancient times. There are a few species of medicinal leeches.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This review article provides a general overview of medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis and H. verbana) and hirudotherapy, focusing on Turkey's prominent role as a leech-exporting country and cataloguing the bioactive substances found in leech salivary secretions, including vasodilators, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticoagulant, and bacteriostatic compounds. The article is directly relevant to hirudotherapy and ASH's domain, as it discusses the therapeutic potential of leech salivary constituents and notes the 2004 FDA approval of medicinal leeches for use in plastic and microsurgery. However, as a narrative review without a described systematic methodology, it presents broad claims about bioactive mechanisms and clinical benefits without citing specific primary studies, dosing, or trial-level evidence within the abstract. Readers should treat this as a general introductory overview rather than a rigorous synthesis, and some mechanistic assertions warrant verification against primary literature.

Citation

[Medicinal leeches and hirudotherapy].

Gödekmerdan A et al. · Turkiye parazitolojii dergisi, 2011

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.