American Society of Hirudotherapy

Use of the medicinal leech in the treatment of ear diseases

Research article published in ORL; journal for oto-rhino-laryngology and its related specialties (1992)

Last Updated: November 1, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportSalivary PharmacologyGenomics & ProteomicsSeleznev K et al. · ORL; journal for oto-rhino-laryngology and its related specialties, 1992

Abstract

Medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) and the native secretion of their salivary glands diluted with saline (5 times) were successfully used for the treatment of some ear diseases: tinnitus caused by inner-ear affections, acute external otitis and chronic otitis media. The effect of diluted leech saliva injected into the region of the mastoid process by microelectrophoresis was 25-30% lower than that of the medicinal leeches.

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

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAcute DiseaseAnimalsChronic DiseaseEar CanalHearing Loss, ConductiveHearing Loss, SensorineuralHumansLeechesOtitis ExternaOtitis MediaSalivaTinnitusTreatment Outcome

Summary

Hirudo medicinalis leeches and their salivary gland secretion diluted with saline (5 times) were successfully used to treat tinnitus from inner-ear affections, acute external otitis and chronic otitis media; injected diluted saliva was 25-30% less effective than the live leeches.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study reports the use of live medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) and a fivefold saline dilution of native salivary gland secretion delivered by microelectrophoresis into the mastoid process region for treating tinnitus from inner-ear affections, acute external otitis, and chronic otitis media, with the diluted saliva showing approximately 25–30% lower effect than live leech application. The abstract does not report patient numbers, quantitative outcome criteria, safety data, or methodological detail beyond the stated efficacy comparison, and does not specify the basis for determining treatment success.

Citation

Reference (Vancouver style)

Seleznev KG, Shchetinina EA, Trophimenko NP, Nikonov GI, Baskova IP. Use of the medicinal leech in the treatment of ear diseases. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. 1992;54(1):1-4. doi:10.1159/000278932. PMID: 1584585

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

DOIPubMed

Added to ASH library: March 18, 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.