Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

Bdellastasin

Trypsin and plasmin inhibitor; closely related to bdellins — anti-fibrinolytic modulation.

Preclínico / mecanísticoLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Bdellastasin compared with other characterized leech-derived compoundsHementerin80 kDaHementin80 kDaHementin-Like Protein (HLP-1)80 kDaLeech Collagenase70 kDaHaemadipsa yanyuanensis Progr…70 kDaLeech Apyrase67 kDaCalin65 kDaHyaluronidase60 kDaAntithrombin III binding prot…58 kDaCollagenolytic Fibrinolysin55 kDaLeech Thrombospondin-Like Pro…50 kDaBdellastasin6 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Bdellastasin (highlighted) alongside other characterized leech salivary compounds. Smaller proteins/peptides generally diffuse and act faster.

Mechanistic Evidence Box

Preclinical / mechanistic
Page type
Compound profile
Evidence type
Trypsin and plasmin inhibitor; closely related to bdellins — anti-fibrinolytic modulation.
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Purified natural compound

Clinical translation limit

Bdellastasin's in vitro inhibition of trypsin and plasmin does not establish clinical efficacy. No FDA-approved derivative exists. Mechanism is preclinical/biochemical only.

Molecular Profile

Category
Proteinase Inhibitor
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
6,000 Da
Source species
Hirudo medicinalis
Discovered
1997 · Moser M et al.
Bdellastasin molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • → trypsin
  • → plasmin

Key Citations

  1. Moser M et al. (1998), Eur J Biochem

External Resources

    Related Proteinase Inhibitor Compounds

    Hirustasin

    Serine proteinase inhibitor targeting tissue kallikrein — anti-inflammatory pathway.

    Eglin C

    Potent inhibitor of human leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G — anti-inflammatory protein widely used as research tool.

    Bdellin B3

    Kazal-type proteinase inhibitor targeting trypsin and plasmin — modulates inflammatory cascade.

    LDTI (Leech-Derived Tryptase Inhibitor)

    Selective inhibitor of human mast cell tryptase — anti-inflammatory pathway.

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