Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

Leech C1 Inhibitor (LCi)

Complement system modulator targeting C1q activation — immunological homeostasis.

Preclínico / mecanísticoLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Leech C1 Inhibitor (LCi) 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 kDaLeech C1 Inhibitor (LCi)30 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Leech C1 Inhibitor (LCi) (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
Complement system modulator targeting C1q activation — immunological homeostasis.
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Purified natural compound

Clinical translation limit

Leech C1 inhibitor's reported complement-pathway modulation is preclinical/biochemical only. Not to be confused with the FDA-approved human C1-esterase inhibitor concentrates used in hereditary angioedema — those are unrelated human-plasma products. No leech-derived C1-inhibitor is FDA-approved.

Molecular Profile

Category
Anti-inflammatory
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
30,000 Da
Source species
Hirudo medicinalis
Leech C1 Inhibitor (LCi) molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • complement C1q, classical pathway

Key Citations

  1. Baskova IP, Zavalova LL (2001), Biochemistry (Mosc) · PMID 11563948

External Resources

    Related Anti-inflammatory Compounds

    Este sitio web proporciona información educativa y no constituye consejo médico, diagnóstico ni recomendaciones de tratamiento. La terapia con sanguijuelas medicinales conlleva riesgos clínicamente significativos y debe ser realizada únicamente por profesionales calificados bajo protocolos aprobados institucionalmente. La autorización 510(k) de la FDA para sanguijuelas medicinales se limita a indicaciones específicas; las discusiones sobre uso investigativo y fuera de indicación se señalan correspondientemente. Para orientación médica específica, consulte a un profesional de salud calificado.