Purification and characterization of an anticoagulant oligopeptide from Whitmania pigra Whitman
Biochemistry/pharmacology published in Pharmacogn Mag (2015)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dried Whitmania pigra is used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in traditional Chinese medicine and hot water and alcohol extracts also have anticogulant activity. However, a lower molecular weight and more stable anticogulant is needed. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the following study is to purify and characterize of an anticoagulant oligopeptide from Hirudo (Whitmania pigra Whitman). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gel filtration on Sephadex G-50, ion exchange on diethylaminoethyl-cellulose, and semi-prepared high-performance liquid chromatography were used to purify Hirudo. Automated coagulation analyzer was used for evaluating anticoagulant activity. Molecular weight was measured by Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. Amino acid sequence of the oligopeptide was measured by amino acid sequence analyzer. RESULTS: A new anticoagulant, named whitide, isolated from Hirudo was purified, with a molecular weight 1997.1 Da. Amino acid sequence of the oligopeptide was identified as Gly-Pro-ALa-Gly-Hyp-Val-Gly-Ala-Hyp-Gly-Gly-Hyp-Gly-Val-Arg-Gly-Leu-Hyp-Gly-Asp-Arg-Gly. The results revealed that its amino acid sequence had strong homology to various types of collagen. CONCLUSION: Whitide might be an orally anticoagulant for its hot and trypsin stable.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Novel anticoagulant oligopeptide 'whitide' (~2 kDa, 22 residues, collagen-homologous) purified from Whitmania pigra. Stable to heat and trypsin, suggesting potential as an orally bioavailable anticoagulant.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
This research purified and characterized a novel anticoagulant oligopeptide named whitide from the traditional Chinese medicine leech Whitmania pigra. The study identified its amino acid sequence, demonstrated its stability against heat and trypsin, and suggested its potential as an oral anticoagulant based on these structural properties. For the American Society of Hirudotherapy, this contributes to the broader pharmacological profiling of leech-derived molecules and their mechanisms of action. However, it is important to note that this is purely a foundational biochemical study with no included animal models, clinical data, or direct application to live leech therapy.
Citación
Purification and characterization of an anticoagulant oligopeptide from Whitmania pigra Whitman.
Zheng X et al. · Pharmacognosy magazine, 2015
Contexto clínico relacionado
Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica
Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 26, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026