[Leech hirudo medicinalis: a therapeutic alternative available in Mexico]

Throughout history a diversity of therapeutic properties have been attributed to the leech Hirudo medicinalis, however, during the past twenty years its use has proven to be a practical and effective method for the relief of venous engorgement in reconstructive surgery. In Mexico this practice has been limited due to the lack of supply and to the time-consuming process of importation. Based on this need, the animal facilities of the Occidental Biomedical Research Center-IMSS in Guadalajara, Jalisco, has initiated a breeding and reproduction program of this species with the aim at improving its availability as a therapeutic device. The salivary gland of Hirudo medicinalis contains one of the most potent natural anticoagulants, known as hirudin, a histamine-like vasodilator, platelet aggregation inhibitors and highly specific proteases, all of which favor venous flow and turn this species into the most useful in the clinical setting. Nevertheless, it is important to know the potential risks of leech therapy since it has been associated with considerable morbidity when adequate precautions are not taken. This review exposes relevant aspects of the medicinal leech, the indications, mechanism of action and the protocol for this therapy.

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

Throughout history a diversity of therapeutic properties have been attributed to the leech Hirudo medicinalis, however, during the past twenty years its use has proven to be a practical and effective method for the relief of venous engorgement in reconstructive surgery.

Leech-derived molecules this paper discusses, each with a full profile in the ASH compound registry:

Узнайте, как это исследование связано с клинической практикой

More peer-reviewed studies in Клинические исследования.

• Leech Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis — The Landmark RCT — Michalsen et al. (2003)
• Leech-Assisted Flap Salvage — Systematic Review of 277 Cases — Whitaker et al. (2012)
• Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome — Bilden A et al. (2026)
• Efficacy and Safety of Hirudotherapy for Improving Sperm Quality Parameters in Male Infertility: A Randomized Controlled Trial — Abtahi-Forooshani M et al. (2026)
• Reverse Sural Flap Venous Congestion Successfully Managed With Enoxaparin in a Male Patient With a Traumatic Foot Crush Injury: A Case Report — Velasco-Bustamante J et al. (2026)
• Investigation of the therapeutic effects of medicinal leech treatment on lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion injury — Ünal K et al. (2026)
• Efficacy of Medicinal Leech Therapy in Diverse Clinical Applications: A Comprehensive Study from Azerbaijan — Farzali S et al. (2025)
• HIRUDOTHERAPY IN RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY: CASE-REPORTS AND REVIEW — Heinz P et al. (2020)
• Hirudotherapy Efficacy and Complications in the Management of Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review — Foppiani J et al. (2024)
• Hirudotherapy in Wound Healing — Nair H et al. (2022)

Browse all ASH-analysed research →