Clinical Applications and Mechanism of Leech Therapy from the Perspective of Unani and Conventional Medicine: A Review

Abstract

Leech therapy is a kind of bloodletting that involves using leeches to remove a significant volume of blood from the body. Leeches are hermaphrodites, annelid worms that feed on blood and have a noticeable capacity to expand or contract. Hirudinaria granulosa is a type of Indian leech that has therapeutic qualities. Leech therapy operates on the tenets of Imala-i-Mawād (Diversion of morbid matter) and Tanqiya-e- Mawād (Evacuation of Morbid matter). About 100 biological compounds that are pharmacologically active are present in leech saliva and are involved in the mechanism of action and therapeutic uses. Traditional therapists used leeching as an unproven home treatment, a common therapeutic technique for a variety of illnesses throughout history. Leeches have resurfaced in modern medicine, with various clinical applications, as demonstrated by an abundance of research studies and case studies. The chemicals released by the leech's saliva have therapeutic properties. Blood and other morbid humours can be safely and successfully removed from deeper tissues with leech therapy. It can be used successfully to treat a variety of conditions, especially those involving the skin, blood vessels, and musculoskeletal system where the conventional medical system is less beneficial. Because of its preventive and palliative effects, it can be used to restore normal health.  This article aims to present a brief review of the bioactive substances, mechanism of action, and clinical applications of Hirudo therapy. However, for rational demonstration of the effectiveness of leech therapy in the modern period, standard operating procedures (SOP) and scientific standards must be developed.