hiridotherapy in the field of medicine and veterinary medicine

Leech therapy represents a time-honored practice that traces its origins to ancient egypt and the dawn of civilization. the popularity of hirudo medicinalis has fluctuated throughout the annals of history reaching its zenith in europe during the early 19th century when resources became scarce (1). hirudotherapy is utilized in both human healthcare and veterinary practices. in the realm of veterinary medicine, particularly in instances where conventional treatments have proven ineffective, it is employed post-surgery and in scenarios where tissues are at risk due to venous congestion. the most prevalent species of medicinal leech include: h. medicinalis, hirudo asiatica, hirudomanellensis, hirudo orientalis (iranian species), hirudo michaelseni, hirudo nipponia, hirudo granulosa, and macrobdella decorata. the saliva of medicinal leeches is composed of over 100 bioactive compounds that exhibit therapeutic properties including anticoagulant, vasodilator, thrombolytic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anesthetic activities. notable bioactive constituents encompass hirudin, hyaluronidase, choline, destabilase, apyrase, eglin, bedlin, decorsin, hirostatin, tryptase inhibitors, histamine-like substances, complement inhibitors, carboxypeptidase a inhibitors and acetylcholine (2). the saliva of leeches comprises an array of neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine and enkephalin which facilitate analgesia and promote relaxation within the physiological systems of patients (3). the efficacy of leech therapy has been substantiated through numerous investigations within the realm of medical science and a plethora of studies are presently underway in this domain. among its applications and associated advantages for human health, one can cite the treatment of conditions linked to inflammation, hip and elbow dysplasia and ailments affecting tendons, ligaments and fascia, vertebral disorders as well as wound management. several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of this therapeutic approach in conditions such as laminitis, tendinitis, ataxia, spinal osteoarthritis in equines, discopathies, eczema, neuritis and mastitis in canines and felines within the context of veterinary science.