The Most Commonly Known and the Identified Potential Bioactive Molecules of Leech Saliva, Their Putative Medical Use, Current Status and Future Potential Implications in Medicine: A Review

Among the several leech saliva extracts, around 20 bioactive molecules are widely known and identified with their mechanisms of action and therapeutic importance. Some of are Hirudin, Calin, Destabilase, Hyaluronidase, Apyrase, Hirustatin, Saratin, and Eglin. Thus, this review provides valuable insights into the most commonly known bioactive molecules in leech saliva, their putative medical importance, current status, and potential implication for future medical use. The practice of using leech in medical treatment, called hirudotherapy, has been in use for several centuries and can be drawn back to ancient Egyptians. They used it to treat various diseases like skin diseases, inflammation, and dental problems. Nowadays, these invaluable bioactive molecules of leeches have been utilized in modern medicine for the treatment of angina pectoris, tinnitus, phlebitis, gout, ischemic heart disease, asthma, cancer, hypertension, and migraines. Additionally, it is very effective in the treatment of mastitis, diabetic foot ulcers, cutaneous leishmaniosis, alopecia, and digital gangrene. The contribution of leeches in cosmetic and plastic surgery is also gaining popularity. At present time, the world’s most advanced nations with the most sophisticated in medical science have become practitioners. Despite its long history of medical application, there is still much to discover about the specific substance responsible for the valuable effects of leech saliva. Therefore, leech saliva holds enormous promise, and continued research will unlock its full potential.