Of the 600 known species of leeches, Hirudo medicinalis is the most widely used for therapeutic purposes. While modern medicine largely disregards leech therapy as a mainstream treatment, ...

After more than 70 years of effective clinical use, heparin remains the most common anticoagulant in use and one of the most commonly prescribed drugs to hospitalized patients. However, the ...

The most commonly used species, Hirudo medicinalis, is a hermaphroditic, bloodsucking worm with remarkable healing qualities. When placed on wounds, leeches release saliva containing compounds ...