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Hirudotherapy, as a therapeutic modality in traditional medicine, has been widely applied in various medical systems since ancient times. It is a therapy that utilizes the blood-sucking action and the pharmacological effects of leech saliva to treat diseases. Through centuries of practice and development, its clinical application has gradually formed a unique theoretical and technical system. In recent years, with the advancement of modern medicine and the deepening of scientific research, the clinical application of hirudotherapy has gained further understanding and development, and the Zhuang medical hirudotherapy has been explored and applied more in-depth in clinical practice. Through a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature, this article elaborates on the mechanisms of action of hirudotherapy, including anticoagulation, anti-inflammation, analgesia, and promotion of tissue repair etc., and reviews its clinical application in various diseases. Hirudotherapy is a highly distinctive and effective therapeutic method. Now, the mechanisms of action and clinical application of hirudotherapy are summarized as follows.
Hirudotherapy (Leech Therapy); Mechanism of action; Clinical application; Research progress
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Research Progress on the Mechanism of Action and Clinical Applications of Hirudotherapy
How to cite this paper: Wei Long, Yuandai Luo. (2025) Research Progress on the Mechanism of Action and Clinical Applications of Hirudotherapy. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Research, 9(4), 480-484.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijcemr.2025.07.016