World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

LEECH THERAPY (HIRUDOTHERAPY- OR IRSAL-E-ALAQ) IN UNANI SYSTEM OF MEDICINE AND MODERN MEDICINE – A REVIEW ARTICLE

Dr. Amjad Kha Saleem Kha Pathan*, Dr. Salim Yunus Khan, Dr. Shadab Jamal Anwar Iqbal Ahmad Makhdoomi, Dr. Sharique Zohaib and Dr. Sameeroddin Gayasoddin Shaikh

ABSTRACT

Hirudotherapy which means the use of leech therapy dates as far back as 2500 years ago when they were used for
bloodletting in ancient Egypt. During the Roman Era, Galen (130- 201 AD) used leeches because he believed that
blood let- ting would rid the unbalance of the four humours (blood, phlegmon, black and yellow bile) in the human
body. Leech treatments were very popular during the Middle Ages as applied by Ibn-Sina (Avicenna). In his book?
Al-Qanun Fi Al-Tibb (the Canon of Medicine)?, Avicenna (980-1037 AD) gave detailed knowledge about leech
therapy and instructions on leeching. Irsale Alaq (Leech or Hirudo therapy) is one of the most important and
widely practised methods of regimental therapy used for local evacuation of morbid humours. It is a procedure of
treatment with the use of medicinal leeches. It has been suggested and successfully practised by Greeko-Arab
physicians in the management of musculoskeletal diseases, gynaecological disorders, chronic skin diseases,
thromboembolic diseases, varicose veins, ENT disorders etc. since long. The leech produces a number of
substances especially hirudin, calin, hylarunidase, histamine like vasodilators during biting. These substances are
responsible for inhibiting blood coagulation, analgesic effect, dilating effect on muscles and regulation on immune
system. The aim of this study was to explore the history and therapeutic applications of leech therapy from ancient
times to present.

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