Applications of leech therapy in medicine: a systematic review
Authors
Mahsa Hosseini
Students Research Committee, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
Ali Jadidi
Department of Nursing, School of Nursing, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
Mohammad Barjoei
Virtual School of Medical Education and Management, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mehdi Salehi
Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
Keywords:
leech therapy, clinical trial, systematic review, hirudotherapy, complementary medicine
Abstract
Leech therapy (LT) is one of the most widely used treatment methods in traditional medicine. The present study aimed to systematically review clinical trials regarding the effects of LT on the prevention and healing of different diseases.
Methods
To identify all relevant published studies, we conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases without any temporal or geographical constraints until April 2023. To categorize the articles, five stages were considered. The PRISMA checklist and Cochran’s bias analysis tool were used.
Results
In total, 12 trials that met the inclusion criteria were studied. The results of the studies showed that LT has had successful outcomes in treating different conditions. These included hormonal and metabolic complications, cardiovascular problems, and inflammatory-based diseases.
Conclusion
“Leech therapy” is a traditional medical treatment used successfully to control and treat various conditions. Although this method can have complications, it is possible to benefit from this low-cost and low-complication treatment by taking preventive measures.
Keywords: leech therapy, clinical trial, systematic review, hirudotherapy, complementary medicine
Author Biography
Mohammad Barjoei, Virtual School of Medical Education and Management, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Student Research Committee, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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