Standardized Medicinal Leech Farming in Iran: Challenges and opportunities

Zahra Fayzii from the Vice-Presidency for Research and Technology News Desk of the University of Tehran:

Professor Masoumeh Malek, from the School of Biology, University of Tehran, describes a range of scientific and practical challenges in the field of medicinal leeches, based on her scientific and professional experience. These challenges include dependence on harvesting from nature, the lack of standardized guidelines, the risk of contamination, the introduction of non-native species, and economic difficulties.

According to Dr. Malek, her serious involvement in the field of medicinal leeches began in 2009, when declining leech populations and the difficulties of supplying medical centers with the leeches they needed highlighted the problem of relying on wild collection. Studies showed that leeches collected from natural habitats may pose contamination risks because their feeding history and environmental conditions are unknown, and they cannot be introduced into the treatment cycle without the necessary controls.

In one research experience, the use of slaughterhouse blood to feed leeches was associated with contamination by the causative agent of anthrax. This findings demonstrated the necessity of using sterile, controlled blood in medicinal leech farming. According to Dr. Malek, leeches intended to use in medical centers should be screened for bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral contamination.

Another challenge is the lack of comprehensive guidelines for the farming, maintenance, packaging, transportation, distribution, and disposal of medicinal leeches. Dr. Malek and her colleagues visited various centers in Germany, Malaysia, Russia, United Kingdom, France, and the United States to gain access to international experiences. The 2014 conference and efforts to establish a Medicinal Leech Committee within the Food and Drug Administration were also part of this initiative. Subsequently, the National Medicinal Leech Committee was established and relevant guidelines were developed.

From the perspective of this University of Tehran professor, protecting Iran’s native medicinal leech species is another fundamental challenge. She has warned about the introduction and breeding of non-native species and believes that the introduction of non-native species can harm wild populations and genetic diversity. In this regard, part of the 70-hectare farm of the Faculty of Science at the University of Tehran has been designated as a protected area for medicinal leeches.

Dr. Malek also points to challenges related to supply and demand, weaknesses in the formal production and distribution chain, and the economic pressure caused by the low-priced sale of leeches collected from wild. According to her, domestic production capacity remains below the country’s needs, and expand the production of the native species and creating legal export channels are necessary.

Other challenges include the unauthorized or non-standard use of leeches at some centers and the farming of medicinal leeches at home. Dr. Malek emphasizes that medicinal leech farming without specialized supervision can endanger product safety. Therefore, obtaining a license, appointing a technical officer, meeting the requited health and hygiene standards, and using sterile blood are essential.

From an economic perspective, establishing a standardized facility requires investment in broodstock, space, human resources, and equipment, and reaching the break-even point may take several years. Nevertheless, Dr. Malek believes that, if appropriate standards are followed, this field has considerable economic potential. She also emphasizes training personnel through specialized workshops and the transfer of practical experience.

PARS MEDEQ company and the Mossalanejad Cultural Foundation are the sponsors of Vice-Presidency for Research and Technology News Desk