Abstract
Earthworms have gained increasing attention as a source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in modern medicine. Molecules isolated from Lumbricus rubellus, Eisenia fetida, and related species exhibit fibrinolytic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regenerative properties. Lumbrokinase, a fibrinolytic enzyme complex, is the most clinically advanced earthworm-derived therapeutic and has been evaluated for ischemic stroke, thrombosis, and microcirculatory disorders. Additional compounds—including antimicrobial peptides and coelomic fluid proteins—demonstrate promising activity in wound healing, infection control, and cancer research. This review summarizes current evidence, highlights translational challenges, and outlines future directions for integrating earthworm-derived biomolecules into biomedical practice.
Keywords: Earthworms; Lumbrokinase; Fibrinolysis; Antimicrobial peptides; Regenerative medicine; Coelomic fluid; Biotherapeutics
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