Application Of Leech Research Articles

A practical approach of leech therapy: Insight from the Unani system of medicine

Abstract Leech therapy is an effective mode of treatment from time immemorial. However, our Indian System of Medicine has given a new platform to this practice of treating patients suffering from various diseases such as skin diseases, joint pain, inflammation, wounds, nonhealing ulcers, lumps, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, deep-vein thrombosis, and plastic and reconstructive surgeries. The objective of this study was to construct the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for leech therapy and to raise awareness among AYUSH practitioners and other health-care providers. This review study of SOP for leech therapy was carried out through the Unani classical textbooks and the recent research on leech therapy from sources such as PubMed, Scopus, AYUSH portal, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. The collected material was studied in detail and analyzed for the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for leech therapy. This paper focused on the practical application and handling of leech during the procedure of leech therapy, and to some extent, an attempt to construct SOPs of leech therapy has been made with the help of some Unani experts, ancient Unani literature, and recent studies on leech therapy. Leech therapy is an effective, safe, feasible, beneficial, and economical treatment modality. Hence, the development of standard operative procedures (SOPs) considering leech therapy is the need of the hour. This paper is an initiative to develop an SOP for this practical procedure and hope it will be beneficial for all traditional healers.

Compliment responses in Hong Kong: an application of Leech’s pragmatics of politeness

AbstractThis paper focusses on compliment responses in the context of group undergraduate student projects, in a university in Hong Kong. It applies Geoffrey Leech’s model of politeness. Although less well known than some other politeness models, it has proved relatively popular in studies of compliment responses, which are often said to involve a clash between the Maxim of Agreement (achieved by agreeing with the complimenter) and the Maxim of Modesty (achieved by mitigating the compliment, thereby disagreeing with the complimenter). This study deploys Leech’s most recent work on politeness in the study of compliment responses. Using an innovative variant of the discourse completion task adapted to WhatsApp to collect text messages and metapragmatic comments from undergraduate students in Hong Kong on their messages, it reveals that acceptance strategies are overwhelmingly the most frequent type. This finding adds to the small body of work on compliment responses in Hong Kong cultures, and, more generally, to cross-cultural pragmatics studies on compliment responses. However, the interpretation of this result needs to attend to the detail. The key specific acceptance strategy in our data is the expression of gratitude, and this, we argue, is best accounted for through the Maxim of Obligation, a maxim proposed in Leech’s more recent work.

An Analytical Study to Evaluate the Safety of Reusing of the Vomited Leech in Leech Therapy

Background: Leech therapy is a point of attraction in the medical as well as in the scientific world due to its various outstanding properties, while studying the Ayurveda and scientific literature one can find difference, i.e., discarding after single use as per modern literature, but in Ayurveda, it can be reused after 7 days of leech therapy. Studies of such kind were not carried or published in any scientific journals, so ethical approval and developing scientific methods for validating the study were necessary, so a pilot study began with ethical clearance. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the bacterial and fungal count of leech saliva and blood emesis before and after leech therapy using disc diffusion method. Materials and Methods: Leeches were collected from the normal habitat from Mangalore region possessing the same weight and morphological characteristics as that of the Nirvisha Jalouka as mentioned in classics (Shanku-mukhi). The selected leeches were stored in well water having nonchlorinated with minimum bacterial load. The well water was selected from three geographical regions of Belagavi city, and among them, one sample was selected having minimal bacterial load. Ten patients with infectious skin diseases who were indicated for Jalaukavacharana (Vidradhi, Dushta-vrana) were selected. The experimental leech saliva was tested for total bacterial count (TBC) and total fungal count (TFC) before and on 8th day of application, along with venous blood of the patient and blood vomitus of leech after application was tested for TBC and TFC. Statistical analysis was done based on TFC and TBC before and after application. Results: TBC and TFC of leech saliva at 8th day and before application were similar which indicates the leech gut has destroyed the bacteria or inhibited the growth of bacteria. Conclusion: TBC and TFC help to produce evidence that after application of leech and proper vomiting will not allow the growth of bacteria. Hence, safely, it can be reused after 7 days.

REVIEW ARTICLE ON JALAUKA AND JALAUKAAVCHARNA

The term Jalauka (leech) may be etymologically interpreted to mean creature whose life (Ayu) or whose longevity is depends upon water, whereas the derivative meaning of the term Jalauka is based upon the fact of their dwelling (“oka” – dwelling place) in water (Jalam). A creature whose life is water called Ja-lauka. Jalauka is having various names which are – Jalayuka, Jalaua, Jaluka etc. There are two types of treatment, advised in Ayurveda - 1. Shamana (internal medicine) 2. Shodhana (internal purification). Leech therapy (Jalaukavacharana) takes a pride of place in the list of Panchakarma like Shodhana Chikitsa. Ja-lauka is the only shodhana treatment that can be done on rich, weak, fearful, sophisticated, old& in case of ladies and children. Due to its sophisticated nature. The knowledge of Jalaukavacharana is as old as the Ayurveda. It is described in Rigved, kaushik sutra, VinayPitak, CharakSamhita and Sushruta Samhita. Sushruta give a detailed description of the Leech and Leech therapy. Modern medical science also de-scribes it in detail. There are two types of Leeches six poisonous (savisha)and six nonpoisonous (nirvisha). Nirvishajalauka are strong and large Ready suckers, Greedy (Mahashana), Saivalashyava (Varna), Vrutta (round), Blue colored. Acharaya Sushruta gives a detailed description of the collection method, collection time, and preservation methods. Leech therapy or Jalaukaavcharana is mainly indicated for Pittaja and Raktaajavikara as vidradhi (Abscess), gulma (Abdominal swelling) arsha (Piles), kushtha (Skin disease) etc. Sushruta describe the method of application of leech in details dividing it into three parts namely Pur-vakarama, Pradhankarama and Pachchatkarama. Modern scientists and physicians also describe Leech and leech saliva having properties of antibiotics, anesthetic, antiseptic, anticoagulant.

REVIEW ARTICLE ON JALAUKA AND JALAUKAAVCHARNA

The term Jalauka (leech) may be etymologically interpreted to mean creature whose life (Ayu) or whose longevity is depends upon water, whereas the derivative meaning of the term Jalauka is based upon the fact of their dwelling (“oka” – dwelling place) in water (Jalam). A creature whose life is water called Ja-lauka. Jalauka is having various names which are – Jalayuka, Jalaua, Jaluka etc. There are two types of treatment, advised in Ayurveda - 1. Shamana (internal medicine) 2. Shodhana (internal purification). Leech therapy (Jalaukavacharana) takes a pride of place in the list of Panchakarma like Shodhana Chikitsa. Ja-lauka is the only shodhana treatment that can be done on rich, weak, fearful, sophisticated, old& in case of ladies and children. Due to its sophisticated nature. The knowledge of Jalaukavacharana is as old as the Ayurveda. It is described in Rigved, kaushik sutra, VinayPitak, CharakSamhita and Sushruta Samhita. Sushruta give a detailed description of the Leech and Leech therapy. Modern medical science also de-scribes it in detail. There are two types of Leeches six poisonous (savisha)and six nonpoisonous (nirvisha). Nirvishajalauka are strong and large Ready suckers, Greedy (Mahashana), Saivalashyava (Varna), Vrutta (round), Blue colored. Acharaya Sushruta gives a detailed description of the collection method, collection time, and preservation methods. Leech therapy or Jalaukaavcharana is mainly indicated for Pittaja and Raktaajavikara as vidradhi (Abscess), gulma (Abdominal swelling) arsha (Piles), kushtha (Skin disease) etc. Sushruta describe the method of application of leech in details dividing it into three parts namely Pur-vakarama, Pradhankarama and Pachchatkarama. Modern scientists and physicians also describe Leech and leech saliva having properties of antibiotics, anesthetic, antiseptic, anticoagulant.

Experimental study on dissection of gut of the leech for isolation of microorganism present in western ghaat leech

Leech application in various diseases shows remarkable results. Now in this scientific era the area of use of leeches is wide, sometimes the application of leech produces local as well as systemic infection. To rule out such complication and myths this study was conducted. The purpose of study is isolation of microorganism which cause such complication.

IMPROVING LANGUAGE POLITENESS OF DYAH GALIH AGUNG SENIOR AND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

This article analyzes the strategy for language politeness of Dyah Galih Agung Senior and Junior High School students, Deli Serdang District, which is realized through the use of speech acts. Every speaker should have knowledge on language politeness. Pragmatically speaking, language politeness is related and realized in speech acts. Speakers should understand speech contexts of their utterance and meanings contained in it. Some utterances may hurt the listeners but with choosing and using proper dictions and applying politeness, it will not hurt the listeners. The data collected using observation and conversation method (Sudaryanto, 2017) and then analyzed using Searle’s speech act theory (1979) and Leech’s politeness principles (2014). The findings show that the students in Dyah Galih Agung Senior and Junior High School, Deli Serdang District, use assertive, directive, commissive, and expressive speech act. Regarding the strategy for language politeness, the students use direct speech act more than indirect one which is influenced by the close social relationship among them. The findings also show that the application of Leech’s politeness strategy (2014) is able to improve the students’ language politeness ability.

252. Reduction in size of thyroglossal cyst after application of leech – A case study

252. Reduction in size of thyroglossal cyst after application of leech – A case study

Jaloukavacharana in diabetic foot ulcer - A Case Study

Diabetic foot is the one of the commonest chronic complications of diabetes. It is leading indication for hospital admission and prolonged stay. A classical triad of neuropathy, ischemia and infection characterizes the diabetic foot. The presence of infection rapidly worsens the clinical picture, often requiring limb amputation. Diabetic foot ulcers are common and estimated to effect 15% of all diabetics. Mainstay of treatment includes antibiotics, debridement. and local wound care and footwear improvisation. In spite of all advances in health sciences, statistics reveals that about 3% patients yet have to undergo lower limb amputation. In Sushruta Samhita. we get the most scientific description of wound and its management. Similarly, Sushruta has given the importance to Bloodletting therapy and considered Leech as the most unique and effective method of bloodletting even in infected wounds and abscesses. Patient with Diabetic foot ulcer was advised to continue anti diabetic medicine along with weekly application of Leech around the ulcer which was followed by washing the wound with Panchavalkala Kashaya and dressing with Jatyadi Ghrita. This Leech therapy proved very effective and the ulcer healed completely within 30 days. However, further evaluation is required to be done by taking a large sample size to prove its significance in treating Diabetic foot ulcer and avoiding lower limb amputation.

Analysis of the effects of medicinal leech on arterial function in elderly volunteers by means of photoplethysmography with Angioscan-01

The state of the arterial wall in elderly patients after the application of medicinal leech was analyzed using an Angioscan-01 diagnostic device. The effect of one medicinal leech on the endothelial vasomotor function of small resistance arteries and medium-sized muscular arteries was estimated. Arterial wall rigidity was assessed by measuring the arterial stiffness index and the augmentation index during stress testing in the form of brachial artery occlusion. It has been shown that the application of one medicinal leech has not only local, but also system effect on arterial endothelium by improving its vasomotor function through normalization of arterial wall stiffness. This process is supposed to involve the salivary cell secretion of medicinal leech, which is able to raise the NO level both in cells and in extracellular fluid and to activate e-NOS and n-NOS, as it has been shown recently in the culture of human vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC).

A Comparative Clinical Trial on Leech Therapy and Unani Herbal Formulation on Atopic Eczema

Introduction: Nare Farsi (Atopic Eczema) is an inflammatory skin reaction characterized by itching, redness, scaling, cracking and oozing. constitutes a major proportion of all skin diseases and affects QoL. Regimental therapy plays an important role in skin diseases especially in Atopic Eczema. Material and Methods: This trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of Leech therapy and Unani Herbal Formulation on Atopic Eczema in the Department of Moalijat (General Medicine), Govt. Nizamia Tibbi College, and Hyderabad during the year of 2005-2008. The study consisted of 4 years of age were included.were given Oral decoction of unani drug along with local application of leech in test group, whereas in comparative group oral and local unani herbal formulation were given for 4 weeks and followed up one month after trial. Results: Results were assessed by using the Student‘t’ test and the two groups were compared regarding relief of symptoms by X2 test. The results showed a significant improvement in sign and symptoms both in the test group (p<0.01) and in the comparative group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Local application of leech on Nare farsi was found better in comparison to local application of unani herbal medicine.

CASE STUDY OF LEECH APPLICATION IN DIABETIC FOOT ULCER

In diabetes, slight injury to the g lucose laden tissue may cause chronic infection and ulcer formation. About 15% of all diabetic patients develops foot ulcer in their life time. The etiological factors include increased sugar level, diabetic micro angiopathy and peripheral neuropathy. Main stay of treatment includes antibiotics, debridement, and local wound care and footwear improvisation. In spite of all advances in health sciences, statistics reveals that about 3% patients yet have to undergo lower limb amputation. In Sushrut samhita, we g et the most scientific description of wound and its management. Similarly, Sushrut has given the utmost importance to Bloodletting therapy and considered Leech as the most unique and effective method of bloodletting even in infected wounds and abscesses. A foresaid description led us to try Leech therapy in Diabetic foot ulcer. Patient with Diabetic foot ul cer was advised to continue anti diabetic medicine along with weekly application of Leech around the ulcer which was followed by dressing with Nimb - Haridr a oil. This Leech therapy proved very effective and the ulcer healed completely with in 30 days. However, further evaluation is required to be done by taking a large sample size to prove its significance in treating Diabetic foot ulcer and avoiding

Mixed Arterio-Venous Insufficiency in Random Skin Flaps in the Rat: Is the Application of Medicinal Leeches Beneficial?

Leeches are commonly used in reconstructive surgery for the treatment of venous congestion in flaps. Documented mechanisms of action are (1) injection of the anticoagulant hirudin; (2) active suction of blood; and (3) passive oozing of the bite wound. Even though the benefits of leeches in venous congestion are widely accepted, little is known about their effects in mixed arterio-venous insufficiency. Thirty Wistar rats were randomized into three groups (n = 10 each), and 9 x 3 cm ischemic random skin flaps were elevated on the rat dorsum. Group 1 served as controls. In group 2, one leech was applied to the distal part of the flap and in group 3, three leeches were applied, one at a time, at 8 h intervals. Postoperatively, flap survival and perfusion were quantitated by daily planimetry and laser-Doppler imaging. The application of a single leech on postoperative day 7 did not lead to any statistically significant changes in total flap survival or tissue perfusion. Triple leech application, however, caused a significant decrease in flap survival of 6.6% at day 7 (3x leech versus control: 45.8% +/- 8.5% versus 52.4% +/- 8.5%, respectively) (P < 0.01) and a decline in flap perfusion of 13% (3x leech versus control: 71.3% +/- 16.6% versus 84.3% +/- 9.3%, respectively) (P < 0.01). The data demonstrate that the application of leeches in the setting of mixed arterio-venous insufficiency can be hazardous to flap viability. Pure venous congestion with an adequate arterial supply remains the only indication for controlled leech application in the clinical setting.