BIOCHEMICAL AND ANTICOAGULANT ATTRIBUTES OF SALIVA EXTRACT FROM INDIGENOUS NIGERIAN LEECH
Abstract:
The remarkable ability of leeches to prevent blood clotting during feeding, enabling them to store blood in their crops while exhibiting antibacterial properties, has garnered significant attention from traditional healers, medical professionals, and researchers. This study investigates the potential therapeutic applications of leech saliva extract (LSE), particularly in managing antibiotic resistance and coagulation disorders.
Biochemical analysis of LSE demonstrated the presence of alkaloids, balsams, flavonoids, saponins, reducing sugars, and cardiac glycosides. Conversely, steroids, anthraquinones, and tannins were absent in the chemical composition screening. The antimicrobial activity of LSE was evaluated against various bacterial species using the dilution method, revealing minimal inhibition concentrations (MIC) of 360 μg/ml for Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis. The minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) against these microorganisms were determined as 0.36 mg for B. subtilis, 3.6 mg for S. aureus, 0.36 mg for S. pyogenes, 0.36 mg for P. aeruginosa, and 0.36 mg for E. coli.
Furthermore, the investigation into anticoagulant activity revealed that local Nigerian leech saliva possesses anticoagulant properties, with thrombin times ranging from 7 to 53 minutes at various concentrations. This research represents one of the initial studies exploring the biochemical, antibiotic, and anticoagulant properties of leech saliva extract sourced from local Nigerian leeches.
BIOCHEMICAL AND ANTICOAGULANT ATTRIBUTES OF SALIVA EXTRACT FROM INDIGENOUS NIGERIAN LEECH. GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS