Optimization of Growth Conditions of Leeches for Hirudin Production: Optimization of Local Leeches for Production Expension Leech Hirudin

Leeches (Class: Hirudinea) are widely distributed all over the world in various habitats, such as freshwater, seas, desert, and oases (Gouda, 2006). Leech are forbidden (Haram) for consumption as a food, but it is recommended (Sunnah) for cosmetic purposes and as medical products. Nowadays, the breeding of leeches for medical purposes has bright commercial potential and of late many entrepreneurs have embarked on the farming of leeches. In this study, understanding the growth conditions required could help maximize the quality of leech farming and those for medical purposes. It is common knowledge that when the leech ceases to feed, the host bleeds for a long time. It has long been known that leeches contain a substance with anticoagulant properties namely hirudin protein. Numerous studies with experimental animal models have been performed that corroborated the antithrombotic efficacy of hirudin (Kaiser, 1991). However, in Malaysia work on gathering more information on hirudin protein is still far and between. In this study, the detection and quantification of protein extracted from leech, followed by protein purification and profiling for this this local leeches were carried out