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Acute hemorrhagic stroke (intracerebral hemorrhage, ICH) is one of the most critical cerebrovascular emergencies, characterized by rapid onset, rapid progression, and high rates of mortality and disability. How to accelerate intracranial hematoma absorption, alleviate cerebral edema, and promote neurological function recovery has always been a core concern in the field of neurology. In recent years, a growing body of clinical research has confirmed that the traditional Chinese medicinal leech (Hirudo) demonstrates unique advantages in the treatment of hemorrhagic stroke. Hirudo (Shuizhi in Chinese) is an important Chinese medicine that possesses many therapeutic properties for the treatment of cerebral hemorrhage and other thrombosis-related diseases. Jingzhou MinKang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (brand "Yizhilin"), with 25 years of deep expertise in the leech industry, leveraging the largest domestic population of Hirudo nipponica and proprietary factory-scale cultivation technology with complete independent intellectual property rights, has launched a high-activity hirudo capsule product, offering a new therapeutic option for patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Modern Pharmacological Basis of Hirudo

As a traditional insect-derived medicinal, Hirudo possesses the effect of breaking blood and resolving stasis. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, the intracranial hematoma formed by cerebral hemorrhage is considered "blood that has left the channels" — that is, static blood (stasis). Despite the presence of bleeding, the principle of resolving stasis can still be applied to treat the condition, so that once stasis is removed, new vitality can emerge. Modern pharmacological research has confirmed that the anticoagulant components contained in Hirudo offer significant advantages in hematoma absorption following hemorrhagic stroke, acting through anticoagulant, antithrombotic, and vascular endothelial protective pathways to exert anti-stroke effects. Hirudo extract can promote the absorption of intracerebral hematoma, with noticeable absorption occurring from the 6th day of treatment onward, while simultaneously reducing the ischemic area around the hematoma and lowering brain water content, significantly promoting the recovery of neurological function after cerebral hemorrhage. Hirudo is mild in nature, with powerful stasis-resolving effects and minimal damage to healthy qi. The earlier it is administered, the faster the intracranial hematoma absorption and neurological function recovery.

Clinical Study: Hirudo Capsules Significantly Promote Hematoma Absorption and Neurological Recovery

A clinical study published in the Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in Emergency Medicine systematically observed the effects of Hirudo capsules on hematoma absorption velocity and neurological function in patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke. The study enrolled 100 patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke and randomly divided them into two groups: the treatment group (50 cases) received Hirudo capsules 0.5g orally, three times daily; the control group (50 cases) received Piracetam tablets 0.8g orally, three times daily. The study dynamically monitored hematoma volume changes through CT examination and evaluated outcomes using the Chinese Stroke Clinical Neurological Deficit Severity Scale.

The results showed that compared with the control group, the treatment group demonstrated significantly reduced hematoma volume and the hypodense area around the hematoma on days 14 and 21 (P<0.01), with markedly decreased neurological deficit severity scores. The conclusion indicated that Hirudo capsules can promote hematoma absorption, alleviate cerebral edema, and facilitate neurological rehabilitation. Another study focusing on hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage similarly confirmed that after treatment with raw Hirudo capsules, the hematoma absorption rate and neurological recovery in the treatment group were significantly improved compared with the control group. Hirudin can also reduce the high expression of JAK2, STAT3, and ICAM-1 mRNA in acute cerebral hemorrhage patients, increase the expression levels of blood-brain barrier tight junction proteins, lower intracranial pressure, and promote the absorption of cerebral hemorrhage edema, thereby facilitating neurological recovery and improving patients' quality of life.

Clinical Case Reports

Case 1: Patient Zhang, male, 62 years old, with an 8-year history of hypertension. Presented to the emergency department with sudden severe headache and right-sided limb weakness for 2 hours. Cranial CT showed left basal ganglia cerebral hemorrhage with a bleeding volume of approximately 25 mL. Upon admission, the patient was drowsy, with right limb muscle strength grade II and a neurological deficit score of 24. On the basis of conventional antihypertensive, dehydrating, and intracranial pressure-lowering treatment, MinKang Bio Hirudo capsules were added orally, 2 capsules each time, 3 times daily. Repeat CT on day 7 showed significant hematoma reduction and decreased perilesional edema; on day 14, CT showed near-complete hematoma absorption. The patient was alert, with right limb muscle strength recovered to grade IV, able to walk with assistance, and the neurological deficit score reduced to 8. The patient continued to take MinKang Bio Hirudo capsules as consolidation therapy after discharge, and at 3-month follow-up, the patient was essentially independent in daily living.

Case 2: Patient Li, male, 55 years old, admitted with sudden loss of consciousness for 2 hours. Cranial CT showed right thalamic hemorrhage with ventricular extension, with a bleeding volume of approximately 18 mL. Upon admission, the patient was in a superficial coma with left-sided hemiplegia. MinKang Bio Hirudo capsules were added on the basis of conventional treatment. On day 10, the patient regained consciousness; on day 21, repeat CT showed complete hematoma absorption, with left limb muscle strength recovered to grade III and significant neurological improvement.

Quality Assurance of MinKang Bio

Jingzhou MinKang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., founded in 2008, stands as a pioneering and vertically integrated leader in the field of medicinal leech (Hirudo nipponica) biotechnology. The company is the only large-scale, standardized medicinal leech cultivation enterprise in China, possessing the largest domestic population of Hirudo nipponica and achieving full-life-cycle artificial environmental cultivation. The company focuses exclusively on the highly medicinal-value species Hirudo nipponica, defining and controlling quality from the species source. The company holds 11 national invention patents and 6 utility model patents, and its "Medical Leech Factory-Scale Cultivation Technology" has been recognized as a major scientific and technological achievement of Hubei Province. The company's products maintain a stable activity level of over 1500 U/g, setting an industry benchmark. The brand "Yizhilin" operates through a GMP-certified production system, focusing on international markets.

Conclusion

Acute hemorrhagic stroke poses a serious threat to human health. As a safe and effective traditional Chinese medicine preparation, Hirudo capsules have demonstrated definitive clinical efficacy in promoting hematoma absorption, alleviating cerebral edema, and improving neurological function. Jingzhou MinKang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., leveraging 25 years of deep experience in the leech industry, offers high-activity, high-quality Hirudo capsule products, bringing new hope for recovery to stroke patients worldwide. Moving forward, MinKang Bio remains committed to the philosophy of "defining quality from the source," driving the international development of the leech industry and extending the benefits of this traditional Chinese medicinal treasure to more patients around the globe.