Earthworm Extract
Also known as: Earthworm bioactive compounds, EE, Pheretima aspergillum extract, Earthworm Extract
Overview
Earthworm extract (EE) is a complex natural bioactive mixture derived primarily from earthworm species such as *Pheretima aspergillum*. It contains a variety of bioactive molecules including enzymes (e.g., lumbrokinase), proteins, peptides (e.g., lysenin, antimicrobial peptides), glycolipoproteins (e.g., G-90), and polyphenols. Traditionally used in Asian medicine, EE is increasingly being investigated for its pharmacological properties. Research indicates potential applications in antifibrotic, anticoagulant, antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, wound healing, and hypoglycemic contexts. Its key characteristics include fibrinolytic activity due to enzymes like lumbrokinase, antioxidant properties from glycolipoproteins, and antimicrobial effects from peptides. While numerous in vitro and animal studies support its potential, large-scale human randomized controlled trials are limited, indicating a moderate research maturity level.
Benefits
Earthworm extract exhibits several evidence-based benefits, primarily supported by preclinical studies and some systematic reviews. Its antifibrotic effects are notable, with studies showing a reduction in fibrosis markers like TGF-β1 and α-SMA, leading to attenuated renal interstitial fibrosis and improved renal function in animal models. The antithrombotic activity, mainly attributed to lumbrokinase, demonstrates effective anticoagulant and thrombolytic properties without inducing hyperfibrinolysis-related bleeding. For anticancer potential, systematic reviews indicate that earthworm extracts can inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and cause cell cycle arrest in various cancer cell lines in vitro. Furthermore, meta-analyses suggest accelerated wound contraction and improved healing indices in animal models treated with earthworm extract. Secondary effects observed in preclinical studies include antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral), anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic activities. While these benefits are promising, most evidence comes from animal models, and high-quality human data, especially for specific populations, remains limited.
How it works
Earthworm extract exerts its effects through multiple biological pathways. Its antifibrotic action involves the downregulation of TGF-β1 signaling and inhibition of myofibroblast activation, thereby reducing extracellular matrix accumulation. The antithrombotic activity is primarily due to fibrinolytic enzymes like lumbrokinase, which directly degrade fibrin clots without causing excessive bleeding. Anticancer effects are mediated by inducing apoptosis, arresting the cell cycle, and inhibiting proliferation in various cancer cells. Additionally, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to specific peptides and the modulation of inflammatory cytokines. EE interacts with the coagulation cascade, immune response, and cellular signaling pathways involved in fibrosis and cancer. Key molecular targets include TGF-β1, α-SMA, fibrin, and reactive oxygen species, along with various apoptotic pathways in cancer cells.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of earthworm extract is generally considered safe based on traditional use and animal studies; however, human safety data is limited. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects are not well documented due to the scarcity of large-scale human clinical trials. No major adverse effects have been reported in animal studies. A significant safety concern is the potential for drug interactions, particularly with anticoagulants, due to the fibrinolytic activity of components like lumbrokinase. Therefore, caution is strongly advised for individuals on anticoagulant therapy. Contraindications include bleeding disorders or concurrent use of anticoagulant medications. Special populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and patients with an increased risk of bleeding should exercise extreme caution, as specific safety data for these groups is lacking.
Dosage
The optimal and minimum effective dosages for earthworm extract are not well established in humans, as most research has been conducted in animal models. Animal studies utilize variable dosing, and human dosing data is currently insufficient for standardization. Consequently, a maximum safe dose has not been defined, and the safety margin remains unclear. For wound healing, topical application frequency varies, but systemic use dosing is unknown. Dosing may also differ based on the form of the extract, particularly if standardized for specific components like lumbrokinase or G-90, and whether it is for topical or oral administration. Due to the proteinaceous nature of some bioactive components, oral bioavailability may be low, suggesting that topical or injectable routes might enhance efficacy. No specific cofactors are currently established as necessary for its action.
FAQs
Is earthworm extract safe to use?
Earthworm extract is generally considered safe based on traditional use and animal studies. However, human safety data is limited, and caution is advised, especially if you are taking anticoagulant medications.
Can it be used for wound healing?
Yes, preclinical evidence, including meta-analyses of animal studies, supports that earthworm extract can accelerate wound contraction and improve healing indices.
Does it have anticancer effects?
In vitro and some in vivo studies suggest that earthworm extract has anticancer potential by inhibiting cancer cell growth and inducing apoptosis, but robust clinical evidence is still lacking.
How does it work for fibrosis?
Earthworm extract works by inhibiting key pathways involved in fibrosis, such as downregulating TGF-β1 signaling and preventing the activation of myofibroblasts, thereby reducing tissue scarring.
Are there risks of bleeding?
While lumbrokinase in earthworm extract has fibrinolytic activity, it is reported not to cause hyperfibrinolysis-related bleeding. Nevertheless, caution is advised, especially if you have bleeding disorders or are on anticoagulants.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1039553/full – This meta-analysis of animal studies found that earthworm extract significantly attenuated renal fibrosis by reducing markers like TGF-β1 and α-SMA, and improved renal function. The study provides strong preclinical evidence for its antifibrotic potential, though human data is needed.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ame2.12465 – This review article summarizes the bioactive components of earthworm extract and their pharmacological effects, including antithrombotic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It highlights the potential of lumbrokinase as a fibrinolytic agent without excessive bleeding risk.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11528390/ – This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the pharmacological activities of earthworm extract, including its antithrombotic, antimicrobial, and antifibrotic effects. It discusses the various bioactive components responsible for these actions, emphasizing the broad therapeutic potential.
- https://phcogrev.com/sites/default/files/PhcogRev_2018_12_23_46.pdf – This systematic review analyzed in vitro and in vivo studies on the anticancer effects of earthworm extracts. It concluded that these extracts exhibit cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines, inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, suggesting promising anticancer potential, though clinical trials are needed.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8568887/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the wound healing properties of earthworm extract in animal models. The findings indicate that earthworm extract significantly accelerates wound contraction and improves healing indices, supporting its traditional use for wound care.