Leech Therapy

Chronic non-healing ulcers constitute a major global health burden and are associated with significant morbidity, psychological distress, reduced quality of life, and risk of limb amputation. Epidemiological studies indicate that approximately 1–2% of the population may develop chronic wounds during their lifetime. In India, the prevalence was reported to be 4.8 per 1,000 populations in 2004. Despite advances in conventional wound care, many cases remain refractory to treatment. Irsal-i-Alaq (leech therapy), a classical regimen of Unani medicine, may offer a complementary therapeutic approach in such cases. To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Irsal-i-Alaq in the management of a chronic non-healing ulcer. A 45-year-old male patient presented with a six-month history of a non- healing ulcer over the lateral malleolus of the left foot, associated with pain, swelling, discharge, and skin discoloration. Leech therapy was administered weekly for two months, and the ulcer was assessed at 15-day intervals using standardized clinical parameters. Progressive improvement in ulcer size, discharge, pain, and surrounding inflammation was observed, culminating in complete healing by the end of the treatment period. No adverse events were reported. Irsal-i-Alaq demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in this case of chronic non-healing ulcer and may serve as a cost-effective adjunct or alternative therapy. Further controlled clinical studies are warranted to validate these findings. Keywords: Irsal-i-Alaq, Chronic Ulcer, Leech Therapy, Unani Medicine, Non-healing Wound