Hirudotherapy, or medical treatment with leeches, is the oldest known method of utilizing nature’s healing potential in medicine. Today, this practice remains highly relevant for addressing a variety of health conditions. Its continued use can be attributed both to the diverse applications of biotherapy and the increasing concerns about the side effects associated with synthetic pharmaceuticals. Despite significant advancements in pharmacology, there are still numerous diseases that remain challenging to treat, and a growing number of ailments have emerged as a direct result of medication use. Uniquely, Russia is the only country where medical leeches continue to be integrated into mainstream treatment alongside conventional pharmaceuticals. Even as the pharmaceutical industry is rapidly expanding, the tradition of hirudotherapy continues, supported by extensive empirical research conducted by both Russian and international scientists. This article reviews the historical evolution of hirudotherapy globally and within Russia, analyzes the socio-economic factors contributing to its sustained popularity, and examines its biological effects on the body.
