Hirudin
Hirudin Manufacturer | Potent Natural Anticoagulant Headline: Premium Hirudin Manufacturer | Natural Thrombin Inhibitor (CAS: 8001-27-2) Sub-headline: Natural & Recombinant Grade | Activity 100-800 ATU/mg | Superior to Heparin Unique Selling Proposition (USP): • Direct Thrombin Inhibition: The most potent natural inhibitor of thrombin found in nature, working independently of antithrombin III (unlike Heparin). • High Specificity: Binds specifically to thrombin, preventing clot formation with a lower risk of bleeding complications compared to synthetic anticoagulants. • Versatile Source: Available as Natural Extract (from Hirudo medicinalis) or Recombinant Hirudin (r-Hirudin) for high-purity pharmaceutical applications.
Introduction
Hirudin (CAS: 8001-27-2) is a naturally occurring peptide in the salivary glands of blood-sucking leeches (such as Hirudo medicinalis).
It is renowned in the medical and cosmetic fields as a potent anticoagulant. Unlike Heparin, which requires a cofactor, Hirudin acts directly on thrombin. It effectively improves blood circulation, dissolves stasis, and reduces inflammation. In cosmetics, it is used to remove bruises, reduce dark circles, and improve skin microcirculation.
Category：
Keywords：
lumbrokinase
fibrinolytic
Functions
1 Anticoagulation & Thrombosis Prevention
• Mechanism: Forms a tight, non-covalent complex with thrombin (1:1 ratio), blocking its enzymatic activity.
• Action: Prevents the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, effectively inhibiting blood clot formation. Used for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and during microsurgery to prevent vascular occlusion.
2.Cosmetic Skin Care (Bruise/Dark Circle Removal)
• Mechanism: Enhances local microcirculation and accelerates the reabsorption of extravasated blood.
• Action: Rapidly clears bruises ("black and blue" marks) and reduces under-eye dark circles caused by blood stasis.
3.Anti-Fibrotic
• Mechanism: Inhibits fibroblast proliferation stimulated by thrombin.
• Action: Reduces scar formation and is investigated for treating renal and pulmonary fibrosis.
Applications
1.Pharmaceutical Formulations
• Application: Injections, Ointments, and Gels.
• Why it works: Clinical standard for treating varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, and hematomas. Recombinant forms are used for anticoagulation in patients with Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT).
2.Cosmetic Products
• Application: Eye Creams and Repair Gels.
• Why it works: "Hirudin-based" creams are popular for post-procedure recovery (e.g., after plastic surgery) to minimize bruising and swelling.
3.Health Supplements
• Application: Circulatory support capsules.
• Why it works: Often marketed (in dried powder form) for "clearing blood vessels" and preventing stroke in traditional medicine markets.
Flow Chart
1.Sourcing: Breeding of medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis).
2.Homogenization: Extraction of salivary glands or whole body (depending on grade).
3.Extraction: Aqueous saline extraction at low temperature.
4.Precipitation: Removal of impurity proteins (acetone/ethanol).
5.Purification: Affinity chromatography and gel filtration to isolate Hirudin peptide.
6.Lyophilization: Freeze-drying to preserve biological activity.
7.Standardization: Testing Antithrombin Activity (ATU) and blending.
8.Packaging: Glass vials or moisture-proof bags.
(Note: Recombinant Hirudin is produced via E. coli or Yeast fermentation).
Quality Standard of Lactoferrin
Product: Hirudin (Natural / Recombinant)
Source: Leech Extract / Fermentation
| Item | Specification | Result |
| Appearance | White to light grey lyophilized powder | Conforms |
| Activity | ≥ 600 AT-U/mg | 650 ATU/mg |
| Ash | ≤ 8.0% | 5.6% |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 10.0% | 5.0% |
| Pb | ≤2.0mg/kg | Conforms |
| Hg | ≤0.05mg/kg | Conforms |
| Cd | ≤0.2mg/kg | Conforms |
| As | ≤1.0mg/kg | Conforms |
| Total plate count | ≤1000cfu/g | Conforms |
| Yeast&Mold | ≤100cfu/g | Conforms |
Method of Analysis of Lactoferrin
Test Method: Thrombin Titration Method (ATU Assay)
• Principle: Measures the inhibition of thrombin activity. One Antithrombin Unit (ATU) is defined as the amount of Hirudin that neutralizes one unit of NIH Thrombin at 37°C.
• HPLC: Used to determine peptide purity (especially for recombinant grades).
Reference Chromatogram of Lactoferrin Reference Substance
(Description)
For recombinant Hirudin, HPLC (Reverse Phase C18) shows a single sharp peak. For natural extracts, the profile is more complex, containing Hirudin variants (HV1, HV2) and other bioactive peptides.
Stability and Safety
Stability Studies
• Thermostability: Relatively stable in dry powder form.
• Sensitivity: Sensitive to oxidation and proteases.
• Shelf Life: 24 Months when stored at 2-8°C (Refrigerated) or frozen.
Safety & Handling (MSDS Summary)
• Classification: Bioactive substance.
• Handling: Avoid inhalation.
• Storage: Refrigerate (2-8°C). Keep strictly dry.
Customer Comments
Product Developer, DermaActive (Korea)
2026.02.12
★★★★★
Formulator, HerbalTop (Germany)
2026.02.12
★★★★★
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FAQ
What is the difference between Natural and Recombinant Hirudin?
Natural is extracted from leeches and contains a complex of isoforms. It is preferred for cosmetics and traditional supplements. Recombinant (r-Hirudin) is genetically engineered (single isoform), offering higher purity and specific activity (>10,000 ATU/mg possible), preferred for injectable pharmaceuticals.
How is activity measured?
It is measured in ATU (Antithrombin Units). Common commercial grades range from 100 ATU/mg (crude extract) to >600 ATU/mg (refined).
Is it safe for topical use?
Yes, it is widely used in creams for bruises and veins. It penetrates the skin (especially if formulated with liposomes) to act on local capillaries.
References
1.Markwardt, F. (1991). "Hirudin and derivatives as anticoagulant agents." Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
2.Greinacher, A., et al. (2001). "Lepirudin (recombinant hirudin) for parenteral anticoagulation..." Circulation.
3.Nowak, G. (2002). "Pharmacology of recombinant hirudins." Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis.
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