Alternative sources of fibrinolytic, anticoagulative, antimicrobial and anticancer molecules.

Abstract The medicinal properties of earthworms in various remedies date back to 1340 A.D. and have been extended to other countries and cultures. Assays of tissue homogenates of earthworm (Eisenia foetida) have revealed a glycolipoprotein mixture referred to as G-90 that is composed of macromolecules with medical and pharmaceutical applications. There are several functions attributed to G-90: possession of several growth factors that: stimulate proliferation in cell cultures, contain an insulin like growth factor (IGF like), an immunoglobulin like growth factor (IgFG-like), possess two serine peptidases with a tyrosine code and epidermal growth factor (EGF). In contrast, G-90 exerts strong fibrinolytic and anticoagulative activity capable of lysing fibrin clots. Actions of these two properties are dependent upon concentration. Anti-coagulative activity also depends upon the kind of anticoagulants (G-90, PI, PII). G-90 can also act as antioxidant, exert antimicrobial activities in vitro and in vivo. The bacteriostatic effect is significantly greater for non-pathogenic species. Finally G-90 also participates in tissue regeneration and wound healing. Taken together, components of earthworms could be tested in certain clinical trials.