Earthworm, Di Long 地龙
Di Long ‘Earth Dragon’ (TCM)
Kharateen (Unani)
Materia Medica Animalia, Peter Peyto Good, 1853
Bulk Prepared Earthworm as available on the Chinese Market (Chengdu Medicine Market, Adam, 2015)
Dried Earthworm as used in Unani medicine (Calcutta Unani College, Adam, 2019)
Members CLICK HERE for the PRO VERSION
Entomological name:
Primarily Lumbricus and Pheretima spp:
- Lumbricus terrestris
- Pheretima vulgaris
- Pheretima aspergillium (‘Guang Di Long‘; regarded as best in TCM)
- Pheretima rubellus
- Pheretima asiatica, P. posthuma, P. guillelmi, P. pectinifera, P. koreana, P. carnosa, P. hupeiensis (TCM)
Other sources of Earthworm include Allolobophora caliginosa trapezoides, Eisenia foetida, E. rosea
According to TCM sources, the best Earthworms are white-necked Earthworms.
Parts used:
Cleansed and dried Earthworm.
Temperature & Taste:
Cool, dry (some have claimed them moist; they are moist when fresh). Salty
Classifications:
2B ATTENUATERS 2I. ANTISPASMODICS 2T. GLUTINATE
3E. DIURETIC 3F. LITHONTRIPTIC 3H. LACTAGOGUE 3K. EXPECTORANT 3M. ARTHRITICS
4k. ARTHRITIC
TCM:
B. Clear Heat B. Clears Deficient Heat C. Clear Damp, Promote Urine D. Clear Wind and Damp I. Medicines for Internal Wind P. Clear Phlegm
Uses:
1. Clears Wind and Heat, Resists Poison (TCM, West):
-Fever, Epidemic Fever
2. Settles Wind, Stops Spasms and Convulsions (TCM, West):
-Spasms, Convulsions
3. Clears Heat and Damp, Promotes Urine (TCM, West):
-hot, painful urinary problems
4. Clears Heat, Stops Coughing and Wheezing (TCM, West):
-Cough, Asthma
5. Clears Wind-Damp, Moves the Blood, Promotes Circulation (TCM, West):
-joint and muscle pain
6. Promotes Milk:
-It has been used to promote Milk. (West)
7. Benefits Kidneys, Nourishes Yin::
-Regarded as tonic
8. Kills Worms:
9. Externally:
-boiled in oil to use externally for Erysipelas, chronic open Sores, lower limb Ulcers, Eczema, Burns, Pains, Gout etc. (TCM, West).
Dose:
Preparation:
Comment:
Correctives:
Substitutes:
Main Combinations:
Heat, Fever
1. High Fever with convulsions and delirium:
i. Fresh Earthworms … available in PRO version
ii. Earthworm, … available in PRO version
2. Infantile Convulsions:
i. Earthworm, … available in PRO version
ii. Earthworm with … available in PRO version
iii. Acute Infantile Convulsions, grind a fresh Earthworm with … available in PRO version
3. Epidemic Fever and Febrile diseases in Children:
i. wash fresh Earthworm, … available in PRO version
ii. wash the earth from Earthworms, … available in PRO version
4. Sudden swelling of the Throat:
i. beat fresh Earthworms with … available in PRO version
ii. beat 14 fresh Earthworm … available in PRO version
5. Malaria with restlessness and fever, … available in PRO version
6. Consumption and Hectic Fever, Earthworm with … available in PRO version
Head, Nerve, Wind diseases
7. Severe Headaches, Migraine:
i. Baked Earthworm, … available in PRO version
ii. Earthworm, … available in PRO version
8. Paralysis, Hemiplegia:
i. Earthworm with … available in PRO version
ii. Post-stroke Hemiplegia or Facial Paralysis, Earthworm with … available in PRO version
iii. Hemiplegia, Loss of Speech, Earthworm with … available in PRO version
iv. For Paralysis and all Hardness: … available in PRO version
9. Stroke, with Hemiplegia, Numbness, Deviation of mouth and eye:
i. with Qi deficiency and Blood stasis, Earthworm with … available in PRO version
ii. Earthworm, … available in PRO version
iii. with numbness, muscle contracture, Earthworm, … available in PRO version
iv. Earthworm, … available in PRO version
v. from Wind-Phlegm, Earthworm, … available in PRO version
10. Chronic Convulsions from weakness, … available in PRO version
11. Dizziness and Hypertension, Earthworm with … available in PRO version
12. Vertigo, Earthworm, … available in PRO version
13. Schizophrenia, Mania with Fever, wash fresh Earthworm, … available in PRO version
14. Alzheimer’s Disease, Earthworm, … available in PRO version
15. Deafness, Earthworm, … available in PRO version
Move the Blood
16. To Move the Blood and clear Blood stasis:
i. Earthworm with … available in PRO version
ii. Earthworm with … available in PRO version
iii. to strongly break Blood stasis, Earthworm with … available in PRO version
Urinary, Stones, Jaundice, Arthritis
17. Edema and Ascites, … available in PRO version
18. Swelling and pain of the hands and feet, grind fresh Earthworms … available in PRO version
19. Dysuria, Urinary retention from Heat and Damp:
i. Grind fresh Earthworms, … available in PRO version
ii. Earthworm with … available in PRO version
20. Jaundice:
i. take as many Earthworms … available in PRO version
ii. Earthworm with … available in PRO version
iii. Earthworm with … available in PRO version
21. To promote Urine, Earthworm with … available in PRO version
22. Gravel and Stones, combine Oil of Earthworms and … available in PRO version
23. Chronic Arthritis, Rheumatism from Wind-Damp:
i. Earthworm, … available in PRO version
ii. Earthworm, … available in PRO version
iii. Earthworm, … available in PRO version
24. Cervical spondylopathy, Earthworm with … available in PRO version
Other
25. Red, Inflamed Eyes:
i. from Wind exposure, … available in PRO version
ii. from Wind-Damp-Heat, Earthworm, … available in PRO version
26. Asthma, Wheezing, Bronchitis from Heat:
i. wash fresh Earthworm, … available in PRO version
ii. Earthworm with … available in PRO version
iii. Earthworm with … available in PRO version
iv. Earthworm with … available in PRO version
27. Thromboangiitis Obliterans, Scrofula and Osteoarticular Tuberculosis, Earthworm, … available in PRO version
28. Leprosy, beat Earthworms … available in PRO version
29. Diabetes, Earthworm, … available in PRO version
30. To promote Milk:
i. Earthworm with … available in PRO version
ii. Fennel seed, … available in PRO version
Externally:
31. To heal a Wound, Oils of Earthworm, … available in PRO version
32. Fracture:
i. Earthworm, … available in PRO version
ii. Earthworm, … available in PRO version
iii. Earthworm, … available in PRO version
33. Hernia, Earthworm … available in PRO version
34. Withered and Wasting of the Limbs, Earthworms, … available in PRO version
35. For Lameness, and tightness of the sinews, mix Oil of Earthworms … available in PRO version
36. Erysipelas, Dermatitis, fresh washed Earthworms … available in PRO version
37. Varicose veins, Earthworm, … available in PRO version
38. Sores, Burns, Scalds, paste of the fresh Earthworm … available in PRO version
39. Inflammations, Earthworms, … available in PRO version
40. Toothache, dissolve fresh Earthworm … available in PRO version
41. Sore, Swollen and Bleeding gums:
i. apply powdered Earthworm … available in PRO version
ii. powdered Earthworm, … available in PRO version
42. Breast Lumps, Wash Earthworms in … available in PRO version
43. Swollen Testes in an infant, powder Earthworm, … available in PRO version
44. Otitis Media with pus, grind dried Earthworm … available in PRO version
45. Tinea, Earthworm powder, … available in PRO version
46. To remove foul flesh in Cancerous Ulcers, apply Earthworm powder … available in PRO version
Major Formula:
Xiao Huo Luo Wan
Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang
Ba Zhu Tang
Cautions:
1. Caution in those with markedly weak digestion, or who are Cold and weak.
2. Avoid use in Pregnancy
Main Preparations used:
Syrup of Earthworm, Distilled Water, Oil of Earthworms
GENERAL / REVIEW:
–Dilong: Food for Thought and Medicine
–Therapeutic Properties of Earthworms
–Therapeutic Uses of Earthworm
–Comparison on pharmacological functions of pheretima
–[Analysis of chemical components from Pheretima].
–Earthworms Dilong: Ancient, Inexpensive, Noncontroversial Models May Help Clarify Approaches to Integrated Medicine Emphasizing Neuroimmune Systems
PREPARATION:
–[Study on best preparation procedure of Lumbricus for anticoagulated blood region in vitro].
ANTI-PYRETIC
–Anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities of earthworm extract-Lampito mauritii (Kinberg).
–Therapeutic Properties of Earthworms
ANTI-BACTERIAL
–Antibacterial Activity of Lumbricus Rubellus Earthworm Extract Against Porphyromonas Gingivalis as the Bacterial Cause of Periodontitis
–Antibacterial activity of endosymbiotic bacterial compound from Pheretima sp. earthworms inhibit the growth of Salmonella Typhi and Staphylococcus aureus: in vitro and in silico approach
–Purification of a protein from coelomic fluid of the earthworm Eisenia foetida and evaluation of its hemolytic, antibacterial, and antitumor activities.
–Therapeutic Properties of Earthworms
–Comparative Studies on terrestrial and marine Earthworm extracts against Human pathogens
–Comparative study of antibacterial activity of two different earthworm species, Perionyx excavatus and Pheretima posthuma against pathogenic bacteria
–EFFECT OF EARTHWORMS (Lumbricus Sp.) EXTRACT ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY AGAINST THE BACTERIA Salmonella Typhii
–Earthworm Extract Lumbricus Rubellus and Pheretima SP Against Salmonella Typhi and Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteria: A Literature Review
–EARTHWORM A POTENTIAL SOURCE FOR STABLE AND POTENT ANTIMICROBIAL
–Medicinal Perspective of Antibacterial Bioactive Agents in Earthworms (Clitellata, Annelida): A Comprehensive Review
COVID:
–The Curious Case of Earthworms and COVID-19.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY:
–Anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities of earthworm extract-Lampito mauritii (Kinberg).
–Anti-inflammatory activities of Guang-Pheretima extract in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages.
–Earthworms Dilong: Ancient, Inexpensive, Noncontroversial Models May Help Clarify Approaches to Integrated Medicine Emphasizing Neuroimmune Systems
–Anti-inflammatory activity of earthworm extracts
ANTI-OXIDANT
–Earthworms Dilong: Ancient, Inexpensive, Noncontroversial Models May Help Clarify Approaches to Integrated Medicine Emphasizing Neuroimmune Systems
–Therapeutic Properties of Earthworms
SEDATIVE & ANTI-CONVULSANT
–Decoction and alcohol extracts are effective.
ANALGESIC
–Study of analgesic effect of earthworm extract
CARDIOPROTECTIVE:
–Cardio Protective Effects of Lumbrokinase and Dilong on Second-Hand Smoke-Induced Apoptotic Signaling in the Heart of a Rat Model.
HYPOTENSIVE:
–Tincture, Powder and Decoction have shown this effect.
–[A hypotensive analog of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in pheretima].
–[Study on fibrolytic and hypotensive activity of earthworm homogenate of ultrafiltration separation from enzymolysis].
–Therapeutic Uses of Earthworm
ANTI-ARRHYTHMIC
–Tincture, Powder and Decoction have shown this effect.
–Therapeutic Uses of Earthworm
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
–Bazhu Decoction, a Traditional Chinese Medical Formula, Ameliorates Cognitive Deficits in the 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
GASTROPROTECTIVE:
–Gastroprotective effect of earthworm paste (Lampito mauritii, Kinberg) on experimental gastric ulcer in rats.
HEPATOPROTECTIVE:
–Effect of earthworm powder on antioxidant enzymes in alcohol induced hepatotoxic rats.
DIURETIC
–Comparison on pharmacological functions of pheretima
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS:
–Therapeutic effects of Chinese medicine Di-Long (Pheretima vulgaris) on rheumatoid arthritis through inhibiting NF-κB activation and regulating Th1/Th2 balance.
WOUND HEALING
–Effect of Earthworm on Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
–The effect of earthworm extract on promoting skin wound healing
–Effect of earthworm active protein on fibroblast proliferation and its mechanism.
PROMOTE NERVE REGENERATION:
–Earthworms Dilong: Ancient, Inexpensive, Noncontroversial Models May Help Clarify Approaches to Integrated Medicine Emphasizing Neuroimmune Systems
–Dilong: Food for Thought and Medicine
–Dilong: Role in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
PROMOTES BONE HEALING
–Earthworm (Pheretima aspergillum) extract stimulates osteoblast activity and inhibits osteoclast differentiation
BRONCHODILATOR;
–including that caused by histamine and pilocarpine
ANTI-ASTHMATIC
–In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the anti-asthmatic activities of fractions from Pheretima.
–[Study on the proportion & mechanism of reliving asthma of drug partnership comprising herbal Ephedrae sinica & Pheretima aspergilum].
–[Effect of earthworm decoction on airway inflammation of bronchial asthma in guinea pigs].
–Pheretima aspergillum decoction suppresses inflammation and relieves asthma in a mouse model of bronchial asthma by NF-κB inhibition.
–Effects of wuwei dilong decoction on inflammatory cells and cytokines in asthma model guinea pigs.
–Therapeutic Uses of Earthworm
ANTI-THROMBOTIC, INHIBITS PLATELET AGGREGATION
–Decoction has demonstrated this effect.
–[Study of the fibrinolytic, anti-coagulative, thrombolytic and hemorheologic action of Lumbricus].
–Dilong: Food for Thought and Medicine
–Bioevaluation of Pheretima vulgaris Antithrombotic Extract, PvQ, and Isolation, Identification of Six Novel PvQ-Derived Fibrinolytic Proteases
–Comparative proteomic analysis of the sun- and freeze-dried earthworm Eisenia fetida with differentially thrombolytic activities.
–Antithrombotic effects by oral administration of novel proteinase fraction from earthworm eisenia andrei on venous thrombosis model in rats
ANTICOAGULANNT:
–Transcriptomic-proteomics-anticoagulant bioactivity integrated study of Pheretima guillemi.
–Therapeutic Properties of Earthworms
–Isolation and determination of biochemical nature of water soluble anticoagulant from earthworm
INDUCES THROMBOLYSIS
–due to Lumbrokinase
–Therapeutic Uses of Earthworm
FIBRONOLYTIC:
–[Study of the fibrinolytic, anti-coagulative, thrombolytic and hemorheologic action of Lumbricus].
–Isolation and properties of a novel fibrinolytic enzyme from an earth worm
–[Study on fibrolytic and hypotensive activity of earthworm homogenate of ultrafiltration separation from enzymolysis].
–Bioevaluation of Pheretima vulgaris Antithrombotic Extract, PvQ, and Isolation, Identification of Six Novel PvQ-Derived Fibrinolytic Proteases
–Effect of Pheretima aspergillum on reducing fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
–A Strategy for Rapid Discovery of Marker Peptides Associated with Fibrinolytic Efficacy of Pheretima aspergillum Based on Bioinformatics Combined with Parallel Reaction Monitoring.
–Therapeutic Properties of Earthworms
–Hematological studies on naturally occurring substances. II. Effects of animal crude drugs on blood coagulation and fibrinolysis systems.
LIVER FIBROSIS:
–Water extract of earthworms mitigates mouse liver fibrosis by potentiating hepatic LKB1/Nrf2 axis to inhibit HSC activation and hepatocyte death.
PULMONARY FIBROSIS:
–Qilongtian ameliorate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice via inhibiting IL-17 signal pathway.
–[Preparation of purified proteins from fresh Pheretima and their inhibitory effect against pulmonary fibrosis in mice].
–The antifibrotic effect of pheretima protein is mediated by the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway and attenuates inflammation in bleomycin-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
–[Effect of Dilong on expression of fibrogenic factors TGF-β1 and α-SMA in lung tissue of mice with pulmonary fibrosis].
ANTI-TUMOR
–Evaluation of cytotoxic and anti-tumor activity of partially purified serine protease isolate from the Indian earthworm Pheretima posthuma
–Purification of a protein from coelomic fluid of the earthworm Eisenia foetida and evaluation of its hemolytic, antibacterial, and antitumor activities.
–Therapeutic Properties of Earthworms
ANTI-CANCER
–Lumbrokinase lower Fibrinogen in cancer patients, reduces metastasis, slows Tumors growth
–Bioactive Earthworm Peptides Produced by Novel Protease-Producing Bacillus velezensis PM 35 and Its Bioactivities on Liver Cancer Cell Death via Apoptosis, Antioxidant Activity, Protection Against Oxidative Stress, and Immune Cell Activation.
–The effect of earthworm extract on mice S180 tumor growth and apoptosis.
–Therapeutic Uses of Earthworm
ANTI-AGING
–Anti-elastase, anti-tyrosinase and matrix metalloproteinase-1 inhibitory activity of earthworm extracts as potential new anti-aging agent
UTERINE STIMULANT
