Research progress on proteins and peptides from earthworm / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Earthworm is one of animal drugs in Chinese materia medica. It was commonly used in clinic with rich resources in China. Modern studies showed that proteins and peptides were the main components in earthworm. It has been used for treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases because of its various activities, such as anticoagulant, anti-stroke, antibacterial, and antifibrotic activities, etc. In this review, 48 proteins and peptides from different species of earthworm reported since 1983 were summarized, including their names, molecular weights, amino acid sequences, isoelectric points, and activities. In addition, its pharmacological effects of earthworm proteins and peptides were summarized. In all, it will provide a scientific basis for the further study and comprehensive utilization of proteins and peptides of earthworm.