Pharmacological Action of Shuizhi(Leech)and Its Application in Encephalopathy
Shuizhi(leech),first seen in the Shennong Materia Medica,has a long history.It is a commonly used drug for the treatment of brain diseases.Its pharmacological effects include anti-coagulation,anti-thrombosis,anti-tumor,anti-inflamma-tion,anti-fibrosis,anti-apoptosis and anti-lipid.With the gradual understanding of the clinical effect of Shuizhi(leech),the use of traditional Chinese medicine to treat brain diseases is more and more common.Its advantages in the treatment of brain dis-eases are gradually emerging,the use of Shuizhi(leech)in the treatment of stroke,headache,vertigo,dementia,fibrillation syn-drome and other brain diseases have achieved good curative effect.