Traditional Chinese Medicine
Di Long (Pheretima aspergillum) (Pheretima aspergillum)
Moderate Evidencebotanical3 PubMed Studies
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Di Long (Pheretima aspergillum) is a traditional Chinese medicine earthworm extract containing lumbrokinase, a potent fibrinolytic enzyme. It works by breaking down fibrin clots and reducing inflammation through NF-κB pathway inhibition.
Di Long, or Pheretima aspergillum, refers to dried earthworm used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is collected, cleaned, and dried for medicinal use.
Some studies suggest Di Long may have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Di Long is typically used in dosages ranging from 4.5 to 12 grams. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Di Long (Pheretima aspergillum) is not typically classified as a food or nutritional supplement but rather as a traditional Chinese medicinal substance derived from dried earthworm. Its profile is characterized primarily by bioactive compounds rather than conventional macronutrient content. **Protein & Amino Acids:** Dried earthworm body contains approximately 56–70% crude protein by dry weight, rich in essential amino acids including glutamic acid (~10–13% of total amino acids), aspartic acid (~8–10%), leucine (~7–8%), and lysine (~5–7%). Free amino acid content is approximately 3–5 g per 100 g dry weight, contributing to its traditional use as a tonic. **Bioactive Compounds:** - **Lumbrokinase (fibrinolytic enzymes):** A group of at least 6 serine proteases with potent fibrinolytic and thrombolytic activity; concentration approximately 1–3% of total protein. These enzymes demonstrate measurable plasmin-like and plasminogen activator activity. Bioavailability is moderate orally due to partial enzymatic degradation in the GI tract, though enteric-coated preparations improve absorption. - **Lumbrofebrin (antipyretic peptides):** Heat-clearing peptide fractions, present at approximately 0.5–1.5% of dry weight, responsible for the traditional febrifuge action. - **Hypoxanthine:** Approximately 0.1–0.3% of dry weight; a purine derivative with mild bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects. - **Xanthine and other purine bases:** Present at trace to 0.2% levels. - **Succinate (succinic acid):** Approximately 0.05–0.15% dry weight; contributes to anti-inflammatory and metabolic-supporting actions. - **Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and other phenolic compounds:** Trace amounts with antioxidant properties. **Minerals:** - Iron (Fe): ~50–120 mg/100 g dry weight (bioavailability moderate, primarily non-heme iron). - Zinc (Zn): ~15–30 mg/100 g dry weight. - Calcium (Ca): ~200–500 mg/100 g dry weight. - Manganese (Mn): ~5–15 mg/100 g dry weight. - Selenium (Se): ~0.05–0.2 mg/100 g dry weight (bioavailability relatively good). - Copper (Cu): ~2–8 mg/100 g dry weight. - Phosphorus (P): ~300–600 mg/100 g dry weight. **Lipids:** Total fat content is approximately 5–12% of dry weight, with notable levels of unsaturated fatty acids including linoleic acid (~20–30% of total fatty acids) and oleic acid (~15–25% of total fatty acids). Small amounts of phospholipids (~1–2% dry weight) are present, which may contribute to membrane-level bioactivity. **Vitamins:** Limited data; trace amounts of B-group vitamins (particularly B2/riboflavin at approximately 0.2–0.5 mg/100 g and B3/niacin at approximately 3–6 mg/100 g dry weight) have been reported. **Polysaccharides:** Approximately 2–5% of dry weight; these contribute to immunomodulatory effects, including enhancement of macrophage phagocytosis and cytokine modulation. **Bioavailability Notes:** The key therapeutic enzyme lumbrokinase has limited oral bioavailability (~20–30%) in raw or conventionally processed forms due to gastric acid and pepsin degradation. Traditional processing (washing, drying, and sometimes stir-frying) affects bioactive compound stability. Enteric coating or lyophilized preparations significantly enhance lumbrokinase bioavailability. Mineral bioavailability is generally moderate, potentially enhanced by the amino acid-rich matrix. Standard medicinal dosage is 5–15 g of dried crude material per day in decoction, or 1–2 g in powdered form.
Di Long's primary bioactive compound lumbrokinase breaks down fibrin through direct fibrinolysis and plasminogen activation. The extract inhibits nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Additionally, it enhances macrophage phagocytosis activity by modulating immune cell membrane permeability.
Limited human studies have examined Di Long's effects, with most research conducted on animal models. In vitro studies demonstrate lumbrokinase's fibrinolytic activity is 10-30 times stronger than plasmin. Small-scale respiratory studies showed 40% improvement in airflow measurements, though sample sizes were typically under 100 participants. More robust clinical trials are needed to establish definitive therapeutic efficacy in humans.
Di Long may cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It can potentiate anticoagulant medications like warfarin and heparin, increasing bleeding risk. Contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and patients with bleeding disorders or scheduled surgery. Individuals with shellfish allergies should exercise caution due to potential cross-reactivity.
