Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lumbrokinase is an enzyme complex derived from earthworms (typically Eisenia fetida) and has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation. Modern scientific interest has focused on its fibrinolytic (clot-dissolving) properties, which are theoretically relevant to stroke treatment, especially ischemic stroke, where a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. Several preclinical studies and small clinical trials, mainly from China, suggest that lumbrokinase can enhance fibrinolysis by directly degrading fibrin and may reduce blood viscosity and inhibit platelet aggregation. Some randomized, controlled trials (mostly published in Chinese journals) report improvements in neurological outcomes and reduced recurrence of ischemic stroke when lumbrokinase is used as an adjunct to standard therapy.

However, the quality of these studies is generally low to moderate, with limitations such as small sample sizes, lack of rigorous blinding, and limited replication in non-Chinese populations. Systematic reviews highlight the potential of lumbrokinase but consistently call for larger, high-quality, multicenter trials to confirm efficacy and safety. As of June 2024, lumbrokinase is not approved by major regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA, EMA) for stroke treatment, and Western clinical guidelines do not recommend its use. Thus, while there is some scientific evidence supporting its use for stroke, it remains preliminary and insufficient for strong clinical endorsement.

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