Different Types of Leeches for Medical Use in Surgery, Described by Ibn al Quff (630-685AH)

Leech therapy was popular for many centuries. While many research studies have supported the medical use of Hirudo medicinalis, other species have not received that much attention. Due to the large demand and lack of supply, more research is needed to justify the medical use of other species. Ibn al Quff provided general guidelines on differentiating between the beneficial and toxic types of leeches. In his manuscript al-Oomdaa fi Senaatal-Jeraaha, Ibn al Quff described the uses, as well as different types, of leeches. A copy of the manuscript was obtained from King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Arabic). I studied the manuscript and translated it to English. Medical literaturehas proven that many leeches can be used with some efficacy. Ibn al Quff provided descriptions of the beneficial and toxic types of leeches. Additional beneficial species of leeches that can be used in medicine have been described in the literature. Ibn al Quff described and differentiated the beneficial and harmful types available during his time. Additional scientific research is necessary to classify these leeches.