LUMBROKINASE

What is lumbrokinase? 

Lumbrokinase is a substance that is naturally found in earthworms. Lumbrokinase comes from the scientific name for earthworms, which is Lumbricus. Lumbrokinase has been used as a traditional medicine in China, Japan, and other Asian countries for centuries to support the body’s healthy circulation. To harvest lumbrokinase and other healthy compounds present in earthworms, the earthworms can be dried and powdered, then taken as an oral supplement to support healthy circulation [^[1]].

What does lumbrokinase do in the body?

Lumbrokinase refers to a collection of enzymes isolated from the earthworm. There are two ways lumbrokinase supports healthy blood circulation. It can break down a protein called fibrin, which is an insoluble protein that forms during blood clotting. It can also create plasmin, a substance that breaks down blood clots. As a result, lumbrokinase shows promise in reducing the aggregation of blood clots, dissolving the blood clots, and making blood less viscous and more able to flow. Lumbrokinase does not adversely affect organ systems or body tissues [^[1]].

How can lumbrokinase help alleviate certain Long COVID symptoms and/or pathophysiology? 

Lumbrokinase is already being used to treat stroke, heart disease, deep vein thrombosis, and diabetes. It is also used to help the cardiovascular system stay healthy. Given the heightened risk for blood clotting disorders in Long COVID, lumbrokinase can be used to maintain healthy cardiovascular function [^[1]]. Most of interest to Long COVID, lumbrokinase’s anticoagulant and fibrin degrading properties make it an ideal choice to help patients with improved circulation [^[2]].