Among the several leech saliva extracts, around 20 bioactive molecules are widely known and identified with their mechanisms of action and therapeutic importance. Some of are Hirudin, Calin, Destabilase, Hyaluronidase, Apyrase, Hirustatin, Saratin, and Eglin. Thus, this review provides valuable insights into the most commonly known bioactive molecules in leech saliva, their putative medical importance, current status, and potential implication for future medical use. The practice of using leech in medical treatment, called hirudotherapy, has been in use for several centuries and can be drawn back to ancient Egyptians. They used it to treat various diseases like skin diseases, inflammation, and dental problems. Nowadays, these invaluable bioactive molecules of leeches have been utilized in modern medicine for the treatment of angina pectoris, tinnitus, phlebitis, gout, ischemic heart disease, asthma, cancer, hypertension, and migraines. Additionally, it is very effective in the treatment of mastitis, diabetic foot ulcers, cutaneous leishmaniosis, alopecia, and digital gangrene. The contribution of leeches in cosmetic and plastic surgery is also gaining popularity. At present time, the world’s most advanced nations with the most sophisticated in medical science have become practitioners. Despite its long history of medical application, there is still much to discover about the specific substance responsible for the valuable effects of leech saliva. Therefore, leech saliva holds enormous promise, and continued research will unlock its full potential.

Platyhelminthes are a significant cause of organ condemnation across the globe, particularly in Ethiopia. Consequently, a cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2024 to identify the Platyhelminthes responsible for organ condemnation and estimate its economic impact in cattle slaughtered at the Nekemte municipal abattoir. Standard ante-mortem and postmortem inspection procedures were employed. A total of 422 cattle were included in the study through systematic random sampling. Among the 422 slaughtered cattle, 59 (14%) exhibited clinical signs in ante-mortem examination, including rough hair coat (3.3%), lameness (2.6%), coughing (2.4%), tick infestation (1.9%), depression (1.7%), branding (1.2%), and blindness (0.9%). Postmortem examinations revealed that 132 (31.2%) cattle were infected by Platyhelminthes parasites. Due to these helminths 92 (21.9%) livers, 52 (12.3%) lungs, and 13 (3.1%) hearts were condemned. The major Platyhelminthes identified were Fasciola spp., hydatid cysts, Cysticercus bovis, and combined infections of Fasciola and hydatid cysts, with prevalence’s of 15.9%, 6.4%, 3.1%, and 5.9%, respectively. A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was found in the prevalence of these major Platyhelminthes based on age and body condition. However, no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in the sex and origin. The total annual economic loss due to organ condemnation in the study area amounted to 612,470.00 ETB. This study highlights a relatively high prevalence of organ condemnation due to Platyhelminthes infections. Thus, awareness should be raised among cattle owners and abattoir workers regarding the impact of parasites and the importance of safe disposal practices of condemned organs.