Various health benefits of earthworms: uses, side effects, interactions

Earthworms have long been used as a form of nutrition. Sun et al (1997), found that earthworms contain 78-79 grams per liter of amino, and contain high concentrations of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron and calcium. Furthermore Paoletto et al (2003), investigated the Amerindian Amazonas diet in Venezuela. They found that the people used litter-eating leaves and invertebrates, as their main sources of protein, fat and essential vitamins.

Claire Louise stated on eHow.com that earthworms can be a nutritional addition to the human diet, due to the high level of protein in the body, which is about 60-70 percent protein. Their bodies also contain very little fat and are also easy to cook because they have no bones. To find out more about the benefits of earthworms for humans, let's take a look below.

Benefits of earthworms for the human body

The use of invertebrates as a traditional medicine for various diseases has been used in China for a long time. Research on the pharmaceutical effects of earthworms has started along with the development of biochemical technology. Many bioactive molecules that can be considered as drugs, have been detected in the worm's body. These molecules exhibit various activities, such as immunological recognition, fibrinolytic, anticoagulative, anticancer, and antimicrobial, and thus earthworms can function to treat various diseases.

1. Immunological recognition

This animal was one of the first organisms in evolution to have an introduction to immunology and memory. Earthworms, like other complex invertebrates, produce several types of leukocytes, as well as synthesize and secrete various immunoprotective molecules. They have innate immunity, including several functions related to adaptive immunity (allogeneic tissue rejection). Ceomocytes which is involved in innate immunity, plays a central role in the immune system of earthworms.

2. Fibrinolytic

This potent and safe fibrinolytic enzyme has been purified and studied from several species of earthworms, including Lumbricus rubellas and Eisenia fetida. The therapeutic and preventive effects against thrombosis-related diseases have been clinically confirmed. The potential use of fibrinolytic enzymes in the prevention and treatment of serious cardiac and cerebro-vascular diseases has attracted the attention of medicine and pharmacology.

3. Antitumor

The antitumor effect of earthworms has been investigated in vitro and in vivo. It has been shown that EFE (earthworm fibrinolytic enzyme) isolated from E. fotida exhibits antitumor activity against human hepatoma cells. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Apparently, EFE induces apoptotic cells in these cells.

The results showed that EFE can be used in the treatment of hepatoma. In addition, the macromolecular mixture of E. foetida homogenates inhibited the growth of melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo.

4. Antipyretics and antioxidants

Antipyretic activity has also been detected in Lumbricus and Perichaeta species, as well as in the mineral earthworm lampito mauritii. This activity is similar to what aspirin gets. The mineral daro L. mauritii also exhibits remarkable antipyretic and antioxidant action in the treatment of peptic ulcer in rats.

The protection of the human body against free radicals is very important, because it is connected with the advancement of defenses for many chronic diseases. Non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as glutathione , vitamins C and E, Tocopherol and Ceruloplasmin, protect cells from oxidative damage.

5. Antibacterial

During their 700 million years of existence, earthworms have evolved in an environment teeming with microorganisms. Some of them threaten their existence. Therefore, they have developed an efficient mechanism against the attack of microorganisms. There are various relationships between earthworms and microbes, namely:

• Microbes are food for earthworms.
• Microbes are nutrients for growth and reproduction.
• Some microbes are Gram positive bacteria.
• Pathogens are digested by earthworms and thus facilitate the multiplication of microbes in the intestines.
• Microbes are distributed to new places in the soil.

Molecules that defend earthworms from microbes have been detected in the selomic fluids of Lumbricus and Eisenia. Several reports also exist that discuss anti-microbial agents derived from earthworm tissue.

6. Wound healers

Many scientists and medical groups have been looking for ways to improve wound care and aid in wound healing. The healing of wounds to the skin is a complex process, characterized by epithelialization (growth of young skin cells covering the wound) and restoration of connective tissue.

Minerals obtained from L. mauritii worms can act as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities. Therefore, this worm can be considered in the treatment of wounds including for various human diseases.