metabolized.Ifused judiciously, leeches can get blood flowing in regions that even a skilled surgeon cannot. [11]. 1.1 The objectives of writing this article are; By going through this article, the readers will be able - 1] To elaborate the legacy of Leech Therapy in ancient Ayurveda texts and around the globe 2] To highlight the indications of leech therapy from interdisciplinary point of view 3] To describe the pharmacological properties of Salivary gland Secretions of Leech 4] To understand the mode of action of Leech Therapy 5) To generate data for validation II. REVIEW OF LEECH THERAPY IN AYURVEDA: Sushruta, the father of surgery has described Leech Therapy as Jaloukavacharanawhich has been an established therapy of Raktamokshana by Anushastrasor parasurgical tools. Raktamokshana can be stated as bloodletting which is performed by various tools such as Shringa (Horn), Alabu (Gourd), Jalouka (Leech),andghatiyantra (Cupping therapy). It is stated by Acharyas that,in the field of Shalyatantra, bloodletting deserves supreme importance.AcharyaVagbhata has rated raktamokshana to the highest degree stating that all the other curative procedures in Ayurveda if put aside, raktamokshana alone is equivalent to them. For cessation of progress of the disease as well as for cure of the disease one has to aim at removal of vitiated blood i.e. Raktamokshana therapy. In SushrutaSamhita, the procedure of Raktamokshana has been hailed as one of the most effective therapies of Vranashopha.[12]Raktamokshana is considered as half of the whole treatment of any disease in Shalyatantra[13]Among various methods for Blood Letting, Jalloukavacharana is described as the supreme therapy because of its safety and high efficacy in the disorders involving the vitiation of blood.[14] 2.1 Types of Leeches; Leeches vary from terrestrial, marine, land to aquatic type. Some are found in alluvial soil, some in flowing water. Leeches are generally small and range from 10 to 15 cm long. But fully grown specimen may be 30 to 35 cm long [15]. The ectoparasite, leech range in size from tiny species that are 5 mm long to varieties such as Haemopis , which have been reported to be as long as 45 cm when extended and swimming The body of the leech is brightly coloured with characteristic markings and the dorsal surface is olive green [16]. Limnatisnilotica (horse leech) is 8-12 cm long and its body is soft, Leeches classified under the phylum Annelida to the class Hirudinea, are of worldwide distribution and are extremely abundant both in species and in the number of individuals. Around 650 species of leeches is found worldwide.[8] The terrestrial, or land varieties of leeches are found in the tropical regions of the world, particularly, South East Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Indian sub continents, and South America. Land leeches are found on the surface of trees and grasses and under stones in damp places. One terrestrial leech, Haemopisterrestris, has been plowed up in fields in the mid-western United States [17].Haementeriaofficinalis, which is found in South America have proboscis instead of jaws. Placobdellacatenigera, occurring in the Mediterranean region, also attacks man and domestic animals. Limnatisnilotica is found in North Africa, and Southern Europe. Haemadipsazeylanica, found in Asia lives on land attacking all vertebrates and many different species of mammals have been killed by them through sheer loss of blood . Throughout the Mediterranean area and the middle and Far East regions, certain leeches are injurious to animals and humans [18]. In Ayurveda, leeches are classified into poisonous and non-poisonous types, depending on their toxicity symptoms. The application of poisonous leeches can cause swelling and itching in the bitten area, as well as fainting, fever, burning sensations, vomiting, intoxication, and myalgia[19]. The use of nonpoisonous leeches causes no complications during bloodletting. In India, Phylum-Annelida, class-Hirudinea, Hirudomedicinalis are used for bloodletting. These leeches are dark in color and marked with 6 longitudinal stripes. Their bodies are 2 to 3 inches long, convex and wrinkled transversely,tapering at each end. These leeches are