Di Long (Pheretima aspergillum): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Di Long work to lower blood pressure?

Di Long contains hypoxanthine and lumbrokinase, which contribute to its antihypertensive effects. Lumbrokinase exhibits fibrinolytic activity that improves blood flow by breaking down fibrin, while hypoxanthine acts as a vasodilator. Flavonoids provide additional antioxidant support. Evidence level C supports these mechanisms, though more rigorous clinical trials are needed to fully establish the antihypertensive pathway.

Can Di Long be taken with blood thinners like warfarin?

Di Long should be used with caution alongside anticoagulant medications. Lumbrokinase, an active compound in Di Long, has fibrinolytic properties that may enhance the effects of blood thinners such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel. This combination could increase bleeding risk. Patients on anticoagulant therapy should consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using Di Long. Evidence level C.

What is the standard dosage of Di Long for adults?

The typical adult dosage of Di Long is 4.5 to 9 grams daily when used as a decoction, or 1 to 2 capsules of standardized extract. Dosage may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the form of preparation. It is best to follow the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner who can tailor the dosage to individual needs and health status.

Is Di Long safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Di Long is contraindicated during pregnancy and is considered unsafe for pregnant women. In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, Di Long has properties that may stimulate uterine contractions or affect fetal development. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should avoid this herb entirely. Di Long is also contraindicated in cases of cold deficiency with spasms.

What conditions does Di Long treat in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Di Long is traditionally used in TCM to clear heat, stop convulsions, and open the channels. It is indicated for fever-related convulsions, stroke recovery, hypertension, and asthma. The herb's ability to open the channels relates to improving circulation and reducing blockages. Evidence level C supports these traditional uses, though more clinical research is warranted.

What are the side effects of Di Long?

Di Long may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with sensitivity to earthworm-derived products. Symptoms can include skin rashes, itching, or digestive discomfort. Those with known allergies to similar substances should exercise caution. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if allergic symptoms develop. Quality and sourcing of the product also affect tolerability.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Di Long (Pheretima aspergillum) is an animal-derived traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used for thousands of years to treat inflammatory, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases [PMID:36618931, PMID:40490228].

Background

Di Long, also known as Guang Dilong, is prepared from the dried body of the earthworm Pheretima aspergillum [PMID:37018956, PMID:30728838]. It is a member of the Megascolecidae family [PMID:40960307, PMID:40490228].

Traditional uses

It has been used for thousands of years in China for the treatment of asthma, cough, fever, stroke, epilepsy, renal yang deficiency, weakness of tendons and bones, benign tumors, ulcerative diseases, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases [PMID:29391009, PMID:27184188, PMID:40490228].

Active compounds

Identified chemical quality markers include adenosine, adenine, L-phenylalanine, and uridine [PMID:39893778]. Other nucleoside components such as hypoxanthine and inosine have been identified [PMID:39899457]. The herb also contains metallothionein-2 (MT-2), a cysteine-rich protein [PMID:26681024], and various species-specific peptides [PMID:37018956, PMID:37842652].

Mechanism of action

Mechanisms include the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway to suppress inflammation [PMID:27184188, PMID:29391009], activation of the IGF1R/PI3k/Akt pathway for cardioprotection [PMID:31066208], and stimulation of osteoblast activity while inhibiting osteoclast differentiation [PMID:25387689]. In combination therapies (Shuxuetong injection), it may inhibit pyroptosis via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 or CD44/NLRP3/GSDMD signaling pathways [PMID:41106569, PMID:40074097].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DAsthma

Pheretima aspergillum decoction significantly increased the asthma incubation period and decreased serum IL-4 and LTB4 levels in guinea pigs [PMID:31531069]; it also relieved asthma in mouse models via NF-κB inhibition [PMID:27184188].

Evidence DCerebral Infarction

Oral administration in rats reduced cerebral infarction areas in the cortex and striatum and reduced neurological deficit scores [PMID:24082328].

Evidence DCardiac Fibrosis

Extract attenuated high-KCl-induced mitochondrial injury and pro-fibrotic events in cardiomyoblast cells [PMID:31066208].

Evidence AFibrosis

A systematic review and meta-analysis investigated antifibrotic effects, though results were noted as controversial [PMID:36618931].

Evidence DBone Repair

Extract stimulated osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and matrix calcium deposition in a dose-dependent manner [PMID:25387689].

Evidence D

Evidence summary

The evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with one systematic review (Level A) regarding antifibrotic effects. Most findings are preclinical.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 25387689 (2014) — Earthworm (Pheretima aspergillum) extract stimulates osteoblast activity and inhibits osteoclast differentiation. · BMC complementary and alternative medicine
2.PMID: 36618931 (2022) — Effect of Pheretima aspergillum on reducing fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. · Frontiers in pharmacology
3.PMID: 39893778 (2025) — A strategy integrated DNA barcoding with metabolomics for screening distinguishable combinatorial chemical quality marker between Pheretima aspergillum and Pheretima vulgaris Chen. · Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis
4.PMID: 37018956 (2023) — A novel strategy to identify the species-specific peptide biomarkers in Pheretima aspergillum (E. Perrier) based on enzymatic digestion followed by LC-MS/MS methods. · Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis
5.PMID: 26681024 (2015)

Di Long

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Di Long

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Di Long

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Di Long

Related Herbs

Evodia Rutaecarpa

Caragana sinica

Tetrapleura Tetraptera

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources