OMM Redaksiyası
Breeding medicinal leeches in the Malluba marshes in southern Azerbaijan is a tradition passed down through generations. Kamil Mammadov’s family has worked for centuries with Hirudo orientalis, known as the Caucasian medicinal leech.
Previously carried out mainly within family farms, the activity is now viewed as a potential area for diversifying Azerbaijan’s economy beyond oil and gas.
Breeding medicinal leeches
Producers in Azerbaijan are switching to controlled breeding to reduce dependence on leeches collected from the wild. The leeches are bred in specially prepared containers and later placed in soil to lay eggs. The eggs develop inside cocoons produced by the leeches themselves, and it takes six to seven months for them to become ready for sale.
The change is partly linked to environmental restrictions. The collection of leeches from the wild is strictly limited in Azerbaijan, with the annual harvesting quota standing at about 36 kilograms. By comparison, neighboring Türkiye allows collection in volumes measured in tons.
According to Ayxan Gadashov, head of the Azexport export promotion platform, about 10 commercial leech farms are currently operating in Azerbaijan. He believes the sector has significant development potential if it can meet international certification requirements.
A new direction for non-oil exports
Azerbaijan is seeking to increase its non-oil exports. Official figures show growth in exports from sectors outside hydrocarbons, particularly food production and agricultural products.
Pharmaceuticals and related products are also regarded as strategic areas capable of generating higher added value and attracting international buyers. Medicinal leeches are considered one of the activities that fit this approach.
Industry representatives say internationally certified leeches could be sold at higher prices in global markets. However, although Azerbaijan has aligned its export standards in several sectors, the leech industry has not yet obtained the certifications required for full access to international markets.
Leech therapy and medical applications
Commercial interest in medicinal leeches is linked to their long history of use in medicine. At a clinic near Baku, therapist Bahruz Zamanq combines leech therapy with cupping and plant-based preparations.
He said most patients seek treatment for circulatory problems, muscle pain, vascular diseases and high blood pressure. The natural anticoagulant hirudin in leech saliva is the main component of medical interest. During feeding, leeches also release enzymes believed to improve blood flow and reduce the constriction of blood vessels.
Zamanq stressed that such procedures should be carried out only under specialist supervision: “We strongly oppose the use of leeches at home without professional supervision.”
Leech therapy lies at the intersection of traditional medicine and modern clinical practice. Historical sources record the use of leeches in Ancient Egypt, while the practice later became widespread in Europe.
Modern medicine requires substantial scientific evidence before incorporating alternative treatments into standard practice. Nevertheless, medicinal leeches are used in various parts of Europe, the Middle East and North America, particularly in reconstructive surgery and specialized treatments for blood circulation.
A recent study involving 181 patients at one of Baku’s medical centers recorded positive results in a number of cases, including osteoarthritis and circulation-related disorders, using leeches obtained from licensed farms in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan’s medicinal leech sector is seeking to turn an ancient tradition into a modern export business. Whether the sector will secure a significant place in the non-oil economy will depend on certification systems, international regulations and access to global markets.
