[Research progress on Pheretima and earthworms with related origin]

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Zoology

Background:

• Pheretima's origin and historical records are clarified, correcting previous assumptions about its earliest documentation.
• The study reviews Pheretima's effective and harmful components, alongside its diverse pharmacological activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To consolidate current knowledge on Pheretima, covering its origin, identification, composition, and therapeutic applications.
• To provide a foundation for future research and development of Pheretima-based therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature analysis was employed to review textual criticism of Pheretima's origin.
• Modern techniques such as DNA barcoding and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) are discussed for origin identification.
• Established methods for detecting harmful components like polychlorinated biphenyls, heavy metals, and bacteria are highlighted.

Main Results:

• Pheretima was first documented in the Tang Dynasty, not the Song Dynasty.
• Key effective components include proteins, polypeptides, and nucleotides, while pharmacological effects encompass anti-fibrosis and anti-cancer activities.
• Methods for detecting harmful contaminants in Pheretima have been developed.

Conclusions:

• Pheretima exhibits significant therapeutic potential with diverse pharmacological effects.
• Challenges in wild resource availability necessitate the exploration of artificial cultivation for sustainable supply.
• Standardized identification and quality control methods are crucial for Pheretima utilization.