# Di Long (Pheretima aspergillum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/di-long-pheretima-aspergillum
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-28
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Earthworm, Dried earthworm, Chinese earthworm, Lu Yin, Qu Shan, Wind-extinguishing worm, Ground dragon, Earth dragon

## Overview

Di Long (Pheretima aspergillum) is a traditional Chinese medicine earthworm extract containing lumbrokinase, a potent fibrinolytic enzyme. It works by breaking down fibrin clots and reducing [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) through NF-κB pathway inhibition.

## Health Benefits

- Enhances respiratory health by breaking down mucus, improving airflow by up to 40%. This supports easier breathing and reduces asthma symptoms. - Boosts immune response by increasing phagocytosis, helping the body to fight infections more effectively. - Reduces [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) by inhibiting the NF-kB pathway, which can alleviate chronic pain and swelling. - Improves circulation by promoting vasodilation, enhancing nutrient delivery to tissues. - Supports [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox) by increasing [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), protecting against oxidative stress. - Aids in skin health by promoting [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health), improving elasticity and reducing wrinkles. - Enhances [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) by modulating gut flora, supporting a balanced microbiome.

## Mechanism of Action

Di Long's primary bioactive compound lumbrokinase breaks down fibrin through direct fibrinolysis and plasminogen activation. The extract inhibits nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production. Additionally, it enhances macrophage phagocytosis activity by modulating immune cell membrane permeability.

## Clinical Summary

Limited human studies have examined Di Long's effects, with most research conducted on animal models. In vitro studies demonstrate lumbrokinase's fibrinolytic activity is 10-30 times stronger than plasmin. Small-scale respiratory studies showed 40% improvement in airflow measurements, though sample sizes were typically under 100 participants. More robust clinical trials are needed to establish definitive therapeutic efficacy in humans.

## Nutritional Profile

Di Long (Pheretima aspergillum) is not typically classified as a food or nutritional supplement but rather as a traditional Chinese medicinal substance derived from dried earthworm. Its profile is characterized primarily by bioactive compounds rather than conventional macronutrient content. **Protein & Amino Acids:** Dried earthworm body contains approximately 56–70% crude protein by dry weight, rich in essential amino acids including glutamic acid (~10–13% of total amino acids), aspartic acid (~8–10%), leucine (~7–8%), and lysine (~5–7%). Free amino acid content is approximately 3–5 g per 100 g dry weight, contributing to its traditional use as a tonic. **Bioactive Compounds:** - **Lumbrokinase (fibrinolytic enzymes):** A group of at least 6 serine proteases with potent fibrinolytic and thrombolytic activity; concentration approximately 1–3% of total protein. These enzymes demonstrate measurable plasmin-like and plasminogen activator activity. Bioavailability is moderate orally due to partial enzymatic degradation in the GI tract, though enteric-coated preparations improve absorption. - **Lumbrofebrin (antipyretic peptides):** Heat-clearing peptide fractions, present at approximately 0.5–1.5% of dry weight, responsible for the traditional febrifuge action. - **Hypoxanthine:** Approximately 0.1–0.3% of dry weight; a purine derivative with mild bronchodilatory and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects. - **Xanthine and other purine bases:** Present at trace to 0.2% levels. - **Succinate (succinic acid):** Approximately 0.05–0.15% dry weight; contributes to anti-inflammatory and metabolic-supporting actions. - **Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and other phenolic compounds:** Trace amounts with [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties. **Minerals:** - Iron (Fe): ~50–120 mg/100 g dry weight (bioavailability moderate, primarily non-heme iron). - Zinc (Zn): ~15–30 mg/100 g dry weight. - Calcium (Ca): ~200–500 mg/100 g dry weight. - Manganese (Mn): ~5–15 mg/100 g dry weight. - Selenium (Se): ~0.05–0.2 mg/100 g dry weight (bioavailability relatively good). - Copper (Cu): ~2–8 mg/100 g dry weight. - Phosphorus (P): ~300–600 mg/100 g dry weight. **Lipids:** Total fat content is approximately 5–12% of dry weight, with notable levels of unsaturated fatty acids including linoleic acid (~20–30% of total fatty acids) and oleic acid (~15–25% of total fatty acids). Small amounts of phospholipids (~1–2% dry weight) are present, which may contribute to membrane-level bioactivity. **Vitamins:** Limited data; trace amounts of B-group vitamins (particularly B2/riboflavin at approximately 0.2–0.5 mg/100 g and B3/niacin at approximately 3–6 mg/100 g dry weight) have been reported. **Polysaccharides:** Approximately 2–5% of dry weight; these contribute to [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects, including enhancement of macrophage phagocytosis and cytokine modulation. **Bioavailability Notes:** The key therapeutic enzyme lumbrokinase has limited oral bioavailability (~20–30%) in raw or conventionally processed forms due to gastric acid and pepsin degradation. Traditional processing (washing, drying, and sometimes stir-frying) affects bioactive compound stability. Enteric coating or lyophilized preparations significantly enhance lumbrokinase bioavailability. Mineral bioavailability is generally moderate, potentially enhanced by the amino acid-rich matrix. Standard medicinal dosage is 5–15 g of dried crude material per day in decoction, or 1–2 g in powdered form.

## Dosage & Preparation

Di Long is typically used in dosages ranging from 4.5 to 12 grams. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Di Long may cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It can potentiate anticoagulant medications like warfarin and heparin, increasing bleeding risk. Contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and patients with bleeding disorders or scheduled surgery. Individuals with shellfish allergies should exercise caution due to potential cross-reactivity.

## Scientific Research

Some studies suggest Di Long may have [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Di Long has been used for thousands of years in China, valued for its ability to 'clear heat' and 'extinguish wind' in traditional medicine.

## Synergistic Combinations

Wu Gong, Bai Jiang Can, Quan Xie

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is lumbrokinase in Di Long?

Lumbrokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme extracted from earthworms that breaks down blood clots and fibrin deposits. It's 10-30 times more potent than the body's natural plasmin enzyme and remains active for 8-12 hours after ingestion.

### How much Di Long should I take daily?

Traditional dosing ranges from 3-9 grams of dried earthworm powder daily, typically divided into 2-3 doses. Standardized lumbrokinase extracts are usually dosed at 20-40mg twice daily on an empty stomach for optimal absorption.

### Can Di Long help with blood clots?

Di Long contains lumbrokinase which demonstrates strong fibrinolytic activity in laboratory studies, potentially helping dissolve blood clots. However, human clinical evidence is limited, and it should never replace prescribed anticoagulant therapy without medical supervision.

### Is Di Long safe with blood pressure medications?

Di Long may enhance the effects of blood pressure medications and anticoagulants, potentially causing hypotension or increased bleeding risk. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining Di Long with cardiovascular medications.

### How long does Di Long take to work?

Initial effects on inflammation markers may be seen within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. Respiratory improvements typically become noticeable after 4-6 weeks, while immune system benefits may take 6-8 weeks to fully manifest.

### Does Di Long interact with anticoagulant medications like warfarin?

Di Long contains fibrinolytic enzymes that may potentiate the effects of anticoagulants, increasing bleeding risk. You should consult your healthcare provider before combining Di Long with warfarin, aspirin, or other blood-thinning medications, as dosage adjustments may be necessary. Medical supervision is essential when using these combinations together.

### Is Di Long safe for children and elderly individuals?

Di Long is generally considered safe for elderly individuals seeking improved circulation and pain relief, though dosing should be conservative and monitored. For children, Di Long use is not well-established in clinical research, and pediatric dosing recommendations are lacking; consult a qualified TCM practitioner before giving it to children. Age-related kidney function should be considered, particularly in elderly patients taking multiple medications.

### What does clinical research show about Di Long's effectiveness for respiratory conditions like asthma?

Several in vitro and animal studies suggest Di Long can reduce mucus viscosity and improve airflow by up to 40%, supporting its traditional use for respiratory health. However, high-quality human clinical trials specifically evaluating Di Long for asthma remain limited, and most evidence comes from traditional use rather than rigorous RCTs. More robust clinical research is needed to establish definitive efficacy and optimal dosing protocols for respiratory conditions.

### How does lumbrokinase in Di Long compare to other fibrinolytic enzymes like nattokinase?

Lumbrokinase from Di Long is considered one of the most potent orally active fibrinolytic enzymes, demonstrating in vitro activity 10-30 times stronger than plasmin and generally superior fibrin degradation compared to nattokinase in head-to-head assays. Unlike nattokinase, lumbrokinase acts through both direct fibrinolysis and plasminogen activation, providing a dual mechanism for clot breakdown. However, direct large-scale human clinical comparisons between these enzymes remain limited, so definitive superiority claims require further study.

### Is Di Long (Pheretima aspergillum) safe to take with blood-thinning medications?

Di Long's lumbrokinase has significant fibrinolytic and anticoagulant properties, which means combining it with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin, aspirin, or heparin may increase bleeding risk. No large-scale human safety trials have formally established safe co-administration thresholds with these drugs. Anyone taking blood-thinning medications should consult a qualified healthcare provider before using Di Long or lumbrokinase supplements.

### What inflammatory conditions has Di Long been studied for?

Di Long extract has been investigated primarily in preclinical and small-scale studies for respiratory inflammation, atherosclerosis, and neurological conditions associated with fibrin-mediated damage. Its anti-inflammatory action is attributed to inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway, which reduces downstream production of cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. While animal and in vitro data are encouraging, robust randomized controlled trials in human inflammatory disease populations are still needed to confirm clinical benefit.

### What is the typical dose of Di Long or lumbrokinase used in research?

Research protocols have used lumbrokinase doses generally ranging from 20 mg to 60 mg per day in available human and clinical pilot studies, though standardization across products varies considerably because enzyme activity is often expressed in fibrinolytic units (FU) rather than raw weight. Traditional TCM preparations of Di Long are dosed differently and are not directly comparable to standardized lumbrokinase capsules used in modern research. Consumers should look for products that specify enzyme activity in standardized units and consult a practitioner for personalized dosing guidance.

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