Lumbrokinase is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that can be purchased in North America without a prescription. This enzyme comes from earthworms and has been used extensively in Asia since 1992.

There are published laboratory studies that support its anticoagulant action. So far however, it has been formally studied in just 51 people — 31 patients with stroke and in 7 healthy volunteers (the rest got placebo).

The company that sells lumbrokinase has a product information sheet that lists its “possible benefits.”

• “Supports healthy coagulation of blood within normal levels”
• “May enhance fibrinolytic activity”
• “Supports healthy blood viscosity within normal levels”

Despite the experience in Asia, the bottom line for me is that any medical condition that might be treated with lumbrokinase requires the expertise of a medical doctor.

You can spend as much as $54 for a bottle of 30 capsules. But do it after speaking with your physician.

11/8/06 08:41 JR