Earthworms can help dissolve blood clots for stroke patients
Our ancestors used the native earthworms
in folkloric healings of many sickness
such as inflammation of different parts of
the body, stomachaches and toothaches,
to cure mumps, measles and even to help
in making the birthing process easier.
Iloilo -- Prof. Marilou Ang Lopez, Wesvarrdec (Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium) director and leading expert and researcher in vermitechnology has found out the prospect of the Philippine native and composting earthworms in lowering high blood pressure, rheumatism and other diseases.
These findings confirmed the studies on the therapeutic uses of earthworms conducted by Zhang, Guo and Wang of China in 1992.
'In my research which I conducted at Site Development Reforestation Project (SDRP) at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV), I observed that the crude extract of our native and composting earthworms have demonstrated anti blood clotting activity,' said Ang Lopez.
She added that the activity exhibits therapeutic effect for lowering high blood pressure, rheumatism, arthritis and arteriosclerosis among others.
Ang Lopez, however, claimed that further research should be made to fully discover the therapeutic potentials of our earthworms.
'During the International Symposium on Vermitechnologies held recently at Los Baños, Laguna, I served as one of the panel members on vermiceuticals together with Dr. Sun Zhen-Jun of China Agricultural University, Beijing, and Dr. Igor Titov, a Russian scientist. We discussed the potential uses of earthworms for pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry,' said Ang Lopez.
With Zhen Jun and Titov, and local support of former Governor Bitay Lacson, Ang Lopez looks forward to pursue her research on pharmaceutical uses of earthworms.
Traditional uses
Aside from research on vermiceuticals, Ang Lopez also documented the indigenous practices of the use of earthworms in Western Visayas. A survey was conducted on the utilization of terrestrial worms covering some communities in Panay and Negros Occidental.
'We found out that our ancestors used the native earthworms in folkloric healings of many sicknesses such as inflammation of different parts of the body, stomachaches and toothaches, to cure mumps, measles and even to help in making the birthing process easier,' said Ang Lopez.
These practices are vital in knowing more about what is in earthworms that could be useful in our living.
Ang Lopez stressed, that these practices however should be scientifically validated. There is still a need to further study the earthworms through chemical screening and pharmacological testing.
Preserving earthworms
Earthworms are important in maintaining the fertility of the soil. They serve as natural tillers which help improve soil aeration and water infiltration.
'Earthworms are among the most important animals living in the soil. Aristotle even called them 'the intestines of the earth'. They are very useful to make our fields fertile. Their casts are very good source organic fertilizer,' said Ang Lopez.
She hoped that through her research, the native earthworms will be preserved and given importance.
Earthworms for composting
The use of earthworms in solid waste management is becoming a trend nowadays. In the region, vermicomposting is already integrated into the solid waste management plan of some municipalities.
Using earthworms to decompose the solid waste is a good solution to the garbage problem in the region. Earthworms could hasten composting because they could eat garbage a day as much as their body weight.
'We ran a seminar/conference on vermitechnology last month focusing on organic farming and solid waste management. We discussed the possibility of coming up with a network to organize earthworm lovers and practitioners, said Ang Lopez.
Wesvarrdec planned to conduct series of seminars on vermitechnology. The next would be a seminar on vermieducation for the scientists, researchers, students and educators.
UPV's support
'UPV is very supportive of our vermiresearh. In our campus, we have a vermihouse, which serve as our production and research area. Many have already visited our project to know how earthworms work,' said Ang Lopez.
As of now, UPV is conducting a research on the proper use of vermicompost as fertilizer.
'In Wesvarrdec and UPV, we provide information and technology transfer to those who are interested in the culture of earthworms, because we want to popularize the use earthworms in the country,' said Ang Lopez.