From the ubiquitous "The more things change..." file

Treatment with leeches may reduce pain and stiffness in patients with arthritis of the knee, German scientists report.

Modern-day medicinal use of leeches is limited to the treatment of blood clotting problems after surgery. Dr. Gustav J. Dobos, from Kliniken Essen-Mitte, and colleagues maintain that leech saliva contains anti-inflammatory substances and other chemicals, which could relieve symptoms of arthritis.

Yahoo! Health