The potential benefits of Medicine Grade Earthworm Extract for healing have received considerable attention recently. Osteoblast and osteoclast activities are very important in bone remodeling, which is crucial to repair bone injuries. This study investigated the effects of earthworm extract on bone cell activities.

Earthworm extract had a dose-dependent effect on bone cell activities. The most effective concentration of earthworm extract was 3 mg/ml, significantly increasing osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, matrix calcium deposition and the expression levels of alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin and osteocalcin. Conversely, 3 mg/ml earthworm extract significantly reduced the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity of osteoclasts without altering cell viability.

Earthworm populations can be assessed using various extraction solutions of which the most widely used is formaldehyde. Although formaldehyde extraction has been proposed as a standard method by, its use has been questioned due to its toxic and carcinogenic properties, and the associated risks to human health and the environment. Alternative, safer methods are needed, so the present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of a low cost and non-toxic onion .The onion extract solution is a low cost and non-toxic alternative to the use formaldehyde in extracting worms from soils, although further research is warranted to assess its use in other soils, climates and vegetation conditions.

According toMedicine Grade Earthworm Extract is associated with the Bladder, Liver, Lung and Spleen meridians, and has Salty and Cold properties. It is thought to work by draining Liver Heat and by clearing Lung Heat, and also by clearing Heat in the collateral channels. Its "channel-opening" properties are thought to derive from its habits of burrowing through the earth, constantly searching out new spaces to slither.