A review.Lumbrokinase is a strong fibrinolytic enzyme that was readily obtained in saline extracts of the earthworm.This earthworm fibrinolytic enzyme (EFE) works by a dual mechanism involving in the breakdown of plasminogen and the hydrolysis of fibrin, speeding thrombolysis in the body.The studies on crystallization and structure analyses of EFEa disclosed that the cleavage site and way that EFE-II hydrolyzes plasminogen and fibrinogen plays a key role in the intestinal uptake of EFE and subsequent transportation into the blood, maintaining the thrombolytic activity.This review summarized the preparation, purification, enzymic characteristics, mechanism of the intestinal absorption and thrombolysis as well as the clin. uses.