Enzymes

Enzymes

History

The proteolytic activity of digestive tract enzymes was therapeutically utilized as early as 200 years ago. J. Beard tested the effects of intravenously administered fresh pancreas extracts on 70 cancer patients in 1900 in England and obtained astonishing results. Fruend and Kaminer reported results of enzyme therapy in 1934.

After World War II, the scientific development of enzyme therapy began to be explored. In the USA, the proteases trypsin, chymotrypsin, papain and bromelain were used in the treatment of inflammation and fibrinolysis in 1950. Streptokinase and urokinase have been used in fibrinolysis therapy since 1960.

Mode of action

Because they eliminate inflammatory debris and initiate regeneration, a large number of proteolytic enzymes produced by the body will control the inflammatory process. This process can be accelerated by the administration of enzymes. Upon administration of additional enzymes, the biological effect can further inhibit development of the pathological process and considerably reduce the duration of disease. This occurs as the body's own proteolytic system and fibrinolytic activity is activated by administration of enzyme combinations resulting in a thrombolytic effect.

Increased proteolytic enzyme activity causes a rapid depolarization effect of inflammatory debris, dissolution of microthrombi, the restitution of micro-circulation, an increase in tissue permeability and the reduction of edemas. Subsequently, inflammation is reduced and pain stops. Wounds heal more quickly with little or no scar formation and the overall duration of the inflammatory process is considerably reduced.

Clinical Results

Numerous international studies have reported excellent results of enzyme therapy as used for inflammation and inflammatory exudative diseases. Enzymes have proven to be particularly effective in pulmonary, bronchial and pleural diseases. In cases of bronchitis, enzyme therapy depolarizes viscous mucous and facilitates ventilation by an increase in expectoration of the liquified exudate. Enzyme therapy used in cases of bronchial asthma reduces the edema of the microthrombi and dissolves the mucous constricting the bronchioles. The proteolytic effect on allergenic pathological proteins in the organism often leads to complete recovery from allergic asthma.

In cases of vascular disease, i.e., thrombosis, phlebothrombosis and thrombophlebitis , a rapid decrease of the edema and concomitant rapid improvement of the clinical symptoms are achieved. It has been found that enzymes will also chelate plaque from the artery walls, thereby decreasing vascular disease.

It is reported that the use of enzyme therapy is most successful in injuries such as contusions and strains as seen in sports injuries. An immediate decrease in pain and a surprisingly rapid reduction of edema can be observed due to the anti-inflammatory properties of enzymes. The absorption of the effusion is accelerated and disfiguring discoloration of the skin is reduced to a minimum.

When administered between meals, enzymes are found in the blood where they serve to digest protoplasts from undigested protein. This is useful in cases of leaky gut, reduced hydrochloric acid and decreased protein digestion.

German studies have found that enzymes will couple with circulating immune complexes, showing enzyme therapy to be very helpful in cases of auto immune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and allergies.

Because enzyme therapy has a fibrinolytic effect, it can be administered in high doses without causing undesirable side effects, and control of coagulation is unnecessary.

Indications

All types of inflammations such as:

Following injuries such as contusions and strains

In skin disorders such as burns; abrasions; lacerations; postoperative wounds or leg ulcers

In cases of edema

Following radiation therapy

Contraindications

In diseases or operations with an increased risk of hemorrhage, or when an increase in fibrin disintegration is undesirable, the fibrinolytic effect of enzymes should be noted.

Gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers.

During pregnancy, the administration of enzymes, as with any medication, should be critically assessed.

Side effects, Concomitant Phenomena

Proteolytic enzyme therapy is generally well tolerated. Even under long-term treatment with large doses, serious side effects have not been observed. At times the enzymatic effect may produce a harmless change in consistency, color or odor of the stool. Allergic reactions are rarely observed, and subside after discontinuation.

Interaction with other Medication

Intolerance to enzyme therapy in conjunction with other medication is unknown.