Proteolytic Enzyme, Protease as the term “proteolytic” refers to all enzymes that digest protein. Other classes of enzymes include Amylase, a digestive enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates, and Lipase, a digestive enzyme that breaks down fat during the digestive process. Each of these help in the digestion of food, which in turn helps with absorption of those essential nutrients in the diet.
In the body, proteolytic digestive enzymes are produced in the pancreas, but supplemental forms of enzymes may come from fngal or bacterial sources, extraction from the pancreas of livestock animals (trypsin/chymotrypsin) or extraction from plants (such as papain from the papaya and Bromelain from pineapples). The primary uses of proteolytic enzymes in dietary supplements are used as digestive enzymes, anti-inflammatory agents, and pain relievers.
Serrapeptase, also known as Serratia peptidase, is a proteolytic enzyme isolated from the non-pathogenic enterobacteria Serratia. The enzyme is found naturally in the intestine of the silkworm, which is used by the silkworm to dissolve the cocoon and emerge as a moth. When consumed in unprotected tablets or capsules, the enzyme is destroyed by acid in the stomach. However, when enterically coated, the enzyme is destroyed by acid in the stomach. However, when enterically coated, the enzyme passes through the stomach unchanged and can be absorbed by the intestine.
It has many clinical uses, including as an anti-inflammatory agent (particularly for post traumatic swelling), for fibrocystic breast disease, and for bronchitis (serrapeptase loosens and expels mucous).
Both Bromelain and Papain are plant-derived Proteolytic enzymes. Bromelain, also known as bromelin, is a protein-digesting enzyme extracted from the flesh and stem of the pineapple plant, Ananas Comosus. Papain is a proteolytic enzyme isolated fromthe papaya plant, Carica Papaya. Bromelain is most notable for its effectiveness in the reduction of inflammation and decreasing swelling, but the scope of its benefits continues to increase.
As a natural anti-inflammatory enzyme, bromelain has many uses. Arthritis patients may reduce the swelling that causes joint pain by taking bromelain. Bromelain may also be helpful for the pain, numbness, tingling, aching and loss of motor and sensory function in the fingers resulting from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
Prevention of the adhesiveness of platelets to endothelial cell walls was accomplished with 0.1 mcg/ml of Bromelain. Thus the benefti of bromelain occurs over a broad range of doses, and even small amounts may be beneficial to anyone at risk to thrombotic heart attack or stroke. Papain has been shown to be effective in preventing burn wound infection and helping remove dead cells.
Amla is known as Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) is the richest source of Vitamin C. The Vitamin C in Amla is from the Rutin family, and there is about 50 mg per System Enzyme capsule. It also contains tannic acid, glucose, protein, cellulose and Calcium. Amla is useful for stomach problems, it is antipyretic, hair tonic and nerve brain tonic. It is also useful in anemia, hyperacidity and in gynecological problems and epistaxis. Amla is considered to have restorative and preventative properties.
Rutin is one of the many existing Flavonoids, which are a class of water-soluble plant pigments. Flavonoids support health by strengthening capillaries and other connective tissue, and some function as anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, and antiviral agents. Rutin and several other flavonoids may also protect blood vessels. Rutin was shown to stimulate wound healing in rats and augment the tensile strength of scar tissue significantly.
