USES OF PROTEASE ENZYMES
Jun 14, 2011 | By
Enzymes are proteins that are necessary for every chemical reaction that occurs in your body. The enzymes that control everything from metabolism to the immune system are proteases, or proteolytic enzymes, which regulate protein function. If your diet does not include live enzymes, the body has to expend more energy making digestive proteolytic enzymes to break down the dead proteins from food rather than using that energy for production of protease enzymes, which control metabolic functions. If you do not consume raw, fresh foods containing lots of enzymes, protease enzyme supplements are a viable option.
HELP FIGHT INFLAMMATION
Proteolytic enzymes may be used as anti-inflammatories because they are thought to lessen inflammation by offsetting some of the biochemicals involved in the inflammatory process so that healing can occur. This has application for chronic inflammation as well as acute injuries such as sprains, fractures and bruises. Research was conducted comparing protease enzymes to the anti-inflammatory medication diclofenac for therapy for osteoarthritis-related problems of the knee. In a study published in the October 2004 edition of "Clinical Rheumatology," enzymes had results comparable to the standard medication. The study authors, in fact, noted that the enzymes showed slightly better efficacy on some measures. Research, however, is conflicting in the use of protease enzymes for injury or recovery after surgical procedures, as some studies do show positive results, but others have failed to show any more positive effects than do placebos.
PROTECT AGAINST CLOTS
A few particular proteases, such as nattokinase, are very efficient at optimizing blood flow throughout the vascular system, and therefore lessening the risk of clots. This has implications for reducing the risk of strokes. Some people take protease enzymes prior to extended airplane flights in an attempt to reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs from extended sitting and the resulting lack of blood flow. Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi of Chicago University has shown that when nattokinase is placed with an artificial blood clot and left to sit at body temperature, the clot slowly dissolves and is completely dissipated in less than 24 hours, according to the Doctors Medical Library website. In a cooperative effort between Oklahoma State University, JCR Pharmaceuticals, and Miyazaki Medical College, 12 participants were given 200 g of natto per day. Blood testing showed that natto increased the participants' ability to dissolve blood clots.
CANCER TREATMENT
Several protease enzymes are used as an adjunctive treatment for various forms of cancer. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center website, a 2001 epidemiological study conducted by J. Beuth and colleagues and published in "Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology" noted the effects of an oral enzyme in patients with breast cancer. Symptoms such as infections, skin problems, pain at the tumor site and headaches were reduced in those who took enzymes. Another 2001 study from the same journal by M.S.Gujral and colleagues involved patients with head and neck cancers who were receiving radiation treatment. Those who received oral enzymes had reduction in symptoms such as mucositis, difficulty in swallowing and skin problems associated with radiation.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/263952-uses-of-protease-enzymes/#ixzz271E3vmsF
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