It was several thousand years ago when man first learned to control fire and was able to start cooking meals. Unfortunately, we stopped eating raw and fermented foods, we made it more difficult for our body to recover from any bruises and scrapes we got in the process of catching our dinner, or eluding a predator who was looking for his. Today, our modern society's approach to diet is to process, irradiate, microwave, and cook food until it's enzymes are destroyed, placing a heavier burden on our body to produce them. Enzymes, which are essential for activating vitamins and minerals, as well as assisting in the liberation of nutrients from food also help destroy harmful microbial agents, viruses and bacteria. Proteolytic enzymes in particular are the body's primary tool in cleansing the blood and lymph system of organic debris, or damaged proteins, and supporting the body's ability to heal injuries.

How Best Proteolytic Enzymes Work

When taken as supplements on an empty stomach, proteolytic enzymes are absorbed through the lining of the digestive tract and into the circulation, where they regulate protein function. Getting sufficient amounts of proteolytic enzymes (proteases) into the blood stream activates tissue repair and breaks down the debris left by cells, such as during inflammation. They improve the ability of important molecules and cells to pass through the blood vessel walls and modulate the restorative process.

Best Proteolytic Enzymes is a potent formulation containing a broad spectrum of proteolytic enzymes (proteases). Proteolytic enzymes function in the body to digest and break down proteins into their amino acid components. When taken as supplements, studies show that various proteolytic enzymes, including bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), serratiopeptidase (from bacteria), and fungal protease (from a non-pathogenic fungus medium), are absorbed through the lining of digestive tract and into the circulation.1 These enzymes, once in the bloodstream, are available to facilitate chemical reactions throughout the body and have a wide range of applications.

In addition to their role in digestion, proteolytic enzymes serve another, much larger role in the body’s chemical reactions: they activate tissue repair and break down the debris left by cells after irritation or injury. This can improve the ability of important molecules and cells involved in the body’s immune response to modulate the restorative processes within our tissues.

Human studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of proteolytic enzymes in supporting healthy joint and musculoskeletal health. Two recent double-blind studies conducted in Austria, for instance, found that systemic enzymes support joint health.^{2, 3} In both studies, researchers treated a total of 163 men and women for 6-7 weeks with either a common European over-the-counter medicine used to support healthy joints or a systemic enzyme formula. At the conclusion of the study, there was significant overall improvement in joint health in both the over-the-counter conventional medication and the proteolytic enzyme groups. A number of other clinical studies also support the use of proteolytic enzymes for joint support.^{4, 5}

A large number of scientific studies published in the literature indicate proteolytic enzymes can provide support to other tissues in the body, in addition to joints, and to modulate the body’s immune system.^6-9

Studies have also examined the benefits of proteolytic enzymes for improving the elasticity and viscosity of nasal mucous.¹⁰ A recent clinical trial, for example, found that proteolytic enzymes are beneficial for children with acute sinus infections. In this German study of 116 patients, taking bromelain lead to statistically significant faster recovery from sinus symptoms compared to other treatments.¹¹ In 1994, the German Commission E officially approved the use of the proteolytic enzyme bromelain for treatment of swelling of the nose and sinuses caused by surgery or trauma.

Serratiopeptidase Modulates the Immune System and the Secretion of Mucous*

Serratiopeptidase (or Serrapeptase) is a powerful proteolytic enzyme that has been used widely in clinical practice in Japan and Europe for over 30 years to modulate the immune system and the secretion of mucous. It is made by the bacteria Serratia E15, found in the digestive tract of silkworms, which harness the serratiopeptidase enzyme to break down food and the walls of their silk cocoons as they emerge in their moth state.

Serrapeptase appears to thin mucus and modulate molecules involved in both the immune and blood clotting systems.^12-16 Studies thus far suggest that serrapeptase is a promising, safe and useful supplement to help support the immune system and thin mucus. *

Serrapeptase has been used for years in Japan for treating mucus related symptoms. Several human studies have shown that serrapeptase thins mucus in some individuals. An open-label study in 2003 looked at the effects of 30 mg/day (equivalent to ~ 60,000 units of activity) of serrapeptase in 29 individuals with problems expectorating their sputum. After 4 weeks of treatment, those taking serrapeptase had significantly less morning sputum, and it was thinner and less elastic in nature compared to those taking placebo. The serrapeptase group also had less damaging inflammatory cells (neutrophils) in their sputum, and they coughed significantly less than those in the control group.¹⁷

Other double-blind studies have shown that serrapeptase supports the body’s immune response to infections and that it modulates the body’s immune response after surgery.^{14, 18}

Would you rather take a pain killer or a healing enzyme?

Truth is, very few pain killers help heal the body, and in most cases the side effects are rather unpleasant. On the other hand, systemic proteolytic enzymes support the body's ability to heal itself, and they reduce the signs and symptoms of a chronic condition.

As with any nutritional supplementation program, it is best to consult your physician before beginning an enzyme treatment program. Enzymes are safe for most people when used according to the recommended dosage. People prone to forming blood clots, such as those with atrial fibrillation or with chronic venous insufficiency, should consult their physician before taking any type of substance that may effect the blood viscosity. People with other bleeding disorders, ulcers, those who’ve had neurosurgery or ischemic stroke, or those taking blood thinning medications should also consult their physician before taking any enzyme supplements. 

People prone to forming blood clots should consult their physician before taking any type of substance that may effect blood viscosity. People with other bleeding disorders, ulcers, those who’ve had neurosurgery or ischemic stroke, or those taking blood thinning medications should also consult their physician before taking any enzyme supplements. If pregnant or nursing, consult your healthcare provider before taking this product. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place.