Zymactive(R): Silkworm enzyme fights inflammation in humans

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Silkworm enzyme fights inflammation in humans

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2005/02/c2884.html

Enzyme is a safe alternative to -2 inhibitors and NSAIDs

VANCOUVER/CNW/ - As consumers search for alternatives to -2

inhibitors such as Vioxx, Celebrex, Bextra and non-steroidal

anti-inflammatory

drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, some experts are encouraging the use of safe

and natural alternatives.

In particular, many physicians have re-discovered a powerful anti-

inflammatory enzyme originally derived from the common silkworm. Serratia

Peptidase or serrapeptase is an enzyme, which is produced in the intestines

of

silkworms and assists these creatures in breaking down its cocoon walls. It

is

also believed to digest abnormal, dangerous or dead cells in humans.

Several studies suggest that this enzyme produced by the larval form of

the silkworm helps eliminate or reduce blood clots, cysts and plaque that

build up in the arteries and can cause heart attacks and strokes. And, more

importantly, it is anticipated that serrapeptase also rids the body of

inflammation.

Inflammation is one of the most damaging things that occurs to human

beings over time, and as we age. A variety of illnesses are exacerbated by

inflammation - including arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and

even cancer.

" It has been a goal of many scientists and physicians to find a side-

effect-free substance to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with

various diseases, " says Dr. Murray, the Director of Education for

Natural Factors Nutritional Products.

" We are confident that Zymactive®, a mixture of anti-inflammatory

enzymes including the silkworm enzyme, will provide a natural and healthy

solution to the overall problem of inflammation and that this will have a

major positive effect on the millions of Canadians who currently suffer from

inflammation including the disabling disease of arthritis. "

" In addition to being free from side effects, the silkworm enzyme is

proving to be a superior alternative to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory

agents traditionally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, "

says Dr. Murray.

Arthritis is not a disease by itself. It is a symptom of a variety of

health problems and conditions. The most common of these is osteoarthritis

which is also known as degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is caused

by the loss of cartilage in a person's joints. The joints most affected

include

the hands and the weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips and spine.

In Canada, four million people aged 15 and older, or 16 per cent of the

population, suffers from arthritis in one form or another.(*)

The total direct cost of arthritis in Canada is estimated to be at least

$4.4-billion -- a figure that corresponds to 10.3 per cent of the total

healthcare expenditures for diseases in this country in 1998.(*) (This

figure likely underestimates the total costs, however, because data for some

expenditures -- such as costs related to health professionals other than

physicians and to over-the-counter medications -- are unavailable)

Long-term disability as a result of arthritis accounted for almost 80

per cent of the economic cost in 1998 at nearly $3.8-billion. And, the

disease

is on the increase. The number of people with arthritis is expected to

increase

by 50 per cent to over six million Canadians by the year 2026.(*)

Natural Factors Nutritional Products Ltd. is a North American leader in

the health products industry. The 50-year old, Company offers a full range

of

vitamins, minerals, specialty supplements and functional foods to consumers

around the world. Natural Factors is dedicated to researching and

manufacturing evidence-based nutraceuticals and in ensuring the highest

product quality. With almost 45,000 square metres of production, research

and laboratory facilities, the Company's national head office in Coquitlam

includes state of the art manufacturing facilities. It also has offices in

Burnaby, Kelowna, Toronto and Everett, Washington. Visit us at

www.naturalfactors.com

(*) Badley E, DesMeules M Arthritis in Canada as published by the Public

Health Agency of Canada (2003) at

www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ac/ac_3e.html

For further information: or interview requests, please contact: Kate

Jobling, Director of Public Relations, Natural Factors Nutritional Products,

Direct: (604) 415-4181, Email: kjobling@...