Re: Serrapeptase, another useful enzyme? (long)

[Guest guest]

The " anecdotal " usually causes me to put in the " check out for any known risks,

if none, and you become impatient enough - then give it a try " .

Doing a check on NML.. there are a few concerns...

Serrapeptase, another useful enzyme? (long)

From: " Jacques & Nelly " <janel@...>

I have no idea how this one compares to bromelain but here it is:

" Hans A. Nieper, M.D., an internist from Hannover, Germany, studied the

effects of serrapeptase on plaque accumulations in the arteries. The

formation of plaque involves deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol,

cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin (a clotting material in the

blood) on the inner lining of the arteries. Excessive plaque results in

partial or complete blockage of the blood's flow through an artery,

resulting in arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, and an ensuing

stroke or heart attack. The evidence to support serrapeptase's role in

preventing plaque build-up is anecdotal. "

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Serrapeptase

Insect-Derived Enzyme Fights Inflammation

By Pryor

Our bodies have a love-hate relationship with inflammation. On the one hand,

inflammation is a natural response, necessary to protect the body from

invading organisms. On the other hand, inflammation can limit joint

function, and destroy bone, cartilage and other articular structures.

An elusive goal of scientists and physicians has been to find a

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

with fibrocystic breast disease, rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic edema,

carpal tunnel syndrome and post-operative swelling. It appears that the

search may be nearing an end, thanks to an enzyme produced by the larval

form of the silk moth.

Serrapeptase is an enzyme that is produced in the intestines of silk worms

to break down cocoon walls. This enzyme is proving to be a superior

alternative to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs)

traditionally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Its

uses have also been extended to the treatment of chronic sinusitis and

postoperative inflammation, and some researchers believe the substance can

play an important role in arterial plaque prevention and removal.

A Natural Anti-Inflammatory

Serrapeptase, also known as Serratia peptidase, is a proteolytic enzyme

isolated from the non-pathogenic enterobacteria Serratia E15. When consumed

in unprotected tablets or capsules, the enzyme is destroyed by acid in the

stomach. However, enterically-coated tablets enable the enzyme to pass

through the stomach unchanged, and be absorbed in the intestine.

Serrapeptase is found in negligible amounts in the urine, suggesting that it

is transported directly from the intestine into the bloodstream. 15, 16

Clinical studies show that serrapeptase induces fibrinolytic,

anti-inflammatory and anti-edemic (prevents swelling and fluid retention)

activity in a number of tissues, and that its anti-inflammatory effects are

superior to other proteolytic enzymes. 17

Besides reducing inflammation, one of serrapeplase's most profound benefits

is reduction of pain, due to its ability to block the release of

pain-inducing amines from inflamed tissues. 18 Physicians throughout Europe

and Asia have recognized the anti-inflammatory and pain-blocking benefits of

this naturally occurring substance and are using it in treatment as an

alternative to salicylates, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs. 19

In Germany and other European countries, serrapeptase is a common treatment

for inflammatory and traumatic swellings, and much of the research that

exists on this substance is of European origin. One double-blind study was

conducted by German researchers to determine the effect of serrapeptase on

post-operative swelling and pain. This study involved sixty-six patients who

were treated surgically for fresh rupture of the lateral collateral ligament

of the knee. On the third post-operative day, the group receiving

serrapeptase exhibited a 50 percent reduction of swelling, compared to the

controls. The patients receiving serrapeptase also became more rapidly

pain-free than the controls, and by the tenth day, the pain had disappeared

completely. 20

Cystic Breast Disease

Serrapeptase has also been used in the successful treatment of fibrocystic

breast disease. In a double-blind study, 70 patients complaining of breast

engorgement randomly were divided into a treatment group and a placebo

group. Serrapeptase was superior to the placebo for improvement of breast

pain, breast swelling and induration (firmness). 85.7 percent of the

patients receiving serrapeptase reported moderate to marked improvement. No

adverse reactions to serrapeptase were reported and the researchers

concluded that " serrapeptase is a safe and effective method for the

treatment of breast engorgement. " 21,22

Serrapeptase and Sinusitis

Due to its inflammatory properties, serrapeptase has been shown in clinical

studies to benefit chronic sinusitis sufferers. In this condition, the mucus

in patients' nasal cavities is thickened and hypersecreted. This thickening

causes mucus to be expelled less frequently. Japanese researchers evaluated

the effects of serratiopeptidase (30 mg/day orally for four weeks) on the

elasticity and viscosity of the nasal mucus in adult patients with chronic

sinusitis. Serratiopeptidase reduced the viscosity of the mucus,

improving the elimination of bronchopulmonary secretions. 23

Other clinical trials support serrapeptase's ability to relieve the problems

associated with chronic sinusitis. In one study, 140 patients with acute or

chronic ear, nose and throat pathologies were evaluated with either a

placebo or the active serratia peptidase. Patients taking the serrapeptase

experienced a significant reduction in severity of pain, amount of

secretion, purulence of secretions, difficulty in swallowing, nasal

dysphonia, nasal obstruction, anosmia, and body temperature after three to

four days and at the end of treatment. Patients suffering from laryngitis,

catarrhal rhinopharyngitis and sinusitis who were treated with serrapeptase

experienced a significant and rapid improvement of symptoms after 3-4 days.

Physicians assessed efficacy of treatment as excellent or good for 97.3

percent of patients treated with serrapeptase compared with only 21.9 per-

cent of those treated with a placebo. 24

Respiratory diseases are characterized by increased production of a more

dense mucus modified in viscosity and

elasticity. Traditionally, in respiratory diseases, muco-active drugs are

prescribed to reestablish the physicochemical characteristics of the mucus

in order to restore respiratory function. Some of these drugs, however,

cause a functional depletion of mucus, whereas Serrapeptase alters the

elasticity of mucus without depleting it. 25, 27

A powerful agent by itself, serrapeptase teamed with antibiotics delivers

increased concentrations of the antimicro-

bial agent to the site of the infection. Bacteria often endure a process

called biofilm antirnicrobial agents. In an attempt to prevent this

bacterial immunity, researchers have experimented with various means of

inhibiting biofilm-embedded bacteria. Their search may have ended with

serrapeptase. One study conducted by Italian researchers suggests that

proteolytic enzymes could significantly enhance the activities of

antibiotics against biofilms. Antibiotic susceptibility tests showed that

serratiopeptidase greatly enhances the activity of the antibiotic,

ofloxacin, and that it can inhibit biofilm formation. 28

Another double-blind randomized study evaluated the effects of administering

the antibiotic cephalexin in conjunction with serrapeptase or a placebo to

93 patients suffering from either perennial rhinitis, chronic rhinitis with

sinusitis or chronic relapsing bronchitis. The serratia peptidase treated

group experienced significant improvement in rhinorrhea, nasal stuffiness,

coryza and improvement of the para-nasal sinus shadows. 29

Researchers witnessed equally impressive results in the treatment of

infections in lung cancer patients undergoing thoracotomy. Serrapeptase and

cefotiam, an antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity against both

Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms, were administered to 35

thoracotomy patients with lung cancer. The patients were divided into two

groups. A single dose of cefotiam was administered to the 17 subjects in

Group 1. The 18 subjects in Group II received a combination of Cefotiam and

serrapeptase. The level of the antibiotic in the tissues versus the blood

was significantly higher in the serrapeptase group than the single dose

group.' "

Cardiovascular Implications

Hans A. Nieper, M.D., an internist from Hannover, Germany, studied the

effects of serrapeptase on plaque accumulations in the arteries. The

formation of plaque involves deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol,

cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin (a clotting material in the

blood) on the inner lining of the arteries. Excessive plaque results in

partial or complete blockage of the blood's flow through an artery,

resulting in arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, and an ensuing

stroke or heart attack. The evidence to support serrapeptase's role in

preventing plaque build-up is anecdotal. Still, further studies are called

for in this area as Nieper's research indicated that the protein-dissolving

action of serrapeptase will gradually break down atherosclerotic plaques. 31

Conclusion

Regardless of whether serrapeptase is used for inflammatory diseases or to

prevent plaque build up on the arteries, it is

well-tolerated. Due to its lack of side effects and anti-inflammatory

capabilities, serrapeptase is a logical choice to replace harmful NSAIDs.

Thanks to the tiny larvae of the silk moth, researchers have taken a large

step toward finding relief for

inflammatory disease sufferers.

References

1. Raskin JB. Gastrointestinal effects of nonsteroidal anti-

inflammatory therapy. Am J Med. 1999, 106(5B):3S-12S.

2. No author listed. Regular Use of Pain Relievers Can Have

Dangerous Results. Kaleidoscope Interactive News, Ameri-

can Medical Association media briefing. July 24, 1997.

3. Fung HB, Kirschenbaum, HL. Selective cyclooxygenase-

2 inhibitors for the treatment of arthritis. Clin Ther. 1999:

21(7): 1131-57.

4. Geis GS. Update on clinical developments with celecoxib,

a new specific COX-2 inhibitor: what can we expect? Scand

J Rheumatol Suppl. 1999.109:31-7.

13. Fung HB, Kirschenbaum, HL. Selective clyclooxygenase-

inhibitors for the treatment of arthritis. Clin Ther. 1999:«

21(7): 1131-57.

14. FDA MedWatch: The FDA Medical Products Reporting

Program. May 12, 1999, FDA Talk Paper.

15. Moriya N, Nakata M, Nakamura M, Takaoka M, Iwasa S,

Kato K, Kakinuma A. Intestinal absorption of serrapeptase

((TSP)) in rats. Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 1994; 20(Pt 1): 101 -8.

16. Miyata, K. Intestinal absorption of Serratia Peptidase. J

Appl Biochem. 1980:2:111-16.

17. Mazzone A, Catalani M, Costanzo M, Drusian A, Man-

doli A, Russo S, Guarini E, Vesperini G. Evaluation of Ser-

ratia peptidase in acute or chronic inflammation of otorhino-

laryngology pathology: a multicentre, double-blind, random-

ized trial versus placebo. J Int Med Res. 1990, 18 (5): 379-88

18. Mazzone A, et al. Evaluation of Serratia peptidase in

acute or chronic inflammation of otorhinolaryngology

pathology: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized trial versus

placebo. J Int Med Res. 1990; 18(5):379-88.

19. Aso T etal. Breast engorgement and its treatment: Clini-

cal effects of Danzen an anti-inflammatory enzyme prepara-

tion. The world of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Japanese).

1981:33:371-9,

20. Esch PM, Gerngross H, Fabian A. Reduction of postop-

erative swelling. Objective measurement of swelling of the

upper ankle joint in treatment with serrapeptase-a prospec-

tive study (German). Fortschr Med. 1989;107(4):67-8. 71-2.

21. Kee WH, Tan SL, Lee V, Salmon YM. The treatment of

breast engorgement with Serrapeptase (Danzen): a randomized

double-blind controlled trial. Singapore Med J.

1989:30(1 ):48-54.

22. Aso T ct al. Breast engorgement and its treatment: Clini-

cal effects of Danzen an anti-inflammatory enzyme prepara-

tion. The world of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Japanese).

1981:33:371-9.

23. Majima Y, Inagaki M, Hirata K, Takeuchi K. Morishita A.

Sakakura Y. The effect of an orally administered proteolylic

enzyme on the elasticity and viscosity of nasal mucus. Arch

Otorhinolaryngol. 1988:244(6):355-9.

24. Mazzone A, el al. Evaluation of .Serratia peptidase in

acute or chronic inflammation of otorhinolaryngology

pathology: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized trial versus placebo.

1990: J Int Med Res. 1990 18(5):379-88.

25. Tomoda K, and Miyatam K. Some information on the

composition of trachael secretions before and after the

administration of Danzen. Exper Ther. 1972:477:9-16.

26. Kase Y, et al. A new method for evaluating mucolytic

expectorant activity and its application to two proteolylic

enzymes, serratiopeptidase and seaprose. Arznelrnitteltorachung.

1982: 32:374-378.

27. Marriott C. Modification in the rheological properties of

mucus by drugs. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1982: 144:75-84.

28. Selan L, Berlutti F, Passariello C. Comodi-Balliinii MR.

Thaller MC. Proleolytic enzymes: ..a new treatment strategy

for prosthetic infections? Antimicrob Agents Chemother.

1993:37(12):2618-21.

29. Perna 1.. Osservazional] Cliniche " .sui traitamento in in osppio

cleco con Serratio peptidase nella neifre perenna naila ninite'

cronica nacutizzala con sinusopattia. nella bronchia cronica

nacutizzata. Rlv Pat (.'Clin 'Tuberc' Penumol. 1985, 56: 509-516.

30. Koyama, Mori J, Tokuda H,. Waku M, Anno H,. Kataya,-

ma T, Murakami K. Komatsu H. Hirata M, Arai T, et al. Augmentation

by by serrapeptase of tissue permeation by cefotiam

(Japanese). Jpn J Antibiol. 1986; 39(3):761-71.

31. Brewer Science Library website. 1999.

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[Guest guest]

The " anecdotal " usually causes me to put in the " check out for any known risks,

if none, and you become impatient enough - then give it a try " .

Doing a check on NML. (29 articles mainly Japanese). there are a few concerns...

for example:

A case of pneumonitis due to serrapeptase,

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=2\

693781 & dopt=Abstract

But also very positive results (in rats):

" Studies on the distributions of antibiotics in the oral tissues: Experimental

staphylococcal infection in rats, and effect of serratiopeptidase on the

distributions of antibiotics "

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=7\

001087 & dopt=Abstract

.... so next question is source and cost...

Serrapeptase is an enzyme derived from silk worms. It is marketed in Asia under

the trade name Danzen and in Europe as Anaflazyme.

(http://smart-drugs.net/new.html)

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Serrapeptase silkworm enzyme 5 mg 100

tabs

15.95

http://www.smart-drugs.com/oly-order.htm

No information on toxicity etc.. appears to be available... so you are likely

going into things 'blind' (unless you can read Korean:

http://dcic.sookmyung.ac.kr/monograph/serratiopeptidase.htm) .. also interesting

is: http://www.pharm.chula.ac.th/vsuntree/glob/digest.htm

THIS IS A VERY INTERESTING PAGE:

http://www.internetwks.com/saynotodrugs/cardio.html

look down the left side supplements.... er.... they look VERY familiar...

Serrapeptase, another useful enzyme? (long)