My Serrapeptase Adventure

Research

When I wrote that:

I want to understand the processes by which a proteolytic enzyme, Serrapeptase, started and sustained, what I am certain is a life-saving cascade of changes, by which I have returned to and surpassed the good health I once enjoyed.

I received more e-mails and questions than I have for a very long time. Most people were asking why, if I am happy to describe Serrapeptase as The ‘Miracle’ Enzyme, I am so determined to understand how it works, what its impact has been and, more interestingly, what its potential may be.

I am in no doubt that Serrapeptase is deserving of its title, given to it by Robert Redfern, The Serrapeptase Guy, who renamed his book: The ‘Miracle’ Enzyme is Serrapeptase, after hearing of My Serrapeptase Adventure in 2006 and included my remarkable return to good health in the 2009 edition.

The assumption that many people seem to be making is that in order to accept something as a miracle, one must suspend the powers of reason and critical thinking. I do not agree.

Consider the awe-inspiring beauty of a sunset. I understand how the visible colours are produced by light, refracted by atmospheric conditions and the angle of the sun, compared with my position on the surface of the earth. Despite this rudimentary understanding of physics, I am inspired by every sunset I see. In the years before my return to health, I was able to enjoy the beauty of sunsets, even when my eyesight was at its weakest. Now that my eyesight is so much better and I can see small details, beauty on such a massive scale still inspires me. The miracle, for me, is not how the colours are created, but that they have such an effect upon me.

I am convinced that the better I understand Serrapeptase, the more I will see that it is The ‘Miracle’ Enzyme. The first time I took Serrapeptase, my only hope was that it would be an effective painkiller. Within a matter of days, I was learning by joyful personal experience, that it had started a cascade of improvements in my health that I believe saved my life. My Serrapeptase Adventure has freed me from the ‘toxic cocktail’ of prescription medication. I continue to be free of chronic pain, my lung and heart conditions have disappeared and my eyesight and visual perception have improved beyond anything I could have imagined. Neither I, nor anyone who knew me at that time expected or understood that a single enzyme could have such a life-changing impact. I cannot think of a better description of a miracle.

Serrapeptase was discovered in the early 1970’s and it is now in wide clinical use throughout Europe and Asia as a viable alternative to salicylates, ibuprofen (sold as an OTC in the USA.) and the more potent NSAIDs. Serrapeptase is an anti-inflammatory, proteolytic enzyme isolated from the micro-organism, Serratia E15 and has no inhibitory effects on prostaglandins, is devoid of gastrointestinal side effects and offers a sensible alternative.

This immunologically active enzyme is completely bound to the alpha 2 macroglobulin in biological fluids. Histological studies reveal powerful anti-inflammatory effects of this naturally occurring enzyme. The silkworm has a special relationship with the Serratia E15 micro-organisms in its intestines. The enzymes secreted by the bacteria in silkworm intestines have the ability to dissolve avital tissue, but have no detrimental effect on the host’s living cells. Thus by dissolving the silkworm’s protective cocoon (avital tissue), the winged creature is able to emerge and fly away.

The mechanisms of action of Serrapeptase, at the sites of various inflammatory processes consist fundamentally of a reduction of the exudative phenomena and an inhibition of the release of the inflammatory mediators. This peptidase induces fragmentation of fibrinous aggregates and reduces the viscosity of exudates, thus facilitating drainage of these products of the inflammatory response and thereby promoting the tissue repair process. Studies suggest that Serrapeptase has a modulatory effect on specific acute phase proteins that are involved in the inflammatory process.

Although my recovery is an amazing gift, my improved eyesight and still improving visual perception is different. My eyesight was impaired from birth, as a direct result of the congenital impact of cerebral palsy. This means that improvements in my sight, and particularly in my visual perception, represent the development of new abilities that are even more remarkable than the recovery of old ones.

Does this mean that the remarkable enzyme, Serrapeptase, can overcome the impact of congenital brain damage? There is now some research, based upon studies of newborns, suggesting that inflammation may be amongst the underlying causes of cerebral palsy. One indicator for this was the elevated level of inflammatory cytokines. I am not yet sure that it is possible to extrapolate from this that reducing the level of inflammation in adulthood, could help to mediate the effect of congenital damage, but am sure that it is a question worth asking, and that the answer will be a fascinating one to find.

I believe that miracles are given to us as gifts. They are not to be passively accepted, but they provide unexpected opportunities to gain new understanding. It is for this reason that I am sure that Serrapeptase is The ‘Miracle’ Enzyme and that I can look forward to understanding the miracle. (Updated 15/1/10)

I have been writing about Curcumin98, since February 2006. The astonishing effect it has had upon my eyesight continues to be among the most joyous gifts of My Serrapeptase Adventure, and my continuing journey towards good, and improving, health.

Although most of the questions, sent to me by those who read my story, or who have heard it on the radio, will probably always be about Serrapeptase, among the people who know me personally, I am much more often asked about Curcumin98. This is, perhaps, because the improvements in my eyesight have been among the most unexpected of all. It is for this reason that now in 2009, I am still learning about Curcumin.

From powerful heart medications and antibiotics to simple aspirin, many modern pharmaceuticals have been derived directly from ancient plant and fungal sources that exhibit remarkable abilities to improve well being and intervene in disease processes at the molecular level. Scientists continue to discover medically useful plant compounds that demonstrate powerful anti-inflammatory, anti cancer, antibiotic, and anti-ageing properties. Turmeric is a case in point. This tropical root delivers a smorgasbord of powerful health benefits.

Research shows that turmeric – and its main bioactive compound, Curcumin – has the power to block inflammation, stop cancer, kill infectious microbes, and improve heart health.

Turmeric is perhaps most familiar as the star ingredient in powdered curry mixes. Curcumin, a group of polyphenolic plant pigments, is responsible for turmeric’s characteristic canary yellow colour. Curry is the signature seasoning and fragrant dish of the Indian subcontinent.

India’s relationship with turmeric, and thus Curcumin, goes back thousands of years. Both ginger and turmeric have been cultivated in India and South-east Asia for millennia. India produces and consumes most of the world’s turmeric. The ancient Romans and Greeks, who valued its medicinal properties, revered a cousin of ginger, turmeric. Indeed, its English name derives from the Latin, which roughly translates as ‘earth-merit’.

Unlike their Western counterparts, most native Indians would probably not be surprised to learn that modern science has begun to investigate and catalogue turmeric’s various health-promoting properties. Turmeric is familiar to Indians not only as a spice but also as an important element of folk medicine. In the ancient Indian system of Ayurvedic holistic medicine, turmeric is revered for its ability to quell inflammation and to treat a variety of maladies. Indeed, Ayurvedic medicine recommends mixing turmeric in a small amount of honey for the treatment of numerous ailments. It is taken orally at the first sign of the common cold, and the sticky paste is applied to the skin as a topical ointment for the treatment of skin infections and irritations.

Turmeric powder also is a popular remedy for stomach complaints throughout Asia. In Hawaii, it is reportedly used to treat swimmer’s ear (infection) and sinus infections. Perhaps one of its most important applications is as an anti-inflammatory for the treatment of arthritis; it has been used as such in China and India for thousands of years.

Modern Science Meets Ancient Faith

Modern scientists have examined these largely faith-based claims and have subjected them to rigorous testing over the last 50 years. Although few large-scale human trials have been completed, hundreds of experiments conducted by researchers around the globe have demonstrated Curcumin’s ability to:

• Halt or prevent certain types of cancer
• Stop inflammation
• Improve cardiovascular health
• Prevent cataracts
• Kill or inhibit the toxic effects of certain microbes including fungi and dangerous parasites
• Protect, at least in the laboratory, against the damaging effects of heterocyclic amines (potentially carcinogenic compounds found in some cooked foods).

This hard-working spice shows promise as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis, and may ameliorate the damaging effects of long-term diabetes. It is even being investigated as a topical treatment to speed diabetic wound healing. Some researchers also have noted an exciting link between turmeric consumption and a dramatically decreased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, an effect that may well be related to Curcumin’s ability to block signalling pathways that lead to inflammation.

Cancer-Fighting Capabilities Documented

Numerous studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals detail Curcumin’s ability to protect against cancer. In addition to its capacity to intervene in the initiation and growth of cancer cells and tumours – and to prevent their subsequent spread throughout the body by metastasis – Curcumin also has been shown to increase cancer cells’ sensitivity to certain drugs commonly used to combat cancer, rendering chemotherapy more effective in some cases. Much research has focused on Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties, and some research suggests that Curcumin may protect the heart and circulatory system, and prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Still other studies have examined Curcumin’s potential ability to counteract the effects of fungal toxins in the food supply, and to protect the eyes from cataracts and uveitis, an inflammation of a portion of the eye that may result in glaucoma.

As an anti cancer agent, Curcumin is promising enough to warrant serious attention from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). In its 2002 annual report, the Chemo-preventive Agent Development Research Group, a subset of the NCI’s Division of Cancer Prevention, details its efforts to encourage and support research on Curcumin’s utility in cancer prevention and treatment. Because Curcumin is a non-patentable product, such support is crucial, especially for research involving all-important human trials, as other sources of funding are virtually non-existent. At least one human trial, focusing on dosing, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics (how Curcumin is used, metabolised, and eliminated by the body), has been undertaken at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

Test-tube and animal-model studies have demonstrated that Curcumin exhibits significant anti-cancer activity. Numerous experiments have shown that Curcumin inhibits the progression of chemically induced colon and skin cancers. In colon cancer, in particular, Curcumin seems significantly to inhibit both the promotional and progression stages of the disease. Various studies have reported that Curcumin reduces the number and size of existing tumours, and decreases the incidence of new tumour formation.

Much discussion has focused on the use of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors as potential colon cancer preventive agents. This new approach arose from the observation that people who routinely take anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs) are statistically less likely to develop cancer than those who do not. Unfortunately, NSAIDs are poorly tolerated by some, and they can even cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Regarding Curcumin’s potential benefits for the prevention and treatment of colon cancer, one research team commented:

“Naturally occurring COX-2 inhibitors such as Curcumin and certain phytosterols have been proven to be effective as chemo preventive agents against colon carcinogenesis with minimal gastrointestinal toxicity.”

Additionally, other studies using cancer cells grown in the laboratory in vitro have demonstrated Curcumin’s ability to prompt apoptosis, or programmed cell death, among leukaemia, B lymphoma, and other cancerous cells.

Curcumin has been used as a topical application successfully to induce apoptosis in skin cancer cells both in vitro and in animal models. Curcumin is under investigation as a preventive agent for increasingly common non-melanoma skin cancers, and as a potential preventive or treatment agent in breast, prostate, oral, pancreatic, and gastric cancers, among others.

Curcumin also has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of certain anti-cancer drugs, and, amazingly, potentially to improve the effectiveness of anti-cancer radiation treatment by preventing tumour cells from developing radiation resistance. Protein kinase C (PKC) has been suggested as a possible mechanism by which tumour cells develop resistance to radiation therapy. Curcumin’s helpful effect may be due to its ability to inhibit radiation-induced PKC activity. Additionally, one study found that Curcumin protected study animals from the tumour-producing effects of deadly gamma radiation, while another found that it protects against damaging ultraviolet light, which is known to play a role in the development of skin cancer.

Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Centre declared: “…Curcumin has enormous potential in the prevention and treatment of cancer.” They noted that Curcumin has been found to be safe for human consumption, even in doses ranging as high as 10 grams per day. However, other researchers have observed that more is not necessarily better. A published study from India found that among rats fed a diet causing high blood sugar, those given low doses of Curcumin did not develop experimentally induced cataracts as often as control subjects did. However, rats receiving high doses of Curcumin actually developed cataracts somewhat faster, possibly due to increased oxidative stress. The difference in dosing was extreme, but these findings underscore the importance of further inquiry into the uses of Curcumin in humans for a variety of diseases and under a variety of conditions.

Contrary to the many remarkably encouraging reports on Curcumin’s anti-cancer benefits, at least one study reported that Curcumin interfered with, rather than potentiated, the effects of anti-cancer chemotherapy. Another study found no significant therapeutic effect against prostate cancer, a finding that stands in stark contrast to numerous other studies that have noted significant anti-prostate cancer activity by Curcumin. This lack of consensus has led some experts to caution against taking Curcumin during chemotherapy, except under an oncologist’s supervision.

Heart Health Benefits

Some of the most intriguing research on Curcumin’s potential benefits involves its apparent ability to improve cardiovascular health. As with many of Curcumin’s protective actions, this ability to improve circulatory system function may be due to its powerful antioxidant activity. Several reports detailed Curcumin’s ability to protect test animals against a variety of conditions that model heart disease in humans.

Researchers in Egypt noted that Curcumin protected rats from oxidative stress injury following experimentally induced stroke. Stroke is a common result of thrombosis and/or atherosclerosis, which leads to clogging of the arteries that supply the brain with vital oxygen and nutrients. It is believed that such injury, known as ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) insult, is responsible for many of the deficits seen in stroke victims. Researchers concluded that Curcumin protected the rats from I/R damage. They noted that when Curcumin was administered at the highest levels, injury-related oxidants, believed to be responsible for the majority of I/R damage, were significantly reduced. Among the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) whose levels or activities were reduced by Curcumin were xanthine oxidase, superoxide anion, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Scientists attribute many of the undesirable effects of ageing to the rogue activities of damaging free radicals, and antioxidants are crucial for their control. As noted previously, Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and many of its beneficial effects may be directly related to its ability to scavenge and neutralise these ROS.

Positive Effects on Cholesterol

In laboratory tests on animals and in vitro, scientists have shown that Curcumin prevents lipid peroxidation and the oxidation of cellular and sub cellular membranes that are associated with atherosclerosis.

Moreover, Curcumin acts to lower total cholesterol levels. Perhaps even more important, it prevents peroxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. LDL peroxidation plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis, so it follows that a substance that inhibits peroxidation should benefit cardiovascular health.

Atherosclerosis is a common disorder associated with ageing, diabetes, obesity, and a diet high in saturated fat. It begins gradually, as cholesterol and other lipids deposit on arterial walls and form damaging plaques. Oxidised lipids are suspected of playing a particularly damaging role in the progression of atherosclerosis. As plaques grow, vessel walls may eventually thicken and stiffen, restricting blood flow to target organs and tissues. Atherosclerosis is a major cause of heart disease and may lead to stroke.

When atherosclerotic plaques restrict blood flow to the heart, depriving cardiac muscle of vital oxygen and nutrients, coronary tissue dies, angina and heart attack are the results. Since Curcumin is a naturally occurring, well-tolerated antioxidant that is capable of destroying the dangerous free radicals that lead to lipid peroxidation, it would appear that it holds enormous potential in the fight against heart disease.

Still more intriguing than its ability to limit peroxidation is the finding that Curcumin raises HDL (‘good’) cholesterol levels, even as it reduces LDL levels. In a small study of human volunteers, researchers reported a highly significant 29% increase in HDL among subjects who consumed one-half gram (500 mg) of Curcumin per day for seven days. Subjects also experienced a decrease in total serum cholesterol of more than 11%, and a decrease in serum lipid peroxides of 33%. Further human studies are needed, but these preliminary findings are promising. As one research team noted: “Administration of a nutritional dose of Curcuma longa  extracts [Curcumin]…may contribute to the prevention of effects caused by a diet high in fat and cholesterol in blood and liver during the development of atherosclerosis.”

Although scientific investigation into the therapeutic properties of Curcumin is ongoing, it seems clear that this plant pigment from a humble tuber has powerful healing potential. The data are occasionally conflicting, but it seems likely that adding Curcumin to one’s diet makes exceptionally good sense. Curcumin appears to prevent certain cancers, inhibit cardiovascular disease, and quell inflammation, and may even offer protection against Alzheimer’s disease.

One word of caution, however, the gut poorly absorbs Curcumin. Its absorption and bioavailability are significantly enhanced by the addition of an agent such as Piperine, a natural alkaloid derived from black pepper. Curcumin98, the formulation of Curcumin, which I use, contains a formulation of Piperine, called Bioperine.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Do not use Curcumin if you suffer from gallstones or a blocked bile duct, as it increases the production of bile acid. If you are taking Warfarin or other blood thinning medication, consult your doctor before taking Curcumin.

* Curcumin, is the main biologically active part of Turmeric, which only contains 4% Curcumin; whereas Curcumin98 contains at least 95%.
** Where appropriate standard British English spelling has been used.

With thanks to Robert Redfern of Naturally Healthy Publications, for original information.

(Updated 2/4/09)

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MaxiFocus (Lutein Spray) is a complete nutritional formula for the health of your eyes, brain and body. In addition to the essential carotenoids Lutein and Zeaxanthin, MaxiFocus contains a full range of essential vitamins and minerals. The sublingual formula ensures the most effective absorbency, even in those with digestive tract problems.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin were identified in 1995 as the only two Carotenoid antioxidants specific to lens and macula health. Selectively accumulated from plasma and deposited in the lens, macula, and lungs; Lutein and Zeaxanthin filter light and serve as potent free radical scavengers. The macular pigment composed of Lutein and Zeaxanthin, functions as a colour filter to protect the light-sensitive photoreceptor cells (responsible for visual acuity) from visible blue and ultraviolet light-originated free radical damage. Studies in 1997:

• Showed a 30% reduced macular pigment density in eyes with AMD.

• Found a correlation between reduced macular pigment density and increased lens density (cataracts) in seniors;

• Demonstrated that macular pigment density can be increased with dietary and/or supplemental Lutein. Maintaining sufficient levels of Lutein and Zeaxanthin (the only Carotenoid antioxidants active in the retina) can prevent ARMD and Cataracts and preserve youthful visual sensitivity.

“Most individuals supplementing with sublingual Lutein and Zeaxanthin report reduced glare and visual fatigue; improved contrast sensitivity”

Vinpocetine (vin-po-seh-teen) an extract from periwinkle seeds (vinca major) has been well researched and available in Europe for the past twenty years. Recently, it became available as a dietary supplement. Vinpocetine has been included in this formula for safer and more effective circulatory benefits to the entire retina. There are no known negative interactions with other dietary supplements or drugs.

Vinpocetine facilitates cerebral metabolism, which affects the retina and the front part of the brain. It increases blood flow, steps up the concentration of ATP (the energy carrying molecules of the cells) and thus improves utilisation of glucose and oxygen in the brain and retina. Vinpocetine also increases the turnover of Norepenephrine and Serotonin. It inhibits abnormal platelet aggregation, improves red blood cell elasticity, and inhibits an enzyme (GMP) that causes arterial constriction and blood flow reduction. Thus, arteries relax, blood pressure normalises and blood flow increases. In clinical studies, Vinpocetine has been shown to benefit depression, headaches, short-term memory, inner-ear conditions, tinnitus, vertigo, menopause, insomnia, speech impairment, stroke and eyesight disorders.

In one study, 100 predominantly atherosclerotic patients with eye disorders were given Vinpocetine. Eighty-eight subjects displayed increased retinal circulation and improved visual acuity. Half of the group that showed the best response, had conditions caused by central retinal artery insufficiency. Prior to giving Vinpocetine, dye was visible through fluorescein angiographies in the choroid only and not in the retinal arteries.

After giving Vinpocetine, dye entered the retinal arteries. The greatest improvement in circulation was seen in the macula. Functional improvements were seen in the macular region in particular.

Results were most favourable with glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past five years, you probably know that eating fruits and vegetables reduces your risk for getting certain types of cancer. Scientists have been slowly unravelling the complex reasons why – primarily, it is because fruits and vegetables contain antioxidant compounds that prevent cell damage. Lutein, a Carotenoid (plant pigment) in the same chemical class as beta-carotene, is one of these compounds. Carotenoids provide the colourful palette of reds, yellows, and greens you see in vegetables and flowers, and even adorn birds, fish, and butterflies.

So what do Carotenoids have to do with your colon?

University of Utah Medical School, researchers found that of all the many Carotenoids that occur in vegetables, Lutein has the strongest protective effects against colon cancer, and contributes to a better prognosis in certain cases of colon cancer.

The researchers looked at the eating habits of 1,993 patients with colon cancer and 2,410 cancer-free participants, and then used a table of food Carotenoids content to determine how much of the various types of Carotenoids each person consumed.

They weighed this information against cancer occurrence, stage, and prognosis for all study participants. The Utah team found that when a daily diet contains ample sources of Lutein – spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, oranges, celery, eggs, and lettuce and other greens are good sources – men and women are 17% less likely to develop colon cancer. In addition, they determined that cancer patients whose colon cancer developed before they had reached the age of 67, or whose tumours occurred further up the colon, reaped the most significant benefits from Lutein.

People in the study were between the ages of 30 and 79. The researchers were unable to draw any significant correlation between the other types of dietary Carotenoids and reduced risks of colon cancer or improved prognosis. However, these other Carotenoids have already shown their ‘colours’ in other ways.

Lycopene, known to protect eyes against age-related disease, also protects prostate cells from cancer (as does Lutein) and is found in Red, Yellow, Orange and Green Vegetables (especially cooked or tinned tomatoes) – Eat the Rainbow!

PRECAUTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Persons with a tendency toward hypotension (low blood pressure) should begin taking Lutein Spray Formula at a reduced dosage and monitor their blood pressure.

• Not recommended for use during pregnancy.

With thanks to Robert Redfern of Naturally Healthy Publications, for original information.

(Updated 12/3/09)

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Serrapeptase And The Power Of Enzymes

Enzymes are catalysts, made from amino acids by RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) which is made by DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid). Enzymes need a specific temperature and pH (measure of acidity/alkalinity) to perform their work. Enzymes from plants work best at the human body’s temperature and pH. They are essential in every function of growth, repair and therefore health of every living cell in the body.

Thousands of enzymes are working every second to build and regenerate the body. They are constantly being converted or produced and they depend upon good living nutrition to keep ahead of daily damage and degeneration. They do need help in this job and this essential help comes from coenzymes. These are critical vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B12. Even a small deficiency in B12 results in disease. This becomes such a problem with elderly people, on poor diets, that they at times need injections.

Another coenzyme, zinc, is needed by about 80 enzyme activities, not to mention the famous coenzyme Q10. Without enzymes and coenzymes, there would be no living thing. All living things depend upon enzymes to sustain growth and health.

Three Types Of Enzymes

Food/Digestive Enzymes – These take the basic building blocks delivered by food we eat and convert it to colloidal particles (the smallest particles that exist in a free state) that can be converted into healthy living tissue.

Metabolic Enzymes - Metabolic enzymes use these colloids to keep all of our organs and tissues functioning with hundreds of diverse chemical activities, repairing organs and fighting disease. The body’s ability to stay healthy, to repair tissue when injured, to protect us from disease, is directly related to the quality and number of enzymes, coenzymes and nutritious food.

Clean-Up Enzymes - This third type is not really a separate group, but they are the enzymes for the last job on the line, clearing up. They are responsible for eliminating the mess, left in the body from the construction and repair work that is in continuous operation. These clean-up enzymes clear our bodies of the undigested carbohydrates, proteins and any non-vital tissue floating around. Another vital job is to provide anti-inflammatory enzymes to fight infections and tissue damage.

Enzymes Do Specific Jobs, Including

• Digesting food
• Breaking down toxins
• Cleansing the blood
• Supporting the immune system
• Converting protein into muscle
• Contracting muscles
• Eliminating carbon dioxide from the lungs
• Supporting the pancreas and other vital organs

Enzymes are the workers in the body – they carry out every chemical reaction. To have a healthy body you need both workers (enzymes) and building materials. The building materials are proteins (amino acids), minerals, and vitamins. All of these are necessary to build a healthy body. Trying to function without all the necessary enzymes is the reason for most body malfunctions.

Seven Categories Of Food Enzymes

• Lipase to break down fat;
• Protease to breakdown protein
• Cellulase to break down fibres
• Amylase to break down starch
• Lactase to break down dairy foods
• Sucrase to breakdown sugars
• Maltase to breakdown grain

The Inflammatory Response

The inflammatory response is normally an important mechanism for protecting the body from attack by invading organisms, faulty cells and trauma. When the immune system becomes dysfunctional, it loses its ability to differentiate between innocuous and potentially dangerous substances. This dysfunction results in a wide array of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, allergies, psoriasis, uveitis, multiple sclerosis and some forms of cancer.

In spite of the huge range of successful enzyme studies showing safety and effectiveness, the standard therapy for inflammatory-mediated diseases and trauma include drugs such as steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). These classes of drugs, in most cases, do offer temporary, symptomatic relief from swelling, inflammation and accompanying pain, but without treating the underlying condition.

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) And Their Side Effects

The drugs used to control the inflammatory response may be immunosuppressive and cause dangerous side effects. The benefits and long-term risks associated with the use of NSAIDs, especially in cases of rheumatoid arthritis; need to be weighed very carefully. If not successfully treated, the inflammatory process itself can lead to limitation of joint function and destruction of bone, cartilage and articular structures.

NSAIDs are one of the most widely prescribed drugs for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions. They inhibit the biosynthesis of prostaglandins by irreversibly blocking cyclooxygenase, the enzyme which catalyses the reactions of arachidonic acid to endoperoxide compounds.

The neurological and gastrointestinal side effects of these agents have been reviewed in considerable detail. All of the NSAIDs, with the exception of Cytotec, inhibit prostaglandin El, a local hormone responsible for gastric mucosal cytoprotection. A common side effect from these medications is gastric ulcers. Adverse reactions that are more serious such as blood dyscrasias, kidney damage and cardiovascular effects have been noted. Most physicians rotate among the ten most widely prescribed NSAIDs, as soon as one causes side effects or stops working.

Introducing Serrapeptase, The ‘Miracle’ Enzyme

The search for a superior enzyme that offers safe but powerful anti-inflammatory properties, thus averting the terrible side effects, ended when Serratia peptidase (Serrapeptase) enzyme was discovered in the early 1970’s. Serrapeptase is now in wide clinical use throughout Europe and Asia as a viable alternative to salicylates, ibuprofen (sold as an OTC in the USA.) and the more potent NSAIDs. Serrapeptase is an anti-inflammatory, proteolytic enzyme isolated from the micro-organism, Serratia E15 and has no inhibitory effects on prostaglandins, is devoid of gastrointestinal side effects and offers a sensible alternative.

Serrapeptase is processed commercially in the laboratory through fermentation. It was originally found in the silkworm where it is naturally present in its intestine. This immunologically active enzyme is completely bound to the alpha 2 macroglobulin in biological fluids. Histologic studies reveal powerful anti-inflammatory effects of this naturally occurring enzyme. The silkworm has a special relationship with the Serratia E15 micro-organisms in its intestines. The enzymes secreted by the bacteria in silkworm intestines have the ability to dissolve avital tissue, but have no detrimental effect on the host’s living cells. Thus by dissolving the silkworm’s protective cocoon (avital tissue), the winged creature is able to emerge and fly away.

The mechanisms of action of Serrapeptase, at the sites of various inflammatory processes consist fundamentally of a reduction of the exudative phenomena and an inhibition of the release of the inflammatory mediators. This peptidase induces fragmentation of fibrinous aggregates and reduces the viscosity of exudates, thus facilitating drainage of these products of the inflammatory response and thereby promoting the tissue repair process. Studies suggest that Serrapeptase has a modulatory effect on specific acute phase proteins that are involved in the inflammatory process. This is substantiated by a report of significant reductions in C3 and C4 complement, increases in opsonising protein and reductions in concentrations of haptoglobulin, which is a scavenger protein that inhibits lysosomal protease.

Enteric Coating For Intestinal Absorption

Several research groups have reported the intestinal absorption of Serrapeptase. Serrapeptase is well absorbed orally when formulated with an enteric coating. It is known that proteases and peptidases are only absorbed in the intestinal area.

These enzymes are mobilised directly to the blood and are not easily detectable in urine. Other enzymes with structural similarities have been reported to be absorbed through the intestinal tract. Chymotrypsin is transported into the blood from the intestinal lumen. Horseradish peroxidase can cross the mucosal barrier of the intestine in a biologically and immunologically active form. Several studies have appeared so far which refer to the systemic effects of orally given proteases and peptidases (e.g. Serrapeptase), such as repression of oedema and repression of blood vessel permeability induced by histamine or bradykinin. These enzymes also affect the kallikrein-kinin system and the complement system, thus modifying the inflammatory response.

Superior Effects

In vitro and in vivo studies reveal that Serrapeptase has a specific, anti-inflammatory effect, superior to that of other proteolytic enzymes. A review of the scientific literature, including a series of controlled, clinical trials with large patient groups, suggests that Serrapeptase is useful for a broad range of inflammatory conditions. If one considers the fact that anti-inflammatory agents are among the most widely prescribed drugs, the use of a safe, proteolytic enzyme such as Serrapeptase would be a welcome addition to the physician’s armamentarium of physiologic agents

Serrapeptase Has A Wide Range of Applications

The discovery of this unique biological phenomenon led researchers to study clinical applications of the Serrapeptase enzyme in man.

Researchers in Germany have used Serrapeptase for atherosclerosis to digest atherosclerotic plaque without harming the healthy cells lining the arterial wall. Today, researchers consider atherosclerosis an inflammatory condition (similar to many other degenerative diseases whose cause is identified as chronic inflammation). Some immunologists are even categorising atherosclerosis as a benign tumour. Hardening and narrowing of the arterial wall is a cumulative result of microscopic trauma; inflammation occurs in the presence of oxidised lipids. Serrapeptase does not interfere with the synthesis of cholesterol in the body, but acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps clear avital tissue from the arterial wall. It is important to note that cholesterol in its pure state is an antioxidant and a necessary component of the major organ and hormonal systems in the body. The use of medications, which block cholesterol biosynthesis, may eventually damage the liver and compromise antioxidant status of the eyes, lungs and other soft tissues.

Powerful Anti-inflammatory

In addition to atherosclerosis, there is a growing list of conditions, which respond to Serrapeptase simply taken orally in tablet or capsule form.

Pain Of Any Kind

• Arthritis
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Headaches and Migraines (Caused by Inflammation)

Lung Problems

• Emphysema
• Bronchitis
• Pulmonary Tuberculosis
• Bronchial Asthma
• Bronchiectasis

Eye Problems

• Inflammation
• Blocked Veins etc

ENT Problems

• Sinusitis
• Chronic Ear Infections
• Runny Nose etc

Trauma

• Sports Injuries
• Traumatic Swelling
• Post Operative
• Leg Ulcers (that are not healing)

Inflammation Of Any Kind

• Inflammatory Bowel (Crohn’s, colitis etc)
• Cystitis
• Fibromyalgia
• Breast Engorgement
• Fibrocystic Breast
• Varicose Veins etc

Cardiovascular

• Varicose Veins etc
• Cardiovascular Disease

* Please note: This list is not definitive and it does not constitute advice of any kind.
** Where appropriate standard British English spelling has been used.

Thanks to Robert Redfern of Naturally Healthy Publications, for original information.
(Updated 5/3/09)

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