PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES (PROTEASES): Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Proteolytic enzymes (proteases) are enzymes that break down protein. These enzymes are made by animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria.

Proteolytic enzymes break down proteins in the body or on the skin. This might help with digestion or with the breakdown of proteins involved in swelling and pain. Some proteolytic enzymes that may be found in supplements include bromelain, chymotrypsin, ficin, papain, serrapeptase, and trypsin.

Proteolytic enzymes are used for a long list of conditions including cleaning wounds on the skin, help with digestion, pain and swelling, and many other conditions. Refer to specific topics for more information on uses and effects.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES (PROTEASES) overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Proteolytic enzymes are possibly safe when taken appropriately. Side effects are usually mild or moderate and include stomach and intestinal complaints. See specific proteolytic enzymes for more detailed safety information.

When applied to the skin: Proteolytic enzymes are possibly safe when applied to the skin. Some may cause allergic reactions. See specific proteolytic enzymes for more detailed safety information.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if proteolytic enzymes are safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES (PROTEASES) overview.

Dosing

See specific proteolytic enzymes for dosing information.

View References

REFERENCES:

Leipner, J., Iten, F., and Saller, R. Therapy with proteolytic enzymes in rheumatic disorders. BioDrugs. 2001;15(12):779-789. View abstract.

Matinian, L. A., Nagapetian, KhO, Amirian, S. S., Mkrtchian, S. R., Mirzoian, V. S., and Voskanian, R. M. [Papain phonophoresis in the treatment of suppurative wounds and inflammatory processes]. Khirurgiia (Mosk) 1990;(9):74-76. View abstract.

Nomura, J. T., Sato, R. L., Ahern, R. M., Snow, J. L., Kuwaye, T. T., and Yamamoto, L. G. A randomized paired comparison trial of cutaneous treatments for acute jellyfish (Carybdea alata) stings. Am J Emerg Med 2002;20(7):624-626. View abstract.

Ross, E. V., Jr., Badame, A. J., and Dale, S. E. Meat tenderizer in the acute treatment of imported fire ant stings. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1987;16(6):1189-1192. View abstract.

Beuth J. Proteolytic Enzyme Therapy in Evidence-Based Complementary Oncology: Fact or Fiction? Integr Cancer Ther. 2008;7(4):311-316. View abstract.

Bienen H, Raus I. [Therapeutic comparison of throat lozenges; (author's transl)]. MMW Munch Med Wochenschr 1981;123:745-7. View abstract.

Billigmann P. [Enzyme therapy-an alternative in treatment of herpes zoster. A controlled study of 192 patients]. Fortschr Med 1995;113:43-8. View abstract.

Bolten WW, Glade MJ, Raum S, et al. The safety and efficacy of an enzyme combination in managing knee osteoarthritis pain in adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Arthritis. 2015;2015:251521.View abstract.

Büttner L, Achilles N, Böhm M, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of bromelain in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis--a pilot study. B-ENT. 2013;9(3):217-25.View abstract.

Cartier A, Malo JL, Pineau L, Dolovich J. Occupational asthma due to pepsin. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1984;73(5 Pt 1):574-7. View abstract.

Cohen A, Goldman J. Bromelains therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Pa Med J. 1964;67:27-30. View abstract.

Conrozier T, Mathieu P, Bonjean M, et al. A complex of three natural anti-inflammatory agents provides relief of osteoarthritis pain. Altern Ther Health Med. 2014;20 Suppl 1:32-7.View abstract.

Desideri I, Francolini G, Becherini C, et al. Use of an alpha lipoic, methylsulfonylmethane and bromelain dietary supplement (Opera) for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy management, a prospective study. Med Oncol. 2017 Mar;34(3):46.View abstract.

Gerard G. [Anticancer treatment and bromelains]. Agressologie 1972;13:261-74. View abstract.

Hansen KK, Oikonomopoulou K, Li Y, Hollenberg MD. Proteinases, proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) and the pathophysiology of cancer and diseases of the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, nervous and gastrointestinal systems. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2008;377(4-6):377-92. View abstract.

Kane S, Goldberg MJ. Use of bromelain for mild ulcerative colitis. Ann Intern Med 2000;132:680. View abstract.

Kawabata A, Matsunami M, Sekiguchi F. Gastrointestinal roles for proteinase-activated receptors in health and disease. Br J Pharmacol. 2008;153 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S230-40. View abstract.

Klein G, Kullich W. Short-term treatment of painful osteoarthritis of the knee with oral enzymes. Clin Drug Invest 2000;19:15-23.

Latha B, Ramakrishnan M, Jayaraman V, Babu M. Serum enzymatic changes modulated using trypsin: chymotrypsin preparation during burn wounds in humans. Burns 1997;23:560-4. View abstract.

Mantle D, Preedy VR. Adverse and beneficial functions of proteolytic enzymes in skeletal muscle. An overview. Adverse Drug React Toxicol Rev. 2002;21(1-2):31-49. View abstract.

Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. View abstract.

Müller S, März R, Schmolz M, et al. Placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial on the immunomodulating activities of low- and high-dose bromelain after oral administration - new evidence on the antiinflammatory mode of action of bromelain. Phytother Res. 2013;27(2):199-204. View abstract.

Raus I. [Clinical studies on Frubienzyme in a controlled double-blind trial]. Fortschr Med 1976;94:1579-82. View abstract.

Reinecke M. [Treatment of inflammatory diseases of the mouth and throat with Larypront in ENT practice; (author's transl)]. MMW Munch Med Wochenschr 1976;118:1253-4. View abstract.

Rosenberg L, Krieger Y, Bogdanov-Berezovski A, et al. A novel rapid and selective enzymatic debridement agent for burn wound management: a multi-center RCT. Burns. 2014;40(3):466-74. View abstract.

Sinclair RD, Ryan TJ. Proteolytic enzymes in wound healing: the role of enzymatic debridement. Australas J Dermatol. 1994;35(1):35-41. View abstract.

Stone MB, Merrick MA, Ingersoll CD, et al. Preliminary comparison of bromelain and Ibuprofen for delayed onset muscle soreness management. Clin J Sport Med 2002;12:373-8.. View abstract.

Tooth D, Garsed K, Singh G, et al. Characterisation of faecal protease activity in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea: origin and effect of gut transit. Gut. 2014;63(5):753-60. View abstract.

United States Pharmacopeial Convention. Food Chemicals Codex (FCC). 11th Edition. Rockville, MD: The United States Pharmacopeial Convention; 2018.

Walker AF, Bundy R, Hicks SM, Middleton RW. Bromelain reduces mild acute knee pain and improves well-being in a dose-dependent fashion in an open study of otherwise healthy adults. Phytomedicine 2002;9:681-6. View abstract.

Weeks JA, Harper RA, Simon RA, Burdick JD. Assessment of sensitization risk of a laundry pre-spotter containing protease. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011;30(4):272-9. View abstract.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

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