Dr. Henry Cheng
Most people know that enzymes are for digestion. Very few people know that they can be used for inflammation, cholesterol problems, detoxification, and weight control. For these special purposes, they have to be taken in high doses and on empty stomach. When there is no food in the GI tract for them to digest, enzymes are absorbed by M-cells (multifolded cells) of the intestinal mucosa and transported in the blood by a special carrier protein called a2-M (alpha-2-macroglobulin). When they reach the site of inflammation, they help break down the adhesion molecules in the debris. When the debris is cleared up, our body’s own defense cells can reach the inflammatory site and achieve healing. It has been shown that concomitant use of enzymes and anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics may increase the penetration of the drugs.
Enzymes are also believed to directly interfere with the inflammatory process mediated by bad interleukins, and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Enzymes are known to have worked when anti-inflammatory drugs failed, in conditions like arthritis, sports injuries, strains and sprains, tendonitis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, allergies, asthma, sinusitis, eczema, inflammatory bowel diseases, prostatitis, fibromyalgia, rheumatism, fibrocystic breast disease, etc.
Another interesting use is in vascular diseases. Here they can digest and break up blood clots in capillaries and cholesterol plagues in the artery walls. Similarly, their ability in breaking down debris and cleaning up toxins is being utilized in their use in cancer and amyloidosis.
The action of enzymes is hugely affected by the pH of the environment. Hence an enteric-coated preparation called Wobenzym® works better because the coating protects the enzymes from destruction by stomach acid. In order to preserve the integrity of the coating, these pills need to be swallowed whole, i.e. not to be cut, crushed or chewed. Side effects are rare. In order to enhance the anti-inflammatory action, the German manufacturer put in Rutin in their Wobenzym®. Rutin is a bioflavenoid that can reduce the permeability of vessel walls, hence enhancing tissue penetration.
Enzymes are fast gaining popularity as an adjunct in treating inflammatory conditions. In some European countries, enzymes have become mainstream treatment. In fact, in Germany, Wobenzym® ranks second among all OTC medications sold in Germany, ahead of Tylenol® and Motrin®. Enzyme preparations are invaluable when other remedies fail to bring relief.
Dr. Henry Cheng is a medical graduate of the University of London, England, and is now Natural Health Products Consultant at Cloverdale Pharmasave Health Centre.
