Exclzyme The Original Full-Strength Formula

Research

Inflammation and Fibrin

The reality of inflammation is that it affects everyone, men and women alike. However, along with nearly all other tissue and organs, inflammation can affect reproductive tissue and organs particularly. For instance, many women experience painful swelling of the breast as well as uterine fibroids. In men, prostate health is a major concern. Although inflammation in each case may manifest differently in both men and women, inflammation has one thing in common: fibrin.

Fibrin is an essential protein that is produced during inflammation. As a blood clotting protein, the body utilizes fibrin to contain blood loss and keep infection at bay after injury. It is the initial step in the body’s attempts at recovery. However, when inflammation has become prolonged, fibrin along with other proteins such as collagen can begin to transform original tissue into a tough fibrous matrix. Differentiated and sometimes sequestered apart from healthy tissue, this fibrous matrix still has the biological markers of inflammation. Nutrients and other building blocks are still needed for healthy and normal tissue.

Systemic and proteolytic enzyme research over the years suggests that fibroids in women and swollen prostate glands in men are indications that the body has not been able to get past inflammation. The resulting fibrous tissue usually accumulates toxins that have not been adequately removed by the body.

Serrapeptase Research: Anti-inflammatory Activity

For nearly 40 years, serrapeptase has been at the heart of systemic enzyme therapy. Systemic enzymes such as serrapeptase have been used for optimal cell, tissue, organ and metabolic function. Likewise, companies, health practitioners and consumers have turned to the original Exclzyme formulation for their systemic enzyme therapy needs.

Researchers in India conducted a study to assess the response of serrapeptase in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). They wanted to determine if a conservative, non-surgical approach would be beneficial. Twenty patients with CTS were evaluated clinically after 6 weeks taking serrapeptase. Sixty five percent showed significant clinical improvement, which was supported by improvement in electrophysiological parameters. No significant side effects were observed. The doctors concluded that serrapeptase therapy may prove to be a useful alternative conservative treatment.¹

A clinical evaluation of serrapeptase was conducted to determine its efficacy in reducing inflammation in patients with breast engorgement. Serrapeptase was noted to be superior to placebo for improvement of breast pain, breast swelling and induration and while 85.7% of the patients receiving serrapeptase had "Moderate to Marked" improvement. No adverse reactions were reported with the use of serrapeptase. The researchers conclude that serrapeptase is a safe and effective method for the treatment of breast engorgement.²

Moving to another part of the body, a study was conducted in men with amicrobial prostato-vesiculitis (APV is a non-infectious inflammation of the prostate). The researchers wanted to determine if treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) drugs, including serrapeptase, could reduce inflammation and swelling of the prostate. The doctors conclude that in APV patients, the treatment with NSAIDS, including serrapeptase is an effective therapy, producing multiple positive effects.³

Exclzyme Benefits and Sports Nutrition

Enzymes are energetic catalysts that push essential chemical reactions in the body in the right direction. In its quest for internal balance, the body always turns to enzymes for help. In this way, Exclzyme helps get inflamed tissue over the hump.

Exclzyme’s superior proteolytic action assists the body in removing those larger protein molecules from damaged cells and tissues as well as the inflammatory response itself. In helping breakdown these compounds, the impediments for sustaining healthy cell and tissue growth are removed and the processes for rejuvenation and recovery can move forward. These facets of Exclzyme make it ideal for maintaining healthy tissue repair following strenuous physical training and activity.

Sport- and exercise-related muscle pain and inflammation brought on by strong physical tension, excessive training, and heavy competition are decreased with “excellent results” due to the specific activity of systemic enzymes on exercise-induced inflammation.⁴ Taking systemic enzymes prior activity can also provide protective benefits to athletes who are at risk of injury, resulting in significantly reduced duration of injury symptoms and related absences from training and work. Systemic enzyme support also improves recovery from sprains, as well as shortens recovery from sport injuries severe enough to require surgery.^5,6

Enzyme Activity 

References

1. Panagariya A, Sharma AK. A preliminary trial of serratiopeptidase in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. J Assoc Physicians India. 2000 Nov; 48(11):1130.

2. Kee WH, Tan SL, Lee V, Salmon YM. The treatment of breast engorgement with Serrapeptase (Danzen): a randomised double-blind controlled trial. Singapore Med J. 1989 Feb; 30(1):48-54.

3. Vicari E, La Vignera S, Battiato C, Arancio A. Treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with amicrobial chronic prostato-vesiculitis: transrectal ultrasound and seminal findings[Article in Italian]. Minerva Urol Nefrol. 2005 Mar; 57(1):53-9.

4. Nouza K. Physical activity and immune system. Systemic enzyme therapy in prevention and treatment. Medicina Sportiva Boh Slov. 1997; 6(2):41–45.

5. Zuschlag JM. Prophylactic administration of Wobenzym to reduce consequences of sports injuries in karate fighters. MUCOS Pharma GmbH & Co, Dept. Clinical Research, Geretsried, Germany.

6. Kerkhoffs GM, Struijs PA, de Wit C, Rahlfs VW, Zwipp H, van Dijk CN. A double blind, randomised, parallel group study on the efficacy and safety of treating acute lateral ankle sprain with oral hydrolytic enzymes. Br J Sports Med. 2004 Aug; 38(4):431–435.

FAQ

      What is systemic enzyme therapy?

Systemic enzyme therapy refers to the therapeutic use of natural enzymes to produce desired healing effects. Systemic enzymes are absorbed from the small intestine where they enter the bloodstream and execute their effects on the entire body as a system. Their crucial role in normal inflammatory response assists and supports the body in accelerating healing.

What is a systemic proteolytic enzyme?

Proteolytic enzymes break down proteins into their building-blocks, which are called amino acids. Systemic proteolytic enzymes are responsible for breaking down accumulated protein and waste substances found in the circulatory system and connective tissue. Waste materials produced from inflammation and other biochemical processes can build up, contributing to excessive scarring and perpetuated immune responses. Excessive scarring, particularly of the organs, can exacerbate symptoms of the associated disease. The waste product of specific concern is known as fibrin. Regular systemic proteolytic enzyme use can improve circulation and aid in flushing out these waste products.

What is fibrin?

Fibrin is a protein-based substance that is needed to help clot one’s blood, playing a substantial role in immune response and healing. When the body responds to injury or chronic inflammation, fibrin is recruited to the damaged area to form scar tissue. Although the body is equipped with plasmin, a naturally occurring enzyme responsible for breaking down excess fibrin, some people are at a disadvantage – as aging occurs, plasmin levels progressively decrease. This actually increases the risk for excessive, undesirable scar tissue formation in the body.

Are systemic enzymes anti-inflammatory drugs?

Although systemic enzymes produce anti-inflammatory effects, they are not considered a drug. Since enzymes are naturally occurring within the body, systemic enzyme therapy is considered supplementation. One difference between systemic enzymes and NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) involves the duration of action. While NSAIDs produce short-term pain relief, systemic enzymes can produce long-term alleviation with appropriate use.

The largest difference between NSAIDS and systemic enzymes is the mechanism of action and possible side effects. NSAIDs block the production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for inflammation and swelling. However, prostaglandins protect the lining of the stomach, and prolonged use of NSAIDs can reduce this protection and increase the risk of developing ulcers. Conversely, regular use of systemic enzymes has no negative side effects and can actually provide protective effects against excess inflammation.

Why is it important to take Exclzyme on an empty stomach?

Since most absorption occurs in the small intestine, the systemic enzymes must bypass the stomach to gain access there. If the enzymes are taken with food, they will likely begin working to break down your food within the stomach, rather than passing through to the small intestine. Taking systemic enzymes like Exclzyme with food will compromise their absorption, as well as their effectiveness.

Does Exclzyme have an enteric coating?

Yes, the serrapeptase in Exclzyme is enterically coated. While similar systemic enzymes may have the same active ingredients, most do not utilize enteric coating. The purpose of enteric coating is to protect the enzyme from the acidic environment of the stomach. High activity level is preserved until the enzymes reach the small intestine, where absorption into the bloodstream takes place. While the enteric coating can withstand the acidic environment of the stomach, the alkaline environment of the small intestine will disintegrate the enteric coating, allowing the enzyme to be active within the bloodstream.

Do you use phthalates in your enteric coating?

No, our enteric coating does not use or contain phthalates. At AST Enzymes, we use Methacrylic Acid Copolymer (MAAC) for our enteric coating. Compared to other commonly used enteric coating agents such as Cellulose Acetate Phthalate (CAP) and Hydroxypropyl Methycellulose Phthalate (HPMCP), MAAC is the most gastro-resistant and does not carry the same risks. Additionally, MAAC is considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA and is approved for use by the European Food Safety Authority. To learn more about enteric coating used in AST Enzymes products, please click the 'Compare" tab.

How long should I take Exclzyme before feeling results?

Since people experience varying ailments and severity of disease, the length of time to include systemic enzymes in your regimen may vary as well. As an overall guideline, it is typically recommended that new systemic enzyme users start off slow. A starter dose is generally one capsule, three times daily. After three to four days of proven tolerance, the dose can be increased to a therapeutic dose of 3 capsules, 3 times per day. At this point, results may be monitored, and dosage should be adjusted accordingly. Some consumers find their therapeutic dose between 9-15 capsules per day, while others only need 3-6. There are several factors that may affect results and required dosage, including:

·         Height

·         Weight

·         Age

·         Severity of symptoms

·         Tolerance

·         Time of administration (Better absorbed on an empty stomach)

·         Adherence to regimen

·         Nutritional state

What if I miss a dose?

Regular, consistent use of systemic enzymes will provide the best results, however missed doses of systemic enzymes do not have serious repercussions. Although symptoms alleviated by systemic enzyme therapy may resurface, getting back on track by remembering to take your next dose will suffice. There is also the option of incorporating another dose during the day. There is no need to “double up,” on one dose - and remember, systemic enzymes are best absorbed on an empty stomach.

Are there any side effects involved with Exclzyme?

The use of Exclzyme has not been shown to exhibit detrimental effects, neither long term nor short term. Just as dosage requirements vary, side effects may vary as well. Although gastrointestinal disturbances have been reported by a small percentage of new users, tolerance is maintained once the dosage is adjusted. Minor allergic reactions, like reddening of the skin, are also rare occurrences, and can be seen with extremely high doses. There are no known interactions with prescription or over the counter drugs while using systemic enzyme therapy. However, it is recommended that you consult with your physician about starting systemic enzymes, especially if you are currently on blood-thinning medications or if you are pregnant or nursing.

Can I take Exclzyme with other systemic enzymes?

Systemic enzymes may be taken together, yielding desirable results, as long as they are taken on an empty stomach. In fact, it is often recommended that systemic enzymes be combined. Products like Exclzyme and Peptizyme-SP often have synergistic effects when taken together. This means that the separate products work together to produce advantageous results. By combining and enhancing the activity of the enzymes, their effects on the healing process are more attainable.

Can I take Exclzyme with digestive enzymes?

Although digestive and systemic enzymes are not contraindicated in terms of ingredients, they cannot be taken at the same time. The purpose of digestive enzymes is to aid in digestion of specific foods, so taking them with food is an obvious recommendation. Because systemic enzymes require an empty stomach for maximum absorption, they must be taken separately from digestive enzymes. There are no adverse interactions between systemic and digestive enzymes, but they serve different purposes and thus should be taken as directed for best results.