info on serrapeptase

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The following is extracted from " The 2nd Gift from Silkworm is

Serrapeptase " for educational purposes. The digests non-living

tissue, blood clots, cysts, and arterial plaque and inflammation in

all forms. The late German physician, Dr. Hans Nieper, used

Serrapeptase to treat arterial blockage in his coronary patients.

Serrapeptase protects against stroke and is reportedly more

effective and quicker than EDTA Chelation treatments in removing

arterial plaque. He also reports that Serrapeptase dissolves blood

clots and causes varicose veins to shrink or diminish. Dr. Nieper

told of a woman scheduled for hand amputation and a man scheduled

for bypass surgery who both recovered quickly without surgery after

treatment with Serrapeptase.

SerraEzyme (Serrapeptase) has wide clinical use spanning over twenty-

five years throughout Europe and Asia as a viable alternative to

salicylates, ibuprofen and the more potent NSAIDs. Unlike these

drugs, SerraEzyme is a naturally occurring, physiologic agent with

no inhibitory effects on prostaglandins and is devoid of

gastrointestinal side effects.

SerraEzyme is a proteolytic enzyme isolated from the micro-organism,

Serratia E15. This enzyme is naturally present in the silkworm

intestine and is processed commercially today through fermentation.

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.

Indications shown in various studies and reported by Practitioners

on their patients:

Pain of any kind.

Arthritis, MS, (Multiple Sclerosis), Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus

etc.

Headaches and Migraines caused by inflammation.

Lungs - Emphysema, Bronchitis, Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Bronchial

Asthma, Bronchiectasis etc

Eye Problems from inflammation or blocked veins etc.

Sinusitis problems, chronic ear infections and runny nose etc

Sports Injuries, traumatic swelling, post operative swellings and

leg ulcers that are not healing.

Inflammation of any kind: inflammatory bowels diseases-, (Crohn's,

Colitis etc) Cystitis etc and in joints or muscles e.g. Fibromyalgia

Breast Engorgement, Fibrocystic Breast Disease etc

Cardiovascular Disease and Varicose Veins etc

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The main question we are asked is:

" Will this conflict with any drugs I am taking or cause my blood to

become to thin? "

Answer:

There are many opinions about what to take with what and what is a

so called 'blood thinner'.

Firstly Aspirin is NOT a blood thinner such as Warfarin. Aspirin is

an anti-inflammatory as are all proteolytic enzymes. They cause the

blood to flow normally, not thinner than normal by stopping the

inflammation in the blood stream that causes blood clotting.

The prime cause of western diseases is now considered to be chronic

inflammation caused by eating starchy carbohydrates, processed,

micro-waved and generally overcooked foods. This is measured by the

rise in C-Reactive proteins after eating such foods. When we have

chronic inflammation as well as free radical damage, we get what is

known as sticky blood, where the platelets stick together and can

clot.

Any method of anti-inflammatory action would cause the blood to thin

when the blood cells stop being sticky .

Even just eating salad or raw vegetables would cause the same action

as Aspirin or Warfarin. I have yet to see Doctors telling people not

to eat too much salad when they are taking Warfarin (but who knows

what they may say next?).

It could even be taken even if you had nothing wrong whatsoever

(inflammation also being the cause of premature ageing).

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A Potent Proteolytic Enzyme

The inflammatory response is an important mechanism for protecting

the body from attack by invading organisms and faulty cells. In the

case of immune dis-regulation, the body loses its ability to

differentiate between innocuous and potentially dangerous

substances. This defective mechanisms results in a wide array of

autoimmune diseases such as allergies, psoriasis, rheumatoid

arthritis, ulcerative colitis, uveitis, multiple sclerosis and some

forms of cancer.

Standard drug therapy for inflammatory-mediated diseases and trauma

include steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents

(NSAIDs). Both classes of drugs offer temporary, symptomatic relief

from swelling, inflammation and accompanying pain without treating

the underlying condition. These drugs may also be immunosuppressive

and cause dangerous side effects. The conscientious physician must

weigh the benefits and long-term risks associated with the use of

NSAIDs, especially in cases of rheumatoid arthritis. If left

untreated, the inflammatory process itself can lead to limitation of

joint function and destruction of bone, cartilage and articular

structures.

NSAIDs are among the most widely prescribed drugs for rheumatoid

arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions. Their effects are

mediated through inhibition of the biosynthesis of prostaglandins.

They work 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 mucosai cytoprotection. A

common side effect from these medications is gastric ulcers. More

serious adverse reactions 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.

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The search for a physiologic agent that offers anti-inflammatory

properties without causing side effects may have ended with the

discovery of the Serratia peptidase (SP) enzyme. This anti-

inflammatory agent is in wide clinical use throughout Europe and

Asia as a viable alternative to salicylates, ibuprofen (sold as an

OTC in the U.S.) and the more potent NSAIDs. Unlike these drugs, SP

is a naturally occurring, physiologic agent with no inhibitory

effects on prostaglandins and devoid of gastrointestinal side

effects.

SP is an anti-inflammatory, proteolytic enzyme isolated from the

microorganism, Serratia El5. This enzyme is naturally present in the

silkworm intestine and is processed commercially today through

fermentation. 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 symbiotic relationship with the Serratia

microorganisms in its intestines. The enzymes secreted by the

bacteria in silkworm intestines have a specific affinity to avital

tissue and have no detrimental effect on the host's living cells. By

dissolving a small hole in the ~ silkworm's protective cocoon

(avital tissue), the winged creature is able to emerge and fly away.

The discovery of this unique biological phenomenon led researchers

to study clinical applications of the SP enzyme in man. In addition

to its widespread use in arthritis, fibrocystic breast disease and

carpal tunnel syndrome, researchers in Germany have used SP for

atherosclerosis. SP helps to digest atherosclerotic plaque without

harming the healthy cells lining Z the arterial wall. Today,

researchers consider atherosclerosis an inflammatory condition

similar to other degenerative diseases. Some immunologists are even

categorizing 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 oxidized lipids. SP

doesn't interfere with the synthesis of cholesterol in the body, but

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 systems in the body. The use

of medications, which block cholesterol biosynthesis, may eventually

damage the liver and compromise anti-oxidant status of the eyes,

lungs and other soft tissues.

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While studies with SP in the treatment of coronary artery disease

are relatively new, a wealth of information exists regarding its

anti-inflammatory properties. SP has been used as an anti-

inflammatory agent in the treatment of chronic sinusitis, to improve

the elimination of bronchopulmonary secretions, traumatic injury (

e.g. sprains and torn ligaments), post-operative inflammation and to

facilitate the therapeutic effect of antibiotics in the treatment of

infections. In the urological field, SP has been used successfully

for cystitis and epididymitis.

SP has been admitted as a standard treatment Germany and other

European countries for the treatment of inflammatory and traumatic

swellings. In one double-blind study of SP conducted by Esch et al

at the German State Hospital in UIm, 66 patients with fresh rupture

of the lateral ligament treated surgically were divided in three

randomised groups. In the group receiving the test substance, the

swelling had decreased by 50% on the third post-operative day, while

in the other two control groups (elevation of the leg, bed rest,

with or without the application of ice), no reduction in swelling

had occurred at that time. The difference was of major statistical

significance. Decreasing pain correlated for the most part with the

reduction in swelling. The patients receiving SP became pain-free

more rapidly than the control groups. By the 10th day, all patients

were free of pain in the SP-treated group. The therapeutic daily

dose was 1-2 tablets (5 mg) 3 times daily. In another double-blind

study, the anti-inflammatory enzyme, SP, was evaluated in a group of

70 patients with evidence of cystic breast disease. These patients

were randomly divided into a treatment group and a placebo group. SP

was noted to be superior to placebo for improvement of breast pain,

breast swelling and induration with 85.7% of the patients receiving

SP reporting moderate to marked improvement. No adverse reactions

were reported with the use of SP. The use of enzymes with

fibrinolytic, proteolytic and anti-edemic activities for the

treatment of inflammatory conditions of the ear, nose and throat has

gained increasing support in recent years.

In a third double-blind study, 193 subjects suffering from acute or

chronic ear, nose or throat disorders were evaluated. Treatment with

SP lasted 7-8 days, two 5 mg tabs, t.i.d. After 3-4 days treatment,

significant symptom regression was observed in the SP-treated group,

while this was not noted in the control group. Patients suffering

from laryngitis, catarrhal rhinopharyngitis and sinusitis noted

markedly rapid improvement. The physicians' assessments of efficacy

of treatment were excellent or good for 97.3% of patients treated

with SP compared with only 21.9% of those treated with placebo. In a

similar study of chronic bronchitis, conducted by a team of

otolaryngolosits, the SP-treated group showed excellent results

compared with the placebo group in the improvement of loosening

sputum, frequency of cough and expectoration. Other improvements

included the posterior nasal hydro rhea and rhinos enosis. The

administration of SP reduces the viscosity of the nasal mucus to a

level at which maximal transport can be achieved. It has also been

demonstrated that the simultaneous use of the peptidase and an

antibiotic results in increased concentrations of the antibiotic at

the site of the infection.

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The mechanisms of action of SP, 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 fibrinose

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 SP 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

opsonizing protein and reductions in concentrations of

haptoglobulin, which is a scavenger protein that inhibits lysosomal

protease. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a form of musculol-igamentous

strain caused by repetitive motion injury. Individuals who work at

keyboard terminals are particularly susceptible to this condition.

While surgery has been considered the first line treatment for

carpal tunnel syndrome, recent studies reveal that the use of anti-

inflammatory enzymes ( e.g. SP and bromelain) in conjunction with

vitamins B2 and B6 are also effective. The use of non-invasive,

nutritional approaches to the treatment of this common condition

will become more important as a generation of keyboard operators

approach retirement. Several research groups have reported the

intestinal absorption of SP. SP 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 mobilized directly to the blood and are not easily detectible 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. SP), 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.

In vitro and in vivo studies reveal that SP 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 SP would be a welcome addition to the physician's

armamentarium of physiologic agents.

The simple answer is serrapeptase is the best anti-inflammatory

enzyme available. It does NOT affect any drugs whatsoever except

that it may make them unnecessary.