Proteolytic Enzymes: The Revolutionary All-in-one Enzyme Therapy That Has Multiple Health Benefits... From Dissolving Blood Clots To Treating Bronchitis

Last year, in your December 2002 issue of HSI, we introduced you to nattokinase, a remarkable natural enzyme that can dissolve blood clots - sometimes in a matter of minutes - thereby helping to prevent heart disease and strokes. It is perhaps one of the most exciting breakthroughs HSI has ever come across. Following the widespread success of this natural remedy, further research has been carried out to look into possible ways to build on its unique therapeutic effects.

As a result of this research a new formula called Proteolytic Enzymes has been devised that combines a comprehensive list of enzymes, each targeted to address specific medical complaints. The flagship ingredients in the formula are nattokinase and another powerful enzyme called Seaprose-S, which, although still relatively unheard of in the West, has been used for medicinal purposes for over 30 years in Japan. It has been found to help treat bronchitis and sinusitis, and also reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis.

We're still firm believers in nattokinase and all the benefits it can provide on its own, but, based on what we've learned about Seaprose-S so far, the combination of these two enzymes has the potential to offer an even greater range of therapeutic benefits.

Seaprose-S helps alleviate pain, swelling and inflammation
Seaprose-S is derived from the fungus Aspergillus melleus, and, like nattokinase, it is a proteolytic enzyme (also known as protease), which means it breaks down proteins. But instead of targeting blood clots, it demonstrates an ability to reduce painful inflammation and break up mucus.1

Plus, it has demonstrated potential against harmful bacteria like streptococcus.
These actions make it a natural choice for treating respiratory infections like bronchitis and sinusitis, which are both caused by bacteria and characterised by inflammation and mucus build-up. In fact, Seaprose-S is a common ingredient in Japanese over-the-counter cold remedies.

In an Italian study, Seaprose-S's effectiveness was assessed in 20 patients with chronic bronchitis. Half of the group took Seaprose-S while the other half took a placebo; the researchers assessed the effects by analysing each patient's bronchial mucus. Patients who took Seaprose-S showed significant improvements in bronchial inflammation and in the viscosity of the mucus (the liquid's rate of resistance to flow).2

Another study confirmed Seaprose-S's ability to reduce bronchial inflammation: After 10 days of treatment with Seaprose-S, chronic bronchitis patients' mucus showed reduced levels of albumin and a decrease in the albumin/total protein ratio, both accepted markers of bronchial inflammation and infection.3

In an animal study, Seaprose-S has shown anti-inflammatory activity against many different inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, oedema, pleurisy (inflammation of the lung lining), and peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen).4

And yet another study revealed that Seaprose-S could significantly reduce the pain, oedema, cramping, and skin redness associated with inflammation of the veins.5

The medical term for this condition is thrombophlebitis, and it is associated with blood clot formation.

One complete formula combines the power of Seaprose-S and nattokinase
As you can probably tell from this, Seaprose-S is a powerful enzyme on its own. But even though it has been used in Japan since the late 1960s, Western research on this enzyme didn't really take off until the early 1990s. Soon thereafter, a large pharmaceutical company picked up exclusive rights to it but never devoted much of their resources to developing the enzyme. So it was all but forgotten - until now, when it has been combined with nattokinase to make up the formula Proteolytic Enzymes.

In case you missed the December 2002 HSI article on nattokinase, here's a quick refresher: More than a dozen clinical studies demonstrated its ability to dissolve thrombi (blood clots) by breaking down a protein called fibrin. In a similar manner, nattokinase can also prevent future clots and plaque from developing.

In fact, in several studies, nattokinase proved to be more effective at busting clots than the synthetic drugs given to heart attack and stroke patients in hospitals around the world. And of course breaking down clots improves circulation, which can help lower blood pressure, prevent dementia, and improve overall health by boosting oxygen and nutrient flow to cells throughout the body.

So you can imagine the benefits of combining nattokinase with Seaprose-S: improving circulation to all parts of the body while addressing the inflammation and infection that can often accompany circulatory disorders. This powerhouse combination could offer a multi-pronged approach to heart health, reducing inflammation in the arteries while clearing away clots and preventing the development of plaque.

What to take for best results
The generally recommended dose is one Proteolytic Enzymes capsule three times a day, or as otherwise directed on the product's label or by your health practitioner.
For those of you interested in trying or continuing to use nattokinase on its own, the recommended dosage is one capsule in the morning, one capsule in the afternoon and two capsules at bedtime. The product can be taken with or without food.

WARNING: Both Proteolytic Enzymes and nattokinase should not be taken by those on blood-thinning drugs and those with bleeding disorders.

Even More Enzymes That Help Target Everything From Poor Digestion To Cancer
Different enzymes have different functions in the body, so to make this the most complete formula possible, Seaprose-S and nattokinase have also been combined with other healthy enzymes to create Proteolytic Enzymes. These include:

Hydrosulphide (a.k.a. thiol) - protease enzymes like papain and bromelain, which have shown benefits against inflammation, arthritis, platelet coagulation and more.

Pancreatin - a component of pancreatic juice, aids digestion.

Amylase - helps digest carbohydrates.

Lipase - helps break down fats in fatty acids.

Rutin - an antioxidant polyphenol found primarily in green tea and red wine, stabilises the vascular endothelium and has anti-inflammatory effects. Rutin has also demonstrated cancer-fighting potential in clinical studies.

A highly concentrated fungal protease - has demonstrated activity on both interior and exterior bonds in protein molecules.

1 Braga PC, Rampoldi C et al 'In vitro rheological assessment of mucolytic activity induced by seaprose' Pharmacol Res 1990;22(5):611-617
2 Braga PC, Moretti M et al 'Effects of seaprose on the rheology of bronchial mucus in patients with chronic bronchitis' Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 1993;13(3):179-185
3 Moretti M, Bertoli E et al 'Effects of seaprose on sputum biochemical components in chronic bronchitis patients' Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 1993;13(5):275-280
4 Fossati A '?ntiinflammatory effects of seaprose-S on various inflammation models' Drug Exp Clin Res 1999;25(6):263-270
5 Bracale G, Selvetella L 'Clinical study of the efficacy of and tolerance to seaprose S in inflammatory venous disease' Minerva Cardioangiol 1996;44(10):515-524