Avoid gastric upset and the risk of GI bleeding that comes with Aspirin, Naprosyn and even some NSAIDS like Ibuprofen and Advil. In addition, proteolytic enzymes won’t affect your kidneys like medications do. THESE ARE GREAT FOR ATHLETES AND CHILDREN WHO NEED HELP REDUCING INFLAMMATION, RECOVERING FROM INJURY OR PHYSICAL STRESS. In addition, enzymes have been shown to improve cardiovascular and immune health.

A comprehensive multi-enzyme formula, Inflamazyme helps support normal blood circulation, vessel function and a normal inflammatory response. It also promotes recovery from exercise and physical stress. By supporting the breakdown of unwanted proteins generated during injury and tissue damage for a normal recovery process, Inflamazyme has applications for a broad range of health needs. Inflamazyme’s enzyme blend includes protease, amylase, papain, trypsin, lipase, chymotrypsin and bromelain, along with quercetin and rutin, two well-known flavonoids. It is formulated with a unique delayed-release delivery system to ensure the enzymes are released intact in the small intestine.

How Do Enzymes Work?

Enzymes are complex proteins that catalyze metabolic reactions throughout the body, and sufficient levels are required for optimizing many of the body’s functions. Although the body produces its own supply of enzymes, the amount produced can vary from person to person and is affected by age, diet, biochemistry and stress.

Enzymes fall into three broad categories: metabolic enzymes, manufactured by cells to carry out various functions; digestive enzymes, primarily manufactured by the pancreas to digest foods and absorb nutrients and food enzymes; and exogenous (from outside the body) enzymes from plants and animals, also necessary for aiding and accelerating digestion.

Vascuzyme supports the breakdown of unneeded proteins, which research has shown to be an important component of cardiovascular health and supporting optimal blood vessel function. In cases of soft tissue discomfort and exercise recovery, Vascuzyme helps to break down fibrin to support areas of inflammation and reduce recovery times. Research has shown that proteolytic enzymes are well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (GI) tract into the systemic circulation. [1,2]

Research Studies have highlighted the efficacy of systemic enzyme therapy for a variety of uses, including supporting a normal inflammatory response, nasal passage health, bronchial health, [3,4] musculoskeletal health and exercise-related recovery. [5-8] In vitro, animal and human data show that enzyme therapies are capable of cleaving immune complexes, which are known inflammatory mediators. [9,10] In one study, among four different types of immune complexes prepared in vitro and incubated with different concentrations of an enzyme mixture (papain or pancreatin) approximately 90% of the antigen complexes were cleaved by low doses of enzymes. In addition, antibody complexes were gradually cleaved by concentrations from 5-80 mg. [11]

Proteolytic enzymes have also been shown to reduce levels of the immune marker, TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor- beta), by converting the protease inhibitor alpha2M from the slow form into the fast form, which binds and inactivates TGF-β. In one study, oral proteolytic enzyme therapy reduced TGF-β levels, supporting the normal inflammatory process. [12] A study done in children who were given either a polyenzyme mixture or a monoenzyme agent, found that those receiving the polyenzyme mix maintained optimal balance of pro- inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α). The anti- inflammatory cytokine IL-4 demonstrated the potency of polyenzyme therapy to support a healthy cycle of inflammation and promote tissue recovery. [13]

Enzyme therapy has also been shown to reduce swelling. [14]

In addition, enzyme therapy supports improvements in discomfort, stiffness and mobility among those with musculoskeletal challenges. [15]

Researchers also found significant improvements among 103 patients, with knee discomfort given enzyme therapy. Research has also shown that flavonoids, such as rutin and quercetin, support a normal inflammatory response. Specifically, they have been shown to reduce the production of TNF-α by macrophages, microglial cells and mast cells helping to maintain a healthy cycle of inflammation. [16]

In a randomized, single-blind study on the antioxidant effect of rutin, after six weeks, those receiving rutin had significantly elevated plasma flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) displaying the powerful antioxidant effect of rutin. [17] Quercetin was also found to decrease the expression and production of TNF-α, IL-1beta, IL-6, and Il-8. [18] Finally, systemic enzyme therapy has been shown to stimulate internal defenses to support a normal musculoskeletal inflammatory response. Systemic enzyme therapy has been shown to modulate cytokine levels and shift “immune balance” away from immune hyperactivity and create a calm, efficient immune state.

Together, anti-inflammatory herbs and proteolytic enzymes can work to reduce pain and inflammation rapidly and safely for adults and children. Try Painx and Inflamazyme together for rapid relief from injury and pain.

Research

1. Gotze H, Rothman SS. Enteropancreatic circulation of digestive enzymes as a conservative mechanism. Nature 1975; 257(5527): 607-609. 2. Liebow C, Rothman SS. Enteropancreatic Circulation of Digestive Enzymes. Science 1975; 189(4201): 472-474. 3. Taussig SJ, Yokoyama MM, Chinen A, Onari K, Yamakido M. Bromelain: a proteolytic enzyme and its clinical application. A review. Hiroshima J Med Sci . 1975;24(2- 3):185-93. 4. Taub SJ. The use of bromelains in sinusitis: a double- blind clinical evaluation. Eye Ear Nose Throat Mon. 1967 Mar;46(3):361-5. 5. Trickett P. Proteolytic enzymes in treatment of athletic injuries. Appl Ther . 1964;30:647-52. 6. Walker JA, Cerny FJ, Cotter JR, Burton HW. Attenuation of contraction-induced skeletal muscle injury by bromelain. Med Sci Sports Exerc . 1992 Jan;24(1):20-5. 7. 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. 8. Brien S, Lewith G, Walker A, Hicks SM, Middleton D. Bromelain as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: a Review of Clinical Studies. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine . 2004;1(3)251–257. 9. Steffen, C. and Menzel, J. [Basic studies on enzyme therapy of immune complex diseases]. Wien Klin Wochenschr . 1985; 97(8):376-385. 10. Steffen, C.; Smolen, J. et al. [Enzyme therapy in comparison with immune complex determinations in chronic polyarthritis]. Z Rheumatol. 1985; 44(2):51 56. 11. Steffen, C. and Menzel, J. [Enzyme breakdown of immune complexes]. Z Rheumato l. 1983; 42(5):249-255. 12. Desser, L.; Holomanova, D. et al. Oral therapy with proteolytic enzymes decreases excessive TGF-beta levels in human blood. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol . 2001; 47 Suppl. 13. Minaev, S.V.; Nemilova, T.K.; and Knorring, G.I. [Polyenzymatic therapy in prevention of adhesive processes in the abdominal cavity in children]. Vestn Khir Im I I Grek. 2006. 14. Kamenicek, V.; Holan, P.; and Franek, P. [Systemic enzyme therapy in the treatment and prevention of post-traumatic and postoperative swelling]. Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech. 2001; 68(1):45-49. 15. Klein, G.; Kullich, W. et al. Efficacy and tolerance of an oral enzyme combination in painful osteoarthritis of the hip. A double-blind, randomised study comparing oral enzymes with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2006; 24(1):25-30. 16. Kumazawa, Y.; Kawaguchi, K.; and Takimoto, H. Immunomodulating effects of flavonoids on acute and chronic inflammatory responses caused by tumor necrosis factor alpha. Curr Pharm Des. 2006; 12(32):4271-4279. 17. Boyle, S.P.; Dobson, V.L. et al. Bioavailability and efficiency of rutin as an antioxidant: a human supplementation study. Eur J Clin Nutr . 2000; 54(10):774-782. 18. Min, Y.D.; Choi, C.H. et al. Quercetin inhibits expression of inflammatory cytokines through attenuation of NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK in HMC-1 human mast cell line. Inflamm Res . 2007; 56(5):210-215.