A high potency enzyme supplement can help spare the body’s enzyme reserves and can be used therapeutically to combat digestive difficulties, inflammation, infection and other conditions.

Possible applications include:

• Inflammation
• Weight Management
• Wounds/Injuries
• High Blood Pressure
• Infections
• Varicose Veins
• Atherosclerosis
• Menstrual Cramps
• Poor Digestion
• Antibiotics
• Blood Clots
• Cancer
• Blood Sugar Irregularities

Because enzymes are needed for numerous body functions, it is important that they not be overloaded. For example, if the body must produce large amounts of enzymes for digestive function, production of enzymes for metabolic function may be lacking.

Bromelain is a mixture of sulfur-containing, protein-digesting enzymes (proteolytic enzymes or proteases) obtained from the stem of the pineapple plant. Since it was introduced as a medicinal agent in 1957, more than 200 scientific papers on its therapeutic applications have appeared in medical literature.⁽¹⁾

Bromelain has well documented effects in virtually all inflammatory conditions, regardless of etiology. It has also been proven effective in a number of other health conditions including angina, indigestion and upper respiratory tract infections, plus, it improves the activity of antibiotics. Papain, a proteolytic enzyme isolated from the unripe papaya fruit, has a similar effect.⁽¹⁾ The effect of these enzymes is due to a number of different actions.

Proteolytic enzymes can prevent the deposit of immune complexes in body tissues. Immune complexes, in simplest terms, are combinations of antibodies and antigens. When the body's other immune defense systems fail to rid the body of these complexes, an inflammatory process begins that can lead to serious disease, often of the autoimmune variety, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers in Germany, as well as in the United States and elsewhere, have conducted studies both in the test tube and in animals and humans that, reportedly, demonstrate the ability of enzyme preparations to dissolve and clear these complexes.⁽⁴⁾

Proteolytic enzymes increase the breakdown of fibrin. Fibrin's role in promoting inflammation is to form a wall around the inflamed area. This results in the blockage of blood and lymph vessels, which in turn leads to pain and swelling.⁽³⁾

Fibrin can also cause the development of blood clots. Proteolytic enzymes are often used therapeutically in the treatment of thrombophlebitis, a disease in which blood clots develop in veins and become inflamed, then can dislodge to cause strokes or heart attacks.⁽³⁾

Individuals with varicose veins have a decreased ability to break down fibrin and decreased levels of plasminogen activator in the varicose veins. When fibrin is deposited in the tissue near the varicose veins; the skin becomes hard and "lumpy" due to the presence of the fibrin and fat. By breaking down fibrin, bromelain can help prevent the development of the hard and lumpy skin (lipodermatosclerosis) around varicose veins.

It has been suggested that proteolytic enzymes may affect cancer and other diseases by breaking down the fibrin coat around the tumor or diseased cells to allow access by the body's own immune system.⁽¹⁾

Another mechanism that may account for the anti-inflammatory effect of bromelain and papain is the inhibition of pro-inflammatory compounds. Bromelain blocks the production of kinins. Kinins are compounds produced during inflammation that increase swelling and cause pain.⁽¹⁾

Bromelain also decreases the synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins of the 2 series and increases levels of PGE1-like compounds. This balancing of prostaglandin synthesis is important in premenstrual syndrome, particularly PMS-C. The enzyme has been shown to effectively relieve menstrual cramps. It is believed to be a smooth muscle relaxant, since it decreases the spasms of the contracted cervix in these patients.⁽³⁾

In the treatment of atherosclerosis, bromelain has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation, reduce angina pain, reduce blood pressure and break down atherosclerotic plaques.^(2,3) In recent years, many doctors and the media have advocated daily use of aspirin as a blood thinner for prevention of cardiovascular disease. Bromelain offers the same benefits as aspirin, and more, without the dangerous gastrointestinal bleeding caused by aspirin.⁽⁷⁾ In fact, it has been shown to heal gastric ulcers in laboratory animals.⁽⁹⁾

German researcher Hans Nieper used bromelain successfully in conjunction with mineral orotates and aspartates to treat heart disease. According to Nieper, bromelain acts as a "pipe cleaner" for coronary arteries and vessels.⁽⁵⁾

Bromelain, papain and other proteolytic enzymes are also useful as digestive aids for protein digestion. Papain, often used alone and in formulas as a digestive aid, can digest wheat gluten and render it harmless in celiac disease subjects. Taking a papain supplement (500 - 1,000 mg.) with meals may allow some sensitive individuals to tolerate gluten.⁽³⁾

The vegetable enzyme concentrate included in Bromeplex™ provides additional digestive enzymes for protein (protease), starch (amylase), fat (lipase) and cellulose (cellulase). Vegetable enzymes can function in a wider pH than those from animal sources. This allows these enzymes to begin digestion in the upper stomach, continue in the acid environment of the lower stomach and keep on working in the alkaline environment of the intestines.⁽⁸⁾

When there is a lack of amylase in the blood, blood sugar levels can be higher than normal. With the addition of amylase, blood sugar levels have been lowered. In one research study, 86% of the diabetics examined had a deficiency of amylase in their intestinal secretions. By using an enzyme supplement, 50% of those who were insulin users were able to control their blood sugar levels without using insulin.⁽⁸⁾

In human obesity, the lipase content of fatty tissue is decreased. A lipase deficiency results in malabsorption of fats as well as the fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E and K). Nutritional deficiencies resulting from malabsorption can cause food cravings which lead to overeating, which causes weight gain. In animal studies, use of enzyme supplements resulted in decreased food intake and a significant loss of body weight. Without sufficient lipase, undigested fat may be absorbed and deposited in arteries, capillaries and other tissues.⁽⁸⁾

WARNING: This publication and the product mentioned herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.

1. Werbach, Melvyn R and Murray, M., Botanical Influences on Illness, Third Line Press, Tarzana, CA, 1994.

2. Werbach, Melvyn R, Healing through Nutrition, Third Line Press, Tarzana, CA, 1993.

3. Murray, M and Pizzorno, J, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Prima Publishing, Rocklin CA, 1991.

4. Hendler, Sheldon, S., The Doctors' Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia, Simon & Schuster, New York, 1990.

5. Nieper, Hans, Lowering of incidence of infarction by means of magnesium orotate and potassium orotate in combination with bromelain. Undated German Manuscript.

6. Murray, M, Glandular Extracts, What You Must Know, Keats Publishing, New Canaan, CT, 1994.

7. Williams, D., "Tropical Alternative to Aspirin", Alternatives, May, 1997.

8. Santillo, Humbart, Food Enzymes, the Missing Link to Radiant Health, Hohm Press, Prescott, AZ, 1991.

9. Whitaker, J., "A New Look at an Old Therapy", Health & Healing, Vol. 7, No. 2, Feb., 1997.

Product No. 745 Fill Size: 60 capsules

Two capsules contain:
Bromelain (2000 GDU) 500 mg.
Papain (525,000 TU/gram) 100 mg.
Lipase (120,000 LU/gram) 50 mg.
Vegetable Enzyme Concentrate 300 mg.
Papaya Leaf 50 mg./gram

ENZYME ACTIVITY: Amylase 8,000 DU/gram
Protease 20,000 HUT/gram
Lipase 86.8 LU/gram
Cellulase 60 CU/gram
In a base of beet root fiber.

Other ingredients: rice flour, magnesium stearate, gelatin.

Suggested Use: Two capsules daily between meals, on an empty stomach. May also be used with meals as a digestive aid.