 |
| Per Capsule Dosage: |
Potency |
Bromelian(1000 GDU, from pineapple)
Serrazimes-1Tm (60,000 I.U. Serratia Peptidase activity) |
300mg
100 mg |
|
Indication
The most common usageof this product is threefold. First and foremost, it is used as a natural alternative to pharmaceutical anti-inflammortory drugs, to treat conditions of pain and inflammation. This includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, sports injuries and post-operative swellings. Secondarily, it is used as a treatment for respiratory tract diseases, including conditions of respiratory congestion, bronchitis, bronchial asthma and sinusitis. Finally, it is also used for conditions involving arterial plaque build-up, including atherosclerosis, phlebitis (vein inflammation) and varicose veins.
Each vegetarian capsule of Duopeptase contains two forms of protease. Proteases are a family of protein digesting enzymes that have a variety of therapeutic applications, aside from serving as a digestive aid. Proteases, derived from animal, plant and microbial sources, are used to fight inflammation, in chronic conditions such as cancer and arthritis, and in acute conditions such as sports injuries, surgery and wounds. The Serratia Protease (Serratia Peptidase) has even broader benefits including digesting non-living tissue, blood clots, cysts, fibrin and arterial plaque. These enzymes also have been used to treat respiratory tract diseases (mucolytic activity), edema, acute sinusitis and varicose veins (due to breaking down fibrin desposits).
Dosage:
Treatment of Inflammation and Pain:
one capsule of Duopeptase once or twice daily, or as recommended by a health professional, one half hour before or one hour after eating.
Treatment for aterial blockage:
one capsule three times per day on an empty stomach. If digestive disturbances should occur, stay at one capsule per day for the first week, then raise to two per day for the next week, and three per day on the third week.
Description
Duopeptase refers to itself as “Triple Strength” as compared to the original Painworks formula of 30,000 I.U. We use a double dose of the enzyme Serratia Peptidase (60,000 I.U.) in each capsule, and we have also added a full therapeutic dose of the enzyme Bromelain as well.
Serrazimes-1
The enzyme Serratia Peptidase is marketed under many different names, and is well researched in Europe and Japan. Most studies are based on treating pain and inflammation due to physical trauma, especially post-operative trauma (1). Additional clinical studies cover treating sinusitis, respiratory ailments and breast engorgement. A recent study out of India has confirmed its effectiveness on carpal tunnel syndrome (65% of cases showed significant clinical improvement) (2), and new studies are being performed in these areas. Serrazimes-1 is produced from fungal strains (aspergillus-the variety used to produce most digestive enzymes sold in supplemental form) with a long history of safe use.
Bromelain
Bromelain is often overlooked as an anti-inflammatory, yet since its introduction as a therapeutic agent in 1957, well over 200 scientific papers attesting to its effectiveness have appeared in the medical literature. Bromelain has been proven to be clinically effective in treating: pancreatic insufficiency, cellulitis, sprains, strains, contusions, sinusitis, bronchitis, degenerative bone and join diseases, tumors, allegies, and must more (3). In fact the original research done by Dr. Hans Nieper, and often quoted to support the sales of serratia peptidase products, was done with Bromelain.
Bromelain has proven useful in treating both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and spots related injuries. One study compaired the effects of bromelain against NSAID medication for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Both groups received the same benefits in pain reduction and improved mobility. We now know that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can have dangerous side effects, so Bromelain proved to be a safe and effective alternative (4).
Bromelain reduces inflammation by a process known as fibrinolysis. It does this by stimulating the production of plasmin, which breaks down fibrin deposits and prevents fibrin from producing localizing swelling. Plamin also blocks the formation of inflammatory compounds. Varicosed veins have accumulated fibrin deposits in the tissue near the veins, causing the surrounding skin to become hard and lumpy. An inability of the body to break down fibrin increases the risk of thrombophlebitis (vein inflammation), myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism and stroke.
Non-Enteric Coating is More Effective
Much has been made of the necessity of enteric coating protease products when they are to be used to reduce inflammation or clean out cellular debris. If we set aside the marketing hype and look at it from a scientific perspective it is fairly clear that enteric coating is not necessary. In fact, studies have indicated that non-enteric coated protease products are more effective than enteric coated ones, for treating inflammatory conditions (5,6). Basically, the first function of protease is to digest protein, so if you take these enzymes while there is protein in the stomach. that is what they will do. If there is no protein in the stomach, they will serve their secondary functions of cleaning out waste material and reducing inflammation. So when using non-enteric coated products, such as ours, simply take away from protein. We suggest they be taken on an empty stomach (half hour before eating, or one hour after eating), but really they can be taken with fruit or carbs, as long as no protein is ingested at the same time (meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, tofu, tempeh).
Contraindications
Both Bromelain and all variations of Serratia Peptidase will increase the concentration of antibiotics in the bloodstream. While this can allow for less antibiotics to be used, if they are properly prescribed together, it can be dangerous to mix the two without professional guidance. Because Bromelain reduces blood platelet aggregation it should not be combined with blood thinning medications, again unless under the supervision of a trained professional. All protein digesting enzymes can irritate existing ulcers and should be avoided by those with stomach or intestinal ulcers. People allergic to pineapples may react poorly to Bromelain supplements. And, as a general precaution, if you are pregnant or nursing, consult with a professional before using.
References
1. Esch PM, Gerngross H, Fabian A. Reduction of postoperative swelling. Fortschr Med. 1989; 107 (4):67-8, 71-2
2. Dept. of Neurology, SMS Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur. A prliminary trial of serratiopeptidase in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. J Assoc Physicians India, 2000 Nov: 49 (11):1130
3. Cichoke, Dr.Anthony J: The Complete Book of Enzyme Therapy. Avery Publishing, Garden City Park, NY, 1999, pp 46,52
4. Klein, G and Kullich W: “Short-Term Treatment of Painful Osteoarthritis of the Knee With Oral Enzymes.” W Clinical Drug Investigation Jan 01,2000
5. Taussig S and Batkin S: Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple and its clinical application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol 22, 191-203, 1988
6. Murray, Dr.Micheal T: The Healing Power of Herbs. Prima Publishing, Rocklin, Ca, 1995, pp 60,65,67
7. Kee, W.H., Tan, S.L., Lee, V., Salmon, Y.M., “The treatment of breast engorgement with Serrapeptase (Danzen): a randomized double-blind controlled trial.”, Singapore Med J., 1989;Feb 30:48-54.
8. Fitzhugh, D.J., et al., “Bromelain treatment decreases neutrophil migration to sites of inflammation.”, Clin Immunol, 2008 Jul;128 (1):66-74.
9. Secor, E.R., et al., “Oral Bromelain Attenuates Inflammation in an Ovalbumin-induced Murine Model of Asthma.”, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2008 Mar;5(1):61-9.
10. Nakamura, S., et al., “Effect of the proteolytic enzyme serrapeptase in patients with chronic airway disease.”, Respirology, 2003 Sep;8(3):316-20.
11. Mazzone, A., et al., “Evaluation of serratia peptidase in acute or chronic inflammation of otorhinolaryngology pathology: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized trial versus placebo.”, J Int Med Res, 1990; Sept-Oct 18(5):379-88.
12. Walker, A.F., et al., “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 Dec;9(8):681-6.
Packaging: Packed in recyclable PETE containers to protect against oxidation.
Guaranteed Pure: Contains no added binders, fillers, extenders, or other additives.
Capsule Shell: Microcrystalline vegetable cellulose and water.