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Individuals are exposed to a variety of substances on a daily basis, from the foods we eat, to the household and hygienic products we use, to environmental agents. This constant exposure can cause the bloodstream to become overloaded with allergens, inflammatory agents (e.g., bacteria, fungi, antigens), undigested food, and even fibrin, which is a blood clot-forming protein. The buildup of these types of substances can put a strain on the immune system and subsequently lead to the increased production of pro-inflammatory proteins that can worsen pain or discomfort, making it harder to recover, and cause immune hypersensitivity [1]. Certain remedies may cause side effects and even weaken the immune response by design (such as allergy and arthritis medications), while others can target harmful invaders, promote cleansing and detoxification, and strengthen the immune system.

One beneficial range of natural remedies that can support a healthy immune and inflammatory response are proteolytic enzymes. Beneficial proteolytic enzymes include peptidase, nattokinase, protease, papain, and bromelain. These enzymes support the complete digestion of proteins from foods, and certain other circulating protein particles [2-7]. They may even help cleanse the body of harmful toxins and microorganisms [5-7].

When there is an excessive buildup of undigested food (e.g., sugars, fats, proteins, etc.), toxins, fibrin, and infectious agents, these substances can be transferred to the large intestines or bloodstream where antibodies attach to them and create what are known as circulating immune complexes (CICs). Antibodies bind to undigested food particles and other harmful substances as a means of signaling the immune system to increase the production of white blood cells that can seek out and destroy them.  The human body needs food (macronutrients) for energy, growth and repair and to keep warm. We need many nutrients on a daily basis in order to stay healthy. The three main nutrient groups in food are carbohydrates, protein and fats.  A normal digestive system can quickly convert macronutrients into micronutrients like amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.  

A less than optimal digestive system may not properly convert foods into nutrients. This may lead to a condition known as leaky gut (LG).  With LG, partially digested foods may enter the circulatory system and begin to decompose into CIC’s.  High levels of CICs can put a strain on the immune system and reduce its ability to fight off other infectious agents. Accordingly, CICs are linked to the onset of various complications [8]. More specifically, the accumulation of CICs may cause abnormal cortisol levels as well as chronic systemic inflammation that is associated with the onset of cardiovascular, blood sugar, memory and even metabolic issues [9-15].

Peptidase (also known as serrapeptase) and nattokinase, in particular, target substances that cause fluid accumulation, inflammation, and swelling. This leads to rapid drainage and cleansing away from the affected region. This process also shortens the recovery period [2, 3]. Peptidase is especially unique as this enzyme is produced by non-pathogenic bacteria called Serratia sp. E-15, which is localized in the intestines of silkworms. This powerful enzyme breaks down the walls of the chrysalis that silkworms grow in as they begin to undergo metamorphosis, the process through which they become moths. Based on this discovery, it was proposed that this enzyme is capable of breaking down dead tissue without damaging an organism’s healthy cells [3, 16, 17]. This property heightens immunity by promoting the destruction and detoxification of harmful substances that the immune system is normally tasked with addressing.

Accordingly, peptidase has demonstrated clinical benefits that include a reduced risk of developing certain infections (e.g., respiratory, nose, ear, throat), along with anti-inflammatory activity that helps target issues such as fibrocystic breast disease, carpel tunnel syndrome, chronic airway disease, artheristis, and atherosclerosis [3, 16]. These types of conditions can worsen due to immune hypersensitivity that is often linked to the accumulation of pro-inflammatory substances at the site of infection or illness. Peptidase helps restore optimal immune system function by accelerating the hydrolysis of proteins (e.g., pro-inflammatory proteins, CIC’s) within an organism [3, 16, 17].

Furthermore, mild, systemic inflammation is a part of the body’s natural immune response to tissue damage, irritation, or an infection, as immune cells signal the release of substances that travel to the targeted site in order to facilitate a cascade of events that promote healing. Extensive tissue damage or an uncontrolled inflammation can cause a sustained or overactive immune system response that can worsen overall symptoms and reduce immunity. However, peptidase helps address these types of issues by reducing the viscosity of fluids that are associated with inflammation [16, 17]. This supports rapid drainage away from the site of inflammation and leads to quicker recovery times after injury or surgery and a healthier immune system response [16, 17]. It also disrupts the formation of CIC’s and hinders the release of bradykinin, both of which are responsible for triggering a pain response and immune hypersensitivity [3].  Therefore, peptidase is a potent, systemic enzyme that influences a number of processes that are linked to inflammatory and immune responses.

Nattokinase, which is also known as natto, is a systemic enzyme that is extracted from fermented soybean cheese [18, 19]. It is well-known for its ability to dissolve fibrin clots and plaque [20]. Fibrin is a strong protein that plays an important role in the blood clotting process and plaque buildup that is linked to heart disease [21]. Recent evidence shows that the plaque that accumulates in the arteries and causes atherosclerosis, consist of cholesterol crystals that trigger the release of pro-inflammatory molecules from the immune system [22, 23]. The molecules are called cytokines and they induce inflammation and lead to blood vessel injuries as well as plaque instability that causes heart attacks and strokes[21-23].

Immune cells have structures called receptors that sense various potentially harmful invaders such as those that damage blood vessel tissue and they send out molecules (e.g., cytokines) to destroy and remove these threats to the body. The strength of this immune response can be heightened due to different factors that include exposure to allergens, toxins, viruses, bacteria, and even an individual’s genes, the latter of which is related to autoimmune diseases.

Accordingly, increased levels of cytokines that are released by the immune system have been linked to the development of coronary artery disease. Overtime, high levels of cytokines can cause serious bodily harm by overstimulating the immune system as it tries to remove the cholesterol crystals in plaque that builds up along blood vessel walls. This type of overstimulation can subsequently cause inflammation of the blood vessel wall and heart disease [21-23]. As a result, lowering the level of cytokines and targeting an overactive immune system has been shown to delay the progression of atherosclerosis [23, 24].

Ultimately, the ability of nattokinase to degrade fibrin and plaque subsequently improves overall blood flow by breaking down blood clots and reducing the risk of plaque buildup [19]. This process also disrupts the activity of inflammatory molecules that the immune system releases in response to increasing levels of cholesterol crystals in plaque [24]. Therefore, nattokinase is a systemic enzyme that supports a healthy immune response to plaque-related inflammation. Additional enzymes such as papain, bromelain, and protease work in a similar manner, helping promote normal levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC’s) and other substances that stimulate an immune response [2-8].

For years, recommendations regarding nutritional supplementation for heightened immunity focused mostly on nutrients such as zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C, probiotics, and immune-boosting herbs. However, supplementation with systemic enzymes offers a beneficial, alternative approach to immune support, thereby demonstrating the importance of enhancing enzymatic pathways to further strengthen the immune system [3, 16, 17]. Yes, studies have proven it, taking proteolytic enzymes regularly is an optimal way to safeguard your body against occasional discomfort and a weakened immune system.

References

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