This blog post is a series of three blog posts looking at the use of enzymes in healing.

This blog post is on systemic enzymes, the next two will be on digestive and other specialized enzymes.

Enzymes are types of proteins that speed up chemical reactions that take place in cells. They play critical roles in many bodily functions.

As we age, our natural production of these enzymes can decrease.

Supplementation then becomes vital to counteract this and provide the body with the enzymes needed to optimize body function.

Systemic enzymes have been utilized in Eastern Medicine for thousands of years. Only recently, have they become a hot topic in Western Medicine.

Yet arguably enzymes are second only to the microbiome in optimizing our health.

Read more: SYSTEMIC ENZYMES: PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN HEALING

Systemic Enzymes

Systemic enzymes are a group of enzymes that work throughout the whole body to support the body’s functions.

Unlike digestive enzymes, which primarily aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract, systemic enzymes are absorbed into the bloodstream, where they work widely throughout the body.

There are three primary types of systemic enzymes in common use today; lumbrokinase, serrapeptase, and nattokinase.

Whilst boluoke®, a type of lumbrokinase, is typically considered the gold standard, it has a price to match. It is also not diluted with other enzymes, unlike many other products.

Nattokinase is 1/36th of the strength of Lumbrokinase, and Serrapeptase 1/294ths. Yet these lesser-strength enzymes often test well in my client base.

Lumbrokinase

Lumbrokinase is an enzyme derived from earthworms that dissolves blood clots and has blood-thinning properties.

Lumbrokinase works by dissolving fibrin and is only active in the presence of fibrin.

Boluoke® is a specific type of lumbrokinase.

Boluoke® has also gone through Phase I to Phase III clinical studies in China, is approved by the Chinese SFDA, and has the longest history of safe clinical use.

Boluoke® and other forms of lumbrokinase are typically useful for blood clotting risks such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and some viruses.

Here is a summary of the key research:

1. Coronary Arterial Disease
   
   Besides lowering blood viscosity, fibrinogen, and ESR (a marker of inflammation), research indicates that lumbrokinase can minimize angina attack frequency.
   
   Other potential applications of lumbrokinase include deep venous thrombosis, essential hypertension, and vascular dementia.
   
   
2. Prevention and treatment of strokes
   
   One of the most intensely researched areas is the use of lumbrokinase in the prevention and treatment of strokes.
   
   Lumbrokinase was shown to be safe and effective for treating acute ischemic stroke by lowering blood viscosity, preventing damage, and reducing neural deficits.
   
   It was also shown to improve the effectiveness of aspirin as a secondary prevention of strokes.
   
   
3. Post-surgical Adhesion Prevention
   
   Abdominal surgery carries a significant risk.
   
   A 2023 study in the BioMed Research journal concluded that lumbrokinase supports wound healing and significantly decreased the severity and the area of intra-abdominal adhesion.

Lumbrikonase is not suitable for everyone. Contraindications include:

1. Blood-thinning Medication
   
   People taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, including aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, clopidogrel (Plavix), and others, should not take Boluoke® unless supervised by a healthcare provider.
   
   
2. Surgery
   
   It should be discontinued at least two weeks before any surgical procedure, including dental procedures, to prevent excessive bleeding.
   
   
3. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
   
   The safety of lumbrokinase during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should avoid it.
   
   
4. Bleeding Disorders
   
   People with bleeding disorders or a history of stroke may be at a higher risk of bleeding while taking lumbrokinase.

In my client base, Boluoke® regularly tests when there is severe inflammation from viruses.

Serrapeptase

Similar to Boluoke®, serrapeptase is an enzyme extracted from silkworms.

It too has been used for years in Japan and Europe as an anti-inflammatory for pain and swelling.

Researchers consider serrapeptase to be the most effective enzyme for reducing inflammation.

Here are some key research findings:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties
   
   Serrapeptase has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation in the body.
   
   
2. Pain relief
   
   Serrapeptase may help relieve pain by reducing inflammation and breaking down proteins contributing to pain and swelling for example with osteoarthritis and after an injury.
   
   
3. Improved circulation
   
   Serrapeptase may help improve circulation by breaking down fibrin, a protein contributing to blood clot formation.
   
   As such it is thought to be helpful in treating the build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other harmful substances inside arterial walls.
   
   
4. Improved respiratory function
   
   Serrapeptase may help to improve respiratory function by breaking down mucus and reducing inflammation in the airways for example with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis.

Serrapeptase frequently tests well for pain and inflammation in my client base.

A large percentage of my client base has Bartonella which causes extreme intestinal permeability and the resulting pain and inflammation throughout the body. Serrapeptase can be extremely helpful in these circumstances whilst working on the underlying root cause.

Nattokinase

Nattokinase is an enzyme derived from fermented soybeans that has anti-inflammatory properties.

Here are some key research findings:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties
   
   Nattokinase has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation in the body.
   
   
2. Cardiovascular health
   
   Nattokinase may help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of blood clots.
   
   
3. Improved circulation
   
   Nattokinase has been shown to help to dissolve fibrin, a protein that contributes to blood clot formation. This can improve circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease.
   
   
4. Improved cognitive function
   
   Nattokinase may have a protective effect on the brain. A study published in Brain Research found that nattokinase reduced brain damage in rats.

Nattokinase also tests well particularly where a client has high blood pressure. I have seen this normalize blood pressure whilst working on the underlying root cause.

Conclusion

Systemic enzymes are playing an increasing role in my client protocols.

I use autonomic response testing in my client base to determine which systemic enzyme is needed, however, as a general rule, serrapeptase tends to test well for inflammation and pain, whilst nattokinase and lumbrokinase are more suited for blood clotting and cardiovascular issues.

The use of enzymes to dissolve scars and thickening of tissue is also an exciting potential use.

I have observed one client dissolve the thickening of her uterus wall with systemic enzymes, and another dissolve a scar post-abdominal surgery.

As the knowledge of systematic enzymes finds its way into Western medicine the uses are likely to become much more widely spread.

References

Lumbrokinase

1. Li J, Cao Y, Liu R, et al. Effect of lumbrokinase on blood viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation in patients with coronary heart disease. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2017;66(1):25-32.
2. Chen H, Zhan L, Liu X, et al. Lumbrokinase attenuates acute lung injury through inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis. Inflamm Res. 2018;67(1):61-68. doi: 10.1007/s00011-017-1094-4
3. Han X, Zhang J, Zhang Y, et al. Lumbrokinase improves cognitive function in rats with vascular dementia by inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and enhancing angiogenesis. Neural Regen Res. 2013;8(23):2159-2168.
4. Zhao, Jian, et al. “LncRNATCF7 promotes the growth and self-renewal of glioma cells via suppressing the miR-200c-EpCAM axis.” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 97 (2018): 203-208.
5. Nguyen, Que Thanh Thanh, et al. “Lumbrokinase, a Fibrinolytic Enzyme, Prevents Intra-Abdominal Adhesion by Inhibiting the Migrative and Adhesive Activities of Fibroblast via Attenuation of the AP-1/ICAM-1 Signaling Pathway.” BioMed Research International 2023 (2023).
6. Wang, Yi-Hsin, et al. “Lumbrokinase regulates endoplasmic reticulum stress to improve neurological deficits in ischemic stroke.” Neuropharmacology 221 (2022): 109277.
7. Ma EL, et al. Effects of Rongshuan No 1 (F-1) on the antithrombotic and antiplatelet
   aggregation. Journal of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 2001;18(5):370-372.
8. He, Z-Z., et al. “Seperation and purification of earthworm fibrinolytic enzyme and the study of anti-thrombosis activity.” Chinese Journal of Biochemical Pharmaceutics 22.6 (2001): 284-286.
9. Zhang, J., and H. B. Liu. “Experimental study on the effect of lumbrokinase on fibrinolysis in rats.” Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 20.5 (2004): 891-892.
10. Jiang, D. S. “Inhibition of platelet aggregation in hamsters by lumbrokinase extracted from Eisenia fetida.” Journal of Capital Medical University 15.4 (1994): 291-294.
11. Yang, M. “Eisenia fetida lumbrokinase research VI–thrombolytic effect in rabbits and protective effects in experimental stroke model in hamsters.” Biotechnology 5.3 (1995): 9-11.
12. Li, W. Y. “Observation of treating twenty-seven cases of ischemic stroke patients with lumbrokinase.” New Chinese Medicine 34.4 (2003): 63-64.
13. Zhang, H. Y. “Observation of treating acute ischemic stroke with lumbrokinase.” Capital Medicine 7.3 (2000): 45-46.
14. Zhang, D. J. “Prevention of ischemic stroke recurrence using lumbrokinase.” Capital Medicine 5.10 (2003): 47-48.
15. Liu, H. S. “Clinical observation of treating 60 angina patients with lumbrokinase.” Tianjin Pharmacy 14.2 (2002): 45-46.
16. Yi, X. F. “Efficacy of treating unstable angina seniors with lumbrokinase.” Capital Medicine 9.9 (2002): 57-58.
17. Zhou, H. S. “Clinical observation of treating unstable angina seniors with lumbrokinase capsules.” Central Plains Medical Journal 28.9 (2001): 2-3.
18. Song JS, et al. Clinical analysis of treating 17 cases of deep venous thrombosis with
    lumbrokinase. Occupation and Health 2001;17(4):111-115.
19. Ye, S. Z. “Observation of treating 51 cases of essential hypertension with lumbrokinase.” Clinical Medicine 27.9 (2007): 59.
20. Gao, Y. “Efficacy of combining lumbrokinase with nimodipine in the treatment of vascular dementia.” Journal of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 10.11 (2008): 5-7.
21. Cao YJ, et al. Oral fibrinogen-depleting agent lumbrokinase for secondary ischemic
    stroke prevention: results from a multicenter, randomized, parallel-group and controlled clinical trial. Chin Med J (Engl). 2013 Nov;126(21):4060-5.
22. Kasim M, et al. Improved myocardial perfusion in stable angina pectoris by oral
    lumbrokinase: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 May;15(5):539-44.
23. Wang CL, et al. Progress in lumbrokinase. Progress in Veterinary Medicine
    2009;30(11):86-90.
24. Tang, Y. J. “Lumbrokinase: A review of domestic research literatures.” Capital Medicine 18.6 (2011): 39-42.
25. Zhao J, et al. Eisenia fetida Protease-III-1 Functions in Both Fibrinolysis
    and Fibrogenesis. J Biomed Biotechnol. 2007;2007(5):97654.
26. Li, H-Y., et al. “Antitumor activity of earthworm fibrinolytic enzyme.” Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 20.8 (2004): 908-910.
27. Chen H, et al. Effect of earthworm fibrinolytic enzyme on the inhibition of
    invasion and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma cell. Jiangsu Medical Journal
    2008;34(4):383-385.
28. Chang CX, et al. Anti-metastatic activity of earthworm fibrinolytic enzyme on
    hepatoma cell in vivo. Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology
    2009;20(6):520-524.

Serrapeptase

1. Tachibana, M., et al. “A multi-centre, double-blind study of serrapeptase versus placebo in post-antrotomy buccal swelling.” Pharmatherapeutica 3.8 (1984): 526-530.
2. Mazzone, A., et al. “Evaluation of Serratia peptidase in acute or chronic inflammation of otorhinolaryngology pathology: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized trial versus placebo.” Journal of International Medical Research 18.5 (1990): 379-388.
3. Panagariya, A., and A. K. Sharma. “A preliminary trial of serratiopeptidase in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.” The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 47.12 (1999): 1170-1172.
4. Bhagat, Shivani, Monika Agarwal, and Vandana Roy. “Serratiopeptidase: a systematic review of the existing evidence.” International Journal of Surgery 11.3 (2013): 209-217.
5. Esch, P. M., H. Gerngross, and A. Fabian. “Reduction of postoperative swelling. Objective measurement of swelling of the upper ankle joint in treatment with serrapeptase–a prospective study.” Fortschritte der Medizin 107.4 (1989): 67-8.
6. Tiwari, Manju. “The role of serratiopeptidase in the resolution of inflammation.” Asian journal of pharmaceutical sciences 12.3 (2017): 209-215.

Nattokinase

1. Tachibana, M., et al. “A multi-centre, double-blind study of serrapeptase versus placbo in post-antrotomy buccal swelling.” Pharmatherapeutica 3.8 (1984): 526-530.
2. Kim, Ji Young, et al. “Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial.” Hypertension Research 31.8 (2008): 1583-1588.
3. Suzuki, Yasuhiro, et al. “Dietary supplementation with fermented soybeans suppresses intimal thickening.” Nutrition 19.3 (2003): 261-264.
4. Fujita, Mitsugu, et al. “Thrombolytic effect of nattokinase on a chemically induced thrombosis model in rat.” Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 18.10 (1995): 1387-1391.
5. Sumi H, Hamada H, Tsushima H, Mihara H, Muraki H. A novel fibrinolytic enzyme (nattokinase) in the vegetable cheese Natto; a typical and popular soybean food in the Japanese diet. Experientia. 1987;43(10):1110-1111.
6. Suzuki, Yasuhiro, et al. “Dietary supplementation of fermented soybean, natto, suppresses intimal thickening and modulates the lysis of mural thrombi after endothelial injury in rat femoral artery.” Life Sciences 73.10 (2003): 1289-1298.