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What are enzymes?

Enzymes are of proteins character. In the cells of a human body they are produced from amino acids the body obtains from digesting food proteins. Enzymes accelerate and control all biochemical processes in the body. Therefore, they are called biocatalysts. In a single second several millions of chemical reactions occur in a human body. Without enzymes the same reactions would last for hundreds years.

Each enzyme is programmed to carry out one special task. Like a key in a lock each enzyme fits together with one specific substance (substrate) modifying it in one proper way. Only the fact that the immense number of enzymes acts as a perfectly matched orchestra can ensure that enormously complex life mechanisms and processes occur in a right direction. Sufficient amount and optimal function of enzymes present in the human body is essential for life and health.
  
How systemic enzyme therapy drugs act in a human body?

Systemic enzyme therapy drugs have six basic pharmaceutical effects. The specific effects result from the drug individual enzyme content.

Fibrinolytic and thrombolytic effect, positive effect on blood fluidity

Systemic enzyme therapy drugs are capable to reduce fibrin (a protein creating the network of blood coagula) content, preventing formation or accelerating the absorption of hemorrhage. They enhance elasticity of erythrocytes and reduce aggregation of blood platelets increasing blood fluidity and its circulation in tissues.

Positive effect on swelling (edema) reduction

Systemic enzyme therapy drugs expedite the absorption of swelling and reduce their formation when administered prophylactically. During vascular congestion resulting in a swelling a liquid with osmotically active substances (salts and protein substances which “drag along” additional liquid) leaks from blood vessels to tissues. Proteolytic enzymes are able to split such undesired proteins leaking from blood vessels and the products of such decomposition are easier to be removed from tissues. In addition, Wobenzym and Phlogenzym contain rutin, a substance, which strengthens blood-vessel walls reducing the leakage of liquid from blood vessels to tissues.

Analgesic effect

The primary analgesic effect is mainly mediated by the cleavage of pain-inducing substances. The secondary effect results from the diminished tissue tension (thanks to reduction of swelling) as well as from the improvement of oxygen supply to tissues.

Anti-inflammatory effect

Unlike the commonly taken anti-inflammatory drugs, which inhibit even a remedial inflammation, enzymes improve and facilitate the course of a remedial inflammatory reaction, thus promoting healing. All the enzyme properties listed above participate in this positive effect.

Effect on immunity

In the case of attenuated immunity, enzymes are able to stimulate directly the activity of immune competent cells as well as to increase efficiency of some of their products. On the other hand, where immunity is pathologically escalated and causes a disease in host own body, enzymes can reduce its activity back to normal.

Supportive effect of enzymes

Proteolytic enzymes and their combination increase the blood levels of some antibiotics and chemotherapeutics and improve their penetration to tissues.
  
Why systemic enzyme therapy?
The tablets containing enzymes intended for systemic enzyme therapy have been constructed to protect the content from damage in the stomach acid environment. So the coat of the tablet can be dissolved only in the favorable environment of the lower part of small intestine, where intact entirely active enzyme molecules are absorbed. Consequently, they act throughout the body (system), e.g. in the areas of inflammation, injury, etc.
  
What are the enzymes obtained from?
Papain is obtained from papaya fruits, bromelain from pineapple. Trypsin, chymotrypsin and the enzyme mixture pancreatin are of porcine and calf origin. Amylase and lipase are of microbial origin (Aspergillus oryzae).
  
Are systemic enzyme therapy drugs available over the counter or prescribed?
In the Czech Republic Wobenzym® and Phlogenzym® are available over the counter in all pharmacies. WOBE-MUGOS® is only available when prescribed. 
  
Are systemic enzyme therapy drugs covered by insurance companies?

Wobenzym® is partly covered by insurance companies in the following indication: lymphedema after radical surgeries for malignity – in this case Wobenzym® must be prescribed by an oncologist, surgeon or lymphologist. Under a special condition physician may ask a revision doctor for a full coverage of Wobenzym® in the indication mentioned above. In all other indications where there is no other therapeutical alternative or where the health status of the patient contraindicates the use of the basic therapeutical approach, systemic enzyme therapy drugs may be covered by health insurance when approved by a revision doctor of a relevant health insurance company.
  
Inzertní stránky společnosti MUCOS Pharma CZ, s.r.o. - tel: +420 267 750 003
Generální partner České lékařské akademie pro rok 2004.
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