Fibrinolytic Enzymes

Fibrinolytic enzymes are systemic enzymes that eat away the excess fibrin that forms scar tissue, adhesions, and growths. As we get older, these enzymes decrease and wounds leave bigger scars. The conditions like uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breasts, and the hardening, shrinking, and decreased function of aging organs are a result of an accumulation of fibrin in the body due to a depletion of fibrinolytic enzymes. Excess fibrin is responsible for the spider web of scar tissue across the inside of blood vessels that forms the matrix upon which arterial plaque is laid down and can also form in the kidneys contributing to high blood pressure, and in the brain causing poor brain function and senility. Similarly, the pain and suffering associated with fibromyalgia is caused by an overgrowth of fibrin in the muscles, commonly known as fibrosis. Fibrinolytic enzymesdissolve the excess fibrin in the muscles providing increased flexibility and blessed relief of pain.

Benefits and uses of Fibrinolytic Enzymes are

The dangers of arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are increased when plasmin genesis is inadequate in any way. This can lead to fibrin and thrombin levels that increase to the point of thrombosis. Thrombosis is characterized by excess fibrin and thrombin within the blood vessel walls, and a closing (occlusion) of the lumen (opening) of the arteries. Because fibrinolysis is a natural part of our inflammatory process, various other inflammatory-related diseases are benefited by the body's fibrinolytic processes. A number of natural compounds have also been shown to support this capabiliy:

• • Nattokinase : The nattokinase enzyme is produced by the bacterium Bacillus subtilis natto. Natto is a preparation of soybeans and a traditional food in Japan. It has shown strong fibrinolytic and proteolytic properties in a number of studies, including Suzuki et al. 2003, where it was shown to break apart fibrin and thus delay clotting, platelet aggregation and the likelihood of thrombosis. In a study of 92 deep vein thrombosis patients traveling by airplane, the nattokinase group had 60% fewer thrombosis events than the control group (Cesarone et al. 2003).
  • Aspergillus Oryzae and Aspergillus melleus : A similar set of enzymes with fibrinolytic abilities are produced by these two species of fungi. The Aspergillus oryzae fungi is one of the most used fungi for enzyme production, as it produces a number of enzymes. It is also considered by many as a probiotic, as it is used for make sufu - a soybean curd fermentation quite like nattokinase. Animal studies have shown this enzyme's thrombolytic and fibrinolytic abilities (Larsson et al. 1988). The protease produced by Aspergillus melleus has undergone in vitro and in vivo research showing that its major enzyme, seaprose, breaks down fibrin proteins. (Korzus et al. 1994). Although side effects are rare, a producer warns that these two fungal-source enzymes should not be taken by those with Crohn's disease, cheese allergies or with intestinal bleeding.
  • Serrapeptidase : Another naturally-produced fibrinolytic enzyme is called serrapeptidase. It is also called serrapeptase and serratiopeptidase. Serrapeptidase is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and is thought to help reduce clot formation and plaque build-up in the arteries. Serratiopeptidase is produced by the Serratia sp. bacterium, a resident originally found within the intestine of the silkworm. Serrapeptidase allows the silkworm to extract itself from the stickiness of its cocoon. In one study of carpal tunnel patients, (Malshe 2000) 60% were clinically improved after six weeks of taking serrapeptidase.
  • Lumbrokinase
  • Bromelain : Another fibrinolytic and proteolytic enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties produced in nature is bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple. Animal and in vitro research has shown that bromelain can inhibiting thrombosis and platelet-aggregation. This appears to be accomplished by its modulation of plasmin-activator (Maurer 2001).
  • Papain, the enzyme contained in papaya is more recognized for its digestive tract benefits, but is also thought to have fibrinolytic properties. More research is needed to confirm these properties.
  • A number of other natural products, such as rutin, have been considered for their fibrinolytic abilities. Nature provides these because fibrin breakdown is part of wound healing and protein breakdown by many species. The market now offers a variety of blends of each of fibrinolytic supplements using these natural enzymes.