Nature: Plant Enzymes Plant Enzymes

Nature: Plant Enzymes

Plant Enzymes

Enzymes are one of the most important chemical substances of the body that control almost all of the chemical and biological reactions inside our body. As Dr. Edward Howell MD, who pioneered enzyme therapy in the U.S. states 'Enzymes are substances that make life possible'. [Burton Goldberg, pg 229] Enzymes play a key role in facilitating digestion, absorption of nutrients, transportation and elimination of the waste products. The modern lifestyle and the increasing tendency to eat processed and overcooked food spoils the natural enzymes in our food. These lifestyle changes contribute to increased stress on the pancreas and pancreatic insufficiency. Thus to compliment our own body enzymes, plant-derived enzymes are very useful as supplemental sources to remedy various digestive and nutritional disorders.

Some of the common plant derived enzymes include Protease, Lipase, Amylase, Cellulase, Sucrase, Lactase, and Maltase. Compared with animal derived enzymes plant enzymes tend to have greater stability and functionality over a broader range of pH and temperatures. Plant enzymes operate within a pH range of 3 to 9 while animal or pancreatic enzymes can be active only above a pH of 8. (in the intestinal region). Studies have documented plant-derived enzymes to be much effective compared to pancreatic enzymes. One study even reported that plant-derived lipase was 25 times as effective as pancreatin when used in the treatment of pancreatic deficiency. [ERG]

Among the important plant derived proteolytic enzymes include papain (derived from papaya) and Bromelain derived from pineapple. For centuries Central American native people have been using pineapple for treating indigestion and for inflammation control. Studies have shown that bromelain can help control swelling and inflammation associated with injuries. Several studies have also attested to the efficacy of bromelain in treating digestive disorders. Bromelain helps with protein digestion and when treated concurrently with other enzymes such as Amylase it can be very effective in reliving stomach bloating, heartburn and other symptoms associated with poor digestion [UMMC] Papain, derived from papaya latex is another important plant derived enzyme that is currently in wide use. The leaves as well as the green skin of the papaya fruit contain this enzyme. As an effective proteolytic enzyme Papain is commercially used as a meat tenderizer. [Andres Illanes, pg 57]

Amylase is another important enzyme that is required for the breakdown and proper digestion of complex carbohydrates. It is usually found in the saliva and is one of the important secretions of the pancreas. It converts complex carbohydrates into glucose. Cellulase is an enzyme that is produced only by plants and not by the human body. Cellulase helps to digest cellulose, which is the main component of fibrous diets. In patients with yeast overgrowth (Candida symptoms) the use of cellulase enzyme can be very effective. Yeast cell membrane contains a chemical known as chitin, which is very similar in structure to cellulose. Thus the use of cellulase enzyme helps breakdown this structure and effectively control yeast growth. Most enzyme supplements include plant derived Cellulase. The cellulase enzyme-based treatment approach to controlling intestinal yeast infections is relatively new but is considered very effective since yeast cannot develop resistance, as they cannot modify their cell wall. Thus plant derived cellulase enzyme supplementation is useful for digestive purposes as well as in the treatment of intestinal yeast infections. [EIR]

Lactase is another important enzyme that could be derived from plants. Naturally occurring in the small intestine of animals this enzyme is essential for the proper breakdown of lactose into glucose and galactose. However, millions of Americans have lactase deficiency. [Nemours Foundation] for these people with lactose intolerance, supplementation with lactose enzyme would help in the digestion of milk and milk products.