Dr. Pickart,

Perhaps you could help on this one...I was recently referred by another member to the Supplement "VITALZYM".

It is a proprietary blend of enzymes containing: protease, serrapeptase, papain, bromelain, almylase, lipase, rutin & alma.

From what I gathered, as we age our bodies ability to produce these enzymes diminishes which causes the natural aging process to occur even in the healthiest of bodies.

It mentions healing scar tissue, which is what initally got my attention (in my case, the bumpy face). The bromelain (from pineapple stems), which is a key ingredients in one of my digestive support supplements is said to help break down certain proteins in the body, one of which is collagen??

Perhaps the bromelain aids in breaking down the scar tissue, but I'm not sure??... & if taking this would you recommend increasing my collagen building supplements?

Right now I take:
1 g Vit C
1 g MSM
1 g ea. of Flaxseed Oil, Borage Oil, Omega 3, 6, 9

I'm facsinated with this enzyme therapy for overall body support, but do you think this will help accelerate scar tissue repair on our skin, with of course using the SRCPs?

http://www.energeticnutrition.com/vitalzym/vitalzym.html - Cached

I appreciate your thoughts...

Stoney

P.S. I'm seeing great progress & I feel one of these days, I can be a spokesperson for your Copper Peptide therapy as I see it working (very slowly) before my very eyes...that's exciting!

I have trouble seeing how it will get to the scars. The best way would be to just apply the product directly to the scar.

I could find no published studies on Dr. Wong's products. Some of the descriptions are not true such as Blood Cleansing. Fibrin is the polymer formed from fibrinogen. It is the unclotted fibrinogen that increases blood viscosity not the fibrin.

from http://www.energeticnutrition.com/vitalzym/enzymes.html#inflammatory

Blood Cleansing

The blood is not only the river of life; it is also the river through which the cells and organs dispose of their waste. Enzymes improve circulation by eating the excess fibrin that causes blood to sometimes get as thick as catsup or yogurt, creating the perfect environment for the formation of clots. All of this material is supposed to be cleaned off by the liver on "first pass" or the first time it goes through. Given the sluggish and near toxic or toxic states of everyone's liver these days, that seldom happens. So the waste remains in the blood, waiting for the liver to have enough free working space and enough enzymes to clean it. This can take days or in some people, weeks! (8).

When systemic enzymes are taken, they stand ready in the blood and take the strain off of the liver by:

Cleaning excess fibrin from the blood and reducing the stickiness of blood cells. These two actions minimize the leading causes of stroke and heart attack: blood clots (8).
Breaking dead material down small enough that it can immediately pass into the bowel. (8).
Cleansing the FC receptors on the white blood cells, improving their function and availability to fight off infection. (9).
And here we come to the only warning we have to give concerning the use of Vitalzym or any other systemic enzyme - don't use the product if you ar a hemophiliac or are on prescription blood thinners like coumadin, heparin and plavix. The enzymes cause the drugs to work better, so there is the possibility of thinning the blood too much.

Dr. Pickart:

So, are you saying that you do not see it helping with scar tissue repair as well as having no merit in it's blood cleansing ability?

Any merit at all, perhaps maybe the liver??

And, is it true that bromelain breaks down collagen?...& is scar tissue old built-up collagen?

I'm trying hard to understand...

Thanks Again!

Here's something I found about it:


University of Maryland Medical Center

Bromelain

Also listed as: Ananas comosus; Bromelainum

Overview

Bromelain is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes found in pineapples ( Ananas comosus ). Bromelain supplements contain active substances that aid digestion and help reduce inflammation.

Uses

Bromelain is useful in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, but it is particularly effective in relieving inflammation associated with infection and physical injuries.

Studies have shown that bromelain may help in the treatment of the following:

Surgical Procedures and Sports Injuries

Although studies show mixed results, bromelain supplements may reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain following surgery and physical injuries. In fact an authoritative body in Germany called the Commission E (similar to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved the use of bromelain for these purposes.

Wounds and Burns

Some studies of animals indicate that bromelain (applied to the surface of the skin) may be useful in removing dead tissue from third-degree burns (particularly burns that go through all layers of the skin). Some studies of animals indicate that bromelain (applied to the surface of the skin) may be useful in removing dead tissue from third-degree burns (particularly burns that go through all layers of the skin). This application has not yet been tested on people, but traditional and current day practices in Japan, Hawaii and Taiwan include use of topical bromelain to clean wounds and burns. Similarly, some clinicians may recommend this topical agent to reduce swelling from insect bites or stings.

Nasal and Sinus Congestion

Although not all experts agree, bromelain supplements may help suppress cough, reduce nasal mucus associated with sinusitis, and relieve the swelling and inflammation caused by hay fever. Bromelain is approved by the German Commission E for the treatment of sinus and nasal swelling following ear, nose, and throat surgery or trauma.

Digestion

The protein-digesting enzymes found in bromelain help promote and maintain proper digestion and may relieve symptoms of stomach upset or heartburn, particularly when used in conjunction with other enzymes such as amylase (which digests starch) and lipase (which digests fat). Similarly, an animal study suggests that the antibacterial effects of bromelain may help to control diarrhea caused by bacteria. Studies in people are needed.

Arthritis and other Inflammatory Conditions

Bromelain supplements may be as effective as some commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications (such as ibuprofen and diclofenac) for reducing pain associated with osteoarthritis. Similarly, preliminary studies suggest that bromelain may also help reduce the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Plus, long-standing use of bromelain suggests that this enzyme may be helpful as part of the treatment for other connective tissue disorders including scleroderma (build up of tough scar-like tissue in the skin Plus, long-standing use of bromelain suggests that this enzyme may be helpful as part of the treatment for other connective tissue disorders including scleroderma (build up of tough scar-like tissue in the skin and, at times, internal organs), bursitis, and tendinitis.

Infection

Some scientific evidence from test tubes and animals suggests that bromelain can fight against infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria. Therefore, bromelain may prove a useful addition to conventional treatment of bronchitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. More research is needed.

Amyloidosis

Amyloid is a protein-like substance that can build up and cause damage to many organs in the body such as the kidneys, liver, or heart. This build-up of amyloid is called amyloidosis. In one laboratory study, researchers examined the tissue of one person with a strong family history of amyloidosis. They found that bromelain may help breakdown amyloid deposits in kidney tissue. This very preliminary finding does not indicate how this information will translate to treatment or prevention of amyloidosis for people in general. Much more research is needed.

Dietary Sources

Bromelain is found in the common pineapple plant.

Available Forms

Bromelain is available in tablet or capsule form for oral use. It may also be used topically to treat severe burns.

How to Take It

Pediatric

There are no known scientific reports on the pediatric use of bromelain. Therefore, use of this supplement is not currently recommended for children.

Adults

The German Commission E recommends 80 to 320 mg two to three times per day. For specific conditions, higher doses may be prescribed as follows:

* Digestive aid: 500 mg per day in divided doses with meals
* Traumatic injuries: 500 mg four times a day on an empty stomach
* Joint inflammation: 500 to 2,000 mg a day in two divided doses


Precautions

Because supplements may have side effects or interact with medications, they should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable healthcare provider. Bromelain is generally recommended for no longer than 8 to 10 days in a row.

Possible side effects from bromelain include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive menstrual bleeding.

Individuals who are allergic to pineapples should not use bromelain supplements because skin reactions and/or asthma-like symptoms may occur.

Pregnant women and individuals with bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, and liver or kidney disease should consult a healthcare provider before taking bromelain.

Possible Interactions

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use bromelain without first talking to your healthcare provider.

Antibiotics
In a clinical study, the combination of bromelain and amoxicillin increased the levels of this antibiotic in the blood. Some studies suggest that bromelain may increase the body's ability to absorb tetracycline, but results of other studies have been conflicting. Until studies confirm these results, it would be wise to avoid combining bromelain and tetracycline.

Studies with bromelain and tetracycline have produced mixed results. Some research suggests that bromelain increases levels of tetracycline in the body, while others indicate that it may cause more of the antibiotic to be excreted in the urine.

Blood-thinning Medications
People taking aspirin, warfarin, or other medications that thin the blood should use bromelain with extreme caution because of a possible risk of bleeding when used together.

Supporting Research

Adachi N, Koh CS, Tsukada N, Shoji S, Yanagisawa N. In vitro degradation of amyloid material by four proteases in tissue of a patient with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy. J Neurol Sci . 1988;84(2-3):295-299.

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinkman J, ed. Herbal Medicine. Expanded Commission E Monographs . Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:33-35.

Bradbrook JD. The effect of bromelain on the absorption of orally administered tetracycline. Br J Clin Pharmacol . 1978;6(6):552-554.

Bromelain. Alt Med Rev . August 1998;3:302–305.

Brunton J. Pharmagnosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants . Paris: Lavoisier Publishing; 1995.

Desser L, Rehberger A, Kokron E, Paukovits W. Cytokine synthesis in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells after oral administration of polyenzyme preparations. Oncology . 1993;50:403–407.

Felton GE. Fibrinolytic and antithrombotic action of bromelain may eliminate thrombosis in heart patients. Med Hypotheses . 1980;6(11):1123-1133.

Harborne J, Baxter H, eds. Phytochemical Dictionary: A Handbook of Bioactive Compounds from Plants . London, England: Taylor & Francis; 1993:376.

Klein G, Kullich W. Short-term treatment of painful osteoarthritis of the knee with oral enzymes. A randomized, double-blind study versus diclofenec. Clin Drug Invest . 2000;19(1):15-23.

Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics , 2nd ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1996.

Majima M, Kawashima N, Hiroshi I, Katori M. Effects of an orally active non-peptide bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, FR173657, on plasma exudation in rat carrageenan-induced pleurisy. Br J Pharmacol . 1997;121(4):723-730.

Masson M. Bromelain in blunt injuries of the locomotor system. A study of observed applications in general practice. Fortschr Med . 1995;113:303–306.

Mori S, Ojima Y, Hirose T, Sasaki T, Hashimoto Y. The clinical effect of proteolytic enzyme containing bromelain and trypsin on urinary tract infection evaluated by double blind method. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Jpn . 1972;19(3):147-153.

Murray MT, Pizzorno JE. Bromelain. In: Pizzorno JE, Murray MT, eds. Textbook of Natural Medicine . Vol 1. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone; 1999:619-622.

Mynott TL, Guandalini S, Raimondi F, Fasano A. Bromelain prevents secretion cased by Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli enterotoxins in rabbit ileum in vitro. Gastroenterol. 1997;113(1):175-184.

Reynolds JEF, ed. Martindale: The Extra Pharmacopoeia . 31st ed. London, England: Royal Pharmaceutical Society; 1996:1681.

Rimoldi R, Ginesu F, Giura R. The use of bromelain in pneumological therapy. Drugs Exp Clin Res . 1978;4:55-56.

Sanders HJ. Therapy of chlamydia infections with tetracyclines. Int J Exp Clin Chemother . 1990;3(2):101-106.

Schulz V, Hänsel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physicians' Guide to Herbal Medicine . New York: Springer; 1998.

Taussig SJ, Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple ( Ananas comosus ) and its clinical application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol . 1998;22:191–203.

Tinozzi S, Venegoni A. Effect of bromelain on serum and tissue levels of amoxicillin. Drugs Exptl Clin Res . 1978; 4(1):39-44.

Uhlig G, Seifert J. The effect of proteolytic enzymes (traumanase) on posttraumatic edema. Fortschr Med . 1981;99:554–556.

Walker JA, Cerny FJ, Cotter JR, Burton HW. Attentuation of contraction-induced skeletal muscle injury by bromelain. Med Sci Sports Exerc . 1992;24:20–25.

* Review Date: 4/1/2002
* Reviewed By: Participants in the review process include: Ruth DeBusk, RD, PhD, Editor, Nutrition in Complementary Care, Tallahassee, FL; Jacqueline A. Hart, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Harvard University and Senior Medical Editor Integrative Medicine, Boston, MA; Gary Kracoff, RPh (Pediatric Dosing section February 2001), Johnson Drugs, Natick, Ma; Steven Ottariono, RPh (Pediatric Dosing section February 2001), Veteran's Administrative Hospital, Londonderry, NH. All interaction sections have also been reviewed by a team of experts including Joseph Lamb, MD (July 2000), The Integrative Medicine Works, Alexandria, VA;Enrico Liva, ND, RPh (August 2000), Vital Nutrients, Middletown, CT; Brian T Sanderoff, PD, BS in Pharmacy (March 2000), Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy; President, Your Prescription for Health, Owings Mills, MD; Ira Zunin, MD, MPH, MBA (July 2000), President and Chairman, Hawaii State Consortium for Integrative Medicine, Honolulu, HI.

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I see nothing about Bromelain breaking down collagen here...

I've used it in digestive aids & in an anti-inflammatory blend that both work successfully!

This is from the VITALZYM site:

Bromelain - Bromelain, also known as bromelin, is a protein-digesting enzyme extracted from the flesh and stem of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). This enzyme breaks down other proteins, such as collagen.

Can you explain this Dr. Pickart?

I would also appreciate an answer Dr. Pickart, thank-u

Bormelain is a proteolytic enzymes that does breakdown other proteins including collagen and scar tissue. Such enzymes are still used, when applied to the skin, on wounds and scar tissue to remove damaged skin. The only drawback is the they may cause allergic reactions after long-term use.

As for the use of these as supplements, the results are more mixed. They often do help digestion. As for scar reduction, it is possible that they may help. Our ancestors - 5 million years ago - ate a diet that was 97% based on fresh fruit and vegetables that was filled with such enzymes. We don't eat like that today.

But as for VITALZYM, the claims are extremely sweeping and I would like to at least two published studies that it reduces scar tissue when used as a supplement.

You should be able to buy Bormelain in any vitamin/supplement shop.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr. Pickart,

Thanks for explaining Dr. Pickart...

I will continue my SRCP rountine for removing my scar tissue as well as include my collagen building supplements daily.

Being a vegetarian for over 25 yrs....growing & preserving most of the food I eat, has undoubetedly had overwhelming benefits for me healthwise. I'll keep using the Copper Petides "forever" along with eating my fruit, veggie & fish diet.

This makes alot a sense...and as I posted once before, if just a good diet (the enzymes our body creates) or adding them with Vitalzym were the answer to skin repair, I would have perfect skin...I do not!

But, I plan on it... & will keep up the SRCPs even after my skin is healed to keep it in the best shape possible.

Thank You So Much!

Stoney