Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Lysozyme is a naturally occurring enzyme found in various bodily secretions, such as tears, saliva, and mucus, as well as in egg white. Its primary biological function is to hydrolyze the 1,4-beta-linkages between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetylglucosamine residues in the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls, particularly those of Gram-positive bacteria. This enzymatic action leads to bacterial cell lysis and death, providing a natural defense mechanism against infection.

Scientific validation for the antibacterial properties of lysozyme is robust in vitro and in animal models. In clinical settings, lysozyme has been employed in some countries (notably Japan and parts of Europe) as an adjunctive therapy for upper respiratory tract infections and as a topical agent for wound care, leveraging its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the clinical efficacy of orally or topically administered lysozyme in treating bacterial infections in humans is less well-established compared to conventional antibiotics, with few large-scale randomized controlled trials. The majority of human studies suggest modest benefit, often when used as a supportive rather than primary therapy.

Overall, the scientific evidence supports the antibacterial action of lysozyme and its traditional use as a supplementary treatment for some infections, but not as a replacement for antibiotics. The evidence rating reflects good mechanistic and preclinical data, but limited high-quality clinical trial evidence for use in treating bacterial infections.

More about Lysozyme
More about Infection (bacterial)

Other ingredients used for Infection (bacterial)

Other health conditions supported by Lysozyme

Products containing Lysozyme