Endo-peptidase (Endopeptidase )
Synopsis of endo-peptidase
Endo-peptidases are a class of proteolytic enzymes that break peptide bonds within the interior of protein chains, as opposed to exo-peptidases, which act only at the terminal ends of proteins. Endo-peptidases are critical to protein digestion, cellular regulation, immune function, and tissue remodeling. They are found throughout the body and in many natural sources, including digestive secretions, plants, fungi, and bacteria.
Common types of endo-peptidases include:
- Pepsin – active in the stomach, begins protein digestion under acidic conditions
- Trypsin and chymotrypsin – pancreatic enzymes active in the small intestine, important for further protein breakdown
- Bromelain (from pineapple) and papain (from papaya) – plant-derived endo-peptidases with applications in digestion, inflammation reduction, and wound care
- Subtilisin – a bacterial enzyme used in biotechnology and some digestive blends
Endo-peptidases are used therapeutically in:
- Digestive enzyme supplements, to aid in protein assimilation and reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, or food sensitivities
- Anti-inflammatory formulas, especially systemic enzyme therapy, where they help modulate immune reactions and break down inflammatory proteins and fibrin
- Sports recovery, reducing delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
- Immune and detoxification protocols, by assisting in degrading circulating immune complexes or clearing damaged tissue proteins
- They may be isolated from animal (pancreatic), plant, or microbial sources, and are often combined with other digestive enzymes (lipase, amylase, etc.) in broad-spectrum digestive aids.
Historical Use
While endo-peptidase as a term and isolated enzyme was not defined until the advent of biochemistry in the 19th and 20th centuries, the actions of these enzymes have long been used intuitively in traditional medicine through the use of enzyme-rich foods and herbs.
Examples include:
- Papaya and pineapple, rich in papain and bromelain respectively, used traditionally in Central and South America for digestive complaints, inflammation, and wound healing
- Fermented foods, like miso, natto, and yogurt, which contain microbial enzymes that assist in digestion and protein breakdown
- Animal-derived preparations, such as consuming liver, pancreas, or stomach (as seen in some traditional Chinese and Indigenous medicines) for digestive weakness or recovery
In Ayurveda, digestion of protein was central to preventing "ama" (toxic residue), and herbs like ginger, black pepper, and fermented products were used to stimulate agni (digestive fire)—effectively enhancing endogenous enzyme production.
Today, endo-peptidases are essential components of digestive enzyme therapy, systemic enzyme therapy, and nutritional formulations for gut health, inflammation reduction, and metabolic support.
Would you like to continue with bromelain, papain, or another enzyme-based compound next?
Endo-peptidase is used for these health conditions
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Bruises (prevention) (Scientific)
Exercise (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Injuries (Scientific)
Leukemia (Scientific)
Sprains (Scientific)
endo-peptidase is used to support these body systems
Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Small Intestines (Scientific)
Stomach (Scientific)
