Protease
Synopsis of protease
Proteases, also known as proteolytic enzymes, are enzymes that break down proteins into smaller peptides or amino acids by cleaving peptide bonds. They are essential to numerous biological processes, including digestion, immune function, wound healing, inflammation regulation, and cellular signaling. Proteases are produced naturally in the pancreas (e.g., trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase) and stomach (pepsin), and are also found in microorganisms, plants, and fungi.
Supplemental proteases are commonly derived from animal pancreas, fungi (e.g., Aspergillus oryzae), or plants like papaya (papain) and pineapple (bromelain). These are used to aid protein digestion, reduce inflammation, and support healing after injury or surgery. In enzyme therapy, proteases are believed to help break down fibrin and inflammatory debris, enhancing circulation and tissue recovery. Systemic protease supplementation (taken away from meals) is used to modulate immune responses and reduce symptoms of chronic inflammation, such as in arthritis, sports injuries, or fibromyalgia.
Proteases are also included in multi-enzyme digestive blends to help people with low stomach acid, pancreatic insufficiency, or high-protein diets process food more effectively and reduce bloating, gas, or heaviness.
Historical Use in Medicine:
While the biochemical concept of proteases emerged in the 19th century, the use of protease-rich plants in traditional medicine predates modern science by centuries. For example:
- Papaya (rich in papain) was used by indigenous peoples of Central and South America to tenderize meat and soothe digestive complaints.
- Pineapple (rich in bromelain) has long been used in South American folk medicine to reduce swelling, bruising, and inflammation.
- In Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, certain fermented or enzyme-rich foods were used to treat indigestion and sluggish metabolism.
Modern enzyme therapy gained traction in the mid-20th century, especially in Europe and Japan, where systemic enzyme combinations containing protease, amylase, and lipase were used to support post-surgical recovery, chronic inflammation, and immune modulation.
Protease is used for these health conditions
Abrasions (Scientific)
Bruises (healing) (Scientific)
Burns and Scalds (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Congestion (lymphatic) (Scientific)
Cuts (Scientific)
Edema (Scientific)
Exercise (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Injuries (Scientific)
Pain (general remedies for) (Scientific)
Scratches and Abrasions (Scientific)
Surgery (healing from) (Scientific)
Tendonitis (Scientific)
Ulcerations (external) (Scientific)
Wounds and Sores (Scientific)
protease is used to support these body systems
Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Pancreas Head (Scientific)
Small Intestines (Scientific)
Stomach (Scientific)
