Synopsis

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

Microbial enzymes, particularly proteolytic enzymes such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, and newer bacterial-derived enzymes like serratiopeptidase and subtilisin, have been used as adjuncts in wound care, including the management of abrasions. These enzymes function primarily by aiding in the debridement of necrotic tissue and slough, promoting a cleaner wound bed and facilitating the healing process. Enzymatic debridement is considered a less traumatic alternative to surgical or mechanical debridement, especially for superficial wounds like abrasions where preserving viable tissue is important. Several clinical studies, though more abundant for chronic wounds and burns, have shown that topical microbial enzyme preparations can accelerate the removal of nonviable tissue and may modestly speed up re-epithelialization.

However, the quality of evidence varies. While some randomized controlled trials and reviews support the efficacy of microbial enzymes in wound healing, robust, large-scale studies specifically targeting abrasions are limited. Most data are extrapolated from broader wound care literature. Safety profiles are generally favorable, with few reports of significant adverse reactions. Traditional use of enzyme preparations (including those from microbial sources) is less well documented than their scientific evaluation, indicating that their use is grounded more in modern clinical practice than in historical or ethnomedical tradition. Overall, microbial enzymes are scientifically justified as supportive agents for treating abrasions, with moderate-quality evidence supporting their efficacy.

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