The pancreas, which produces chymotrypsin and other digestive enzymes , is a digestive organ in the abdomen that is located just below the stomach. Its primary job is to produce enzymes required for the digestion and absorption of food.  Each day the pancreas secrets about 1.5 qt (1.4 L) of pancreatic juice,  consisting of enzymes, also water, and electrolytes (primarily bicarbonate)  into the small intestine.  The enzymes are secreted in an inactive form (as proenzymes)  so that they will not digest the pancreas.  The pancreas secretes an inhibitor to ensure that the enzymes are not activated too early.

When the pancreatic juice reaches the small intestine, the enzymes become activated.    However when the small intestine is not digested because it contains a protective mucous lining.  Self – digestion can occur if the pancreatic duct becomes blocked or if the pancreas is damaged. The proenzymes can overwhelm the inhibitor, causing the enzymes to become active while in the pancreas. This condition, called acute pancreatitis , can result in a lifetime of pancreatic insufficiency.

The enzymes secreted by the pancreas break down food by breaking the chemical bonds that  hold food molecules together.  Enzymes secreted include lipase,  which,  along  with bile, digests fat;  amylases, which breaks down starch molecules  into smaller sugars; and also protease,  which breaks protein molecules  into dipeptides  and some singular amino acids . In addition to chymotrypsin, also other protease enzymes secreted by the pancreas include trypsin and carboxypeptidase.

Chymotrypsin, as a hydrolase type of enzyme  (which means it adds a water molecule during the breakdown process)  acts  by  catalyzing  the  hydrolysis of peptide bonds of proteins  in the small intestine.  It is selective for peptide bonds  with aromatic or large hydrophobic side chains on the carboxyl side of this bond. Chymotrypsin also catalyzes  the hydrolysis of ester bonds. Chymotrypsin does not digest blood proteins because of protective factors in the blood that block the enzyme.

General use

Generally, the primary uses of chymotrypsin are as a digestive aid and as an anti-inflammatory agent.  The presence and amount of chymotrypsin in a person’s stool             is sometimes measured  for diagnostic purposes as a test of pancreatic function and  Testing for fecal chymotrypsin is non-invasive, unlike some other tests of pancreatic function.

Chymotrypsin, along with the other pancreatic enzymes, is most often used in the treatment of pancreatic insufficiency. Pancreatic insufficiency is characterized by  impaired digestion , mal-absorption and passing of undigested food into the stool,    nutrient deficiencies, also gas, and abdominal bloating and discomfort. Pancreatic  deficiency occurs in persons with cystic fibrosis,  a rare inherited disorder.  It may        occur in those with chronic pancreatitis, as well as in the elderly. Other conditions         that could result in chymotrypsin deficiency may also include physical injuries, chemotherapy, and chronic stress .

Starch and fat digestion can be accomplished without the help of pancreatic enzymes; however,  the protease enzymes  (i.e., chymotrypsin, trypsin, and carboxypeptidase) are required for proper protein digestion.  Incomplete digestion of proteins may result in the development of allergies and the formation of toxic substances produced by putrefaction, the breakdown  of  protein materials  by  bacteria.  Protease enzymes and other intestinal secretions are  required to keep the small intestine  free  from  parasites such as bacteria, yeast, protozoa, and intestinal worms . A laboratory analysis of a stool sample along with physical symptoms are used to assess pancreatic function.

As an anti-inflammatory agent, the chymotrypsin and the other protease enzymes           prevent tissue damage during inflammation and the formation of fibrin clots. Protease enzymes participate  in  the  breakdown of fibrin in a process called fibrinolysis.  Fibrin causes a wall to form around an area of inflammation, resulting in the blockage of blood and lymph vessels,  which leads to swelling.  Fibrin can  cause the development of blood clots .  In autoimmune diseases,  the protease enzymes aid in the breakdown of immune complexes,  which are also antibodies  produced by the immune system  associated with   the compounds they bind to (antigens).  High levels of immune complexes in the blood   are associated with autoimmune diseases.

Specifically, chymotrypsin is used to:
•Aid in digestion.
•Treat inflammation and reduce swelling (i.e., soft tissue injuries, acute traumatic injuries, sprains, contusions, hematomas, ecchymoses, infections, edema of the eyelids and genitalia, muscle cramps, and sports injuries).
•Treat arthritis and such other autoimmune diseases as lupus, scleroderma, and multiple sclerosis.
•Treat ulcerations and abscesses.
•Liquefy mucus secretions.
•Treat enterozoic worms and other parasites in the digestive tract.
•Treat cancer (a controversial use that requires much more scientific study, though chymotrypsin may be helpful in alleviating effects of radiation treatment or chemotherapy).
•Treat shingles and acne.
•Decrease effects of sun damage and age spots.

Preparations

Chymotrypsin is produced from fresh hog, beef, or oxen pancreas. It can be taken orally, topically,  or by injection only by a physician in  severe life – threatening situations (cancer),  however,  is  commonly  taken  orally as a tablet,  it  may be  enterically coated, uncoated,  microencapsulated,   (to prevent digestion  in the stomach  so that the enzyme will be released in the small intestine).  Other forms  include coated granules,  or powder, capsules, and liquids. Creams and ointments are used to break down proteins and debride dead tissue resulting from burns, wounds , and abscesses. The enzyme preparation should be stored in a tight container with a moisture – proof liner in a dry,  cool place.  An opened container stored properly should maintain enzyme activity for about two to three months.

Usually chymotrypsin is also included in a combination with other enzymes. A typical formulation may include: chymotrypsin (0.5–1 mg), bromelain (a plant protease) (25–45 mg), and pancreatin  (a mixture of many pancreatic enzymes) (100 mg),  papain  (a plant protease similar in action to chymotrypsin) (25–60 mg),  and  also  trypsin (a pancreatic protease) (24 mg). Formulations may also include vitamins, herbs, phytochemicals, and other nutrients to enhance the activity of the enzyme supplement.

Enzyme activity should be considered when a supplement is selected. Activity is usually indicated in units; however there is no one standard for enzyme activity level. Recognized guidelines  for  measuring enzyme activity  include  Food Chemicals Codex (FCC),  United States Pharmacopoeia (USP),  The Federation Internationale du Pharmaceutiques  (FIP), British Pharmacopoeia (BP), and Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP). For example, the United States Pharmacopoeia has set a strict definition for level of activity that must be reported in a enzyme supplement.  A 1X chymotrypsin product must contain not less than 25 USP units for chymotrypsin activity. A preparation of higher potency is given a whole number multiple indicating its strength.  For example,  a full-strength undiluted extract that is 10 times stronger than the USP standard would be referred to as 10X USP.  A consumer can compare enzyme activity levels among enzyme products within a single guideline system, but unfortunately the information is not interchangeable among guideline systems.

The dose required will vary on the quantity (amount in mg) and the quality (activity level) of the enzyme  in the preparation,  which is usually tablet form.  The dose will also depend on the condition being treated. In most cases, for oral ingestion and for topical application, the directions on the bottle or tube label can be followed.  Enterically coated tablets should be swallowed and not chewed or ground up.  Tablets should also be taken with at least 8 oz of water to help activate the enzyme. Chymotrypsin is taken to enhance digestion is usually taken just before,  during,  or just after meals,  or before going to bed at night. With proper dosages, improvements in digestion should be noted within a few hours.

For inflammatory or chronic conditions, chymotrypsin should be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before meals or at least two hours after meals. When chymotrypsin is taken for an inflammatory condition,  some improvement may be noted  within three to seven days.  Those with chronic conditions such as arthritis may also require one to three months or more to notice a change in conditions.

This is just a brief statement of the value of enzyme therapy for chronic disease. I am not    a doctor and can only treat myself. Therefore I recommend for any individual that would like to consider enzymes for treatment …see a health care professional ?  🙂

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