Wobenzym N is a trademarked health supplement containing a blend of proteolytic enzymes designed to promote a healthy immune system. Developed in Germany in 1960, Wobenzym N's enzymes eventually break proteins into peptides and then into amino acids that can help your body function more efficiently. Although Wobenzym N has been used to treat a variety of conditions, most notably inflammatory illnesses, consult your doctor before self-treating with Wobenzym N or any other health supplement.
Systemic Enzyme Support
German physican/researcher Max Wolf and his associate Helen Benitez developed Wobenzym N to serve as the centerpiece of a program of "systemic enzyme support" designed to help the body function at optimal levels. According to the Wobenzym N website, the product contains the plant-based enzymes bromelain -- from pineapple -- and papain -- from papaya -- as well as trypsin and chymotrypsin, which are natural pancreatic enzymes, and rutin, a flavonoid with potent antioxidant properties.
Combats Chronic Hepatitis B
Three Ukrainian researchers studied the effectiveness of Wobenzym N in treating patients with chronic hepatitis B virus. They divided 90 subjects who had been diagnosed with the virus in its replication phase into three groups. The first group received seven Wobenzym N tablets three times a day for four weeks and then three to four tablets three times a day for 20 days. The second group received interferon a2b, while the third received both Wobenzym N and interferon. At the conclusion of the study period, clinical remission and resolution of the cytolytic syndrome, or cycle of cell damage, was achieved in 62.3 percent of the patients receiving Wobenzym N alone. The scientists reported their findings in a 2001 issue of the "International Journal of Immunotherapy."
Eases RA Symptoms
To evaluate the usefulness of systemic enzyme therapy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, a team of Russian researchers enrolled 156 subjects who had been diagnosed with RA. Scientists divided the trial subjects into two groups. The first received standard RA treatment with daily doses of methotrexate and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. The second group received the standard therapy plus a daily dose of Wobenzym N. In an article that appeared in a 1997 issue of the "International Journal of Immunotherapy," researchers reported that patients treated with Wobenzym N showed significantly decreased symptoms over those who received standard therapy alone.
Combats Lyme Disease
Bryan Rosner, author of "The Top 10 Lyme Disease Treatments," includes systemic enzyme therapy with Wobenzym N on his list of the 10 most effective treatments of Lyme disease. He said that Lyme disease patients taking Wobenzym N experience "reduced bacterial load, detoxification and accelerated healing."
Side Effects
Like many health supplements, Wobenzym N is not without some side effects. Its anticoagulant properties make the enzyme formulation inappropriate for patients who are taking prescription blood thinners or those diagnosed with bleeding problems. The supplement's plant-based enzymes have caused allergic reactions in some patients, and others have reported gastrointestinal distress after taking Wobenzym N. Consult a medical professional before embarking on a regimen of self-treatment with Wobenzym N.
References
- Wobenzym N
- "International Journal of Immunotherapy"; Efficacy of Systemic Enzyme Therapy in the Treatment of Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B; A.M. Vassilenko, V.I. Fessenko and S.V. Schvets; 2001
- "International Journal of Immunotherapy"; The Efficacy of Systemic Enzyme Therapy in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis; V.I. Mazourov, et al.; 1997
- "The Top 10 Lyme Disease Treatments"; Bryan Rosner; 2007
