Digestive-aid

A number of enzymes may be used as digestive aids (Table 12.9). In some instances, a single enzymatic activity is utilized, whereas other preparations contain multiple enzyme activities. These enzyme preparations may be used to supplement normal digestive activity, or to confer upon an individual a new digestive capability. 

In some instances there is a possibility that the efficacy of these preparations may be compromised by conditions associated with the digestive tract. Most function at pH values approaching neutrality. They would thus display activity possibly in saliva and particularly in the small intestine. However, the acidic conditions of the stomach (where the pH can be below 1.5) may denature some of these enzymes. Furthermore, the ingested enzymes would also be exposed to endogenous proteolytic activities associated with the stomach and small intestine. Some of these difficulties, however, may be at least partially overcome by formulating the product as a tablet coated with an acid-resistant film to protect the enzyme as it passes through the stomach. 

Pancreatin is a pancreatic extract usually obtained from the pancrease of slaughterhouse animals. It contains a mixture of enzymes, principally amylase, protease and lipase, and, thus, exhibits a broad digestive capability. It is administered orally mainly for the treatment of pancreatic insufficiency caused by cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis. As it is sensitive to stomach acid, it must be administered in high doses or, more usually, as enteric-coated granules or capsules that may be taken directly or sprinkled upon the food prior to its ingestion. Individual digestive activities, such as papain, pepsin or bromelains (proteases), or a-amylase are sometimes used in place of pancreatin. 

Cellulase is not produced in the human digestive system. Cellulolytic enzyme preparations obtained from A. niger or other fungal sources are available, and it is thought that their ingestion may improve overall digestion, particularly in relation to high-fibre diets. 

CH12 RECOMBINANT BLOOD PRODUCTS AND THERAPEUTIC ENZYMES 

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Digestive. Elder as an after dinner tea is considered a beneficial digestive aid. Parts used flowers, berries. 

Enzymes Thrombolytic agents, digestive aids, debriding agents (i.e. cleansing of wounds)... 

Enzymes are used for a variety of therapeutic purposes, the most significant of which are listed in Table 12.8. A number of specific examples have already been discussed in detail within this chapter, including tPA, urokinase, and factor IXa. The additional therapeutic enzymes now become the focus of the remainder of the chapter. Although a limited number of polymer-degrading enzymes (used as digestive aids) are given orally, most enzymes are administered intravenously. 

Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) Mucopolysaccharidosis TV Debriding/anti-inflammatory agents Digestive aids... 

Table 12.9 Enzymes that are used as digestive aids...

The use of valerian extends back at least 1000 years, and it gained a reputation in sixteenth-century Europe as a treatment for epilepsy (Tyler 1994 Temkin 1971). Its reported uses are broad (digestive aid, muscle relaxant, antipyretic, etc.) but it is commonly known to treat insomnia and anxiety (Gruenwald et al. 1998 Kowalchick and Hylton 1987). Valerian has a distinct, unpleasant odor. Perhaps appropriately, it is believed to be an herb in the writings of Galen and Dioscorides, called phu (Leyel 1994). 

Solubilization of fish protein concentrates, recover oil or meat scraps from inedible parts Waste product conversion to feed, digestive aid... 

The Pharmaceutical Industiy. Pepsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin have been used clinically as a digestive aid, especially when coated to protect against damage in the stomach, and also in the preparation of precooked cereals and baby foods. Proteases have also been used medically for fibrinolysis, as anti-inflammatory agents in the potentiation of drug activity, and in the treatment of cystic fibrosis, burns, ulcers and acne. 

Treatment of blood disorders such as haemophilia A or B Vaccination against various diseases Passive immunization against various diseases Treatment of diabetes mellitus Thrombolytic agents, digestive aids, debriding agents (i.e. cleansing of wounds)... 

Lactase/pepsin/papain/pancrelipase Digestive aids... 

The use of enzymes as digestive aids is only applied under specific medical circumstances. Some medical conditions (e.g. cystic fibrosis) can result in compromised digestive function due to insufficient production/secretion of endogenous digestive enzymes. Digestive enzyme preparations are often formulated in powder (particularly tablet) form, and are recommended to be taken orally immediately prior to or during meals. As the product never enters the blood... 

Comfrey Internal digestive aid topical for wound healing Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, hepatotoxicity Avoid ingestion topical use should be limited to 4-6 weeks... 

Pennyroyal Digestive aid induction of menstrual flow abortifacient Pulegone and pulegone metabolite, liver failure, renal failure Avoid... 

The functional properties are divided according to a completely different pattern. Enzymic properties are functional ones because the action of the catalyst is, per se, a nonnutri-tional one. In certain cases, when enzymes are added to foods as in vivo digestion aids, they might be considered metabolic enhancers. Otherwise, when used externally to prepare products possessing more utile chemical and physical characteristics, the digestive nature is indubitably a functional property. It must be noted, however, that enzyme functionality usually is not studied in conjunction with the other functionalities, but is a distinct and separate branch of biochemistry involved in functional evaluation. Theoretically, a more scientific division of the functional properties could be made into molecular and non-molecular ones. (Enzymic properties would then be a division of the former.) However, traditional lines already have been set and the proposed division is closer to present research d i sci piines. 

Papain—a plant protease derived from the papaya fruit. The enzyme is used in digestive aids, wound debridement, tooth-cleaning and. most importantly, as a meat tenderizer. 

PROTEASE. A proteolytic enzyme that weakens or breaks the peptide linkages in proteins, They include some of the more widely known enzymes such as pepsin, trypsin, ficin, bromelm, papain, and rennin. Being water soluble they solubilize proteins and are commercially used for meat tendenzers, bread baking, and digestive aids. 

Hydrolytic enzymes Pancreatin Hydrolysis of starch (amylase), fat (lipase), and protein (protease) Porcine pancreas Digestive aid... 

Pepsin Hydrolysis of proteins Porcine stomach Digestive aid... 

Cough soother digestive aid Anti-inflammatory painkiller for sprains, bruises, muscle aches... 

The aromatic oil extracted from thyme leaves contains thymol and carvacol, which have preservative, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Thyme is a bronchial antispasmodic that relaxes muscles in the respiratory tract, an effect that makes it a good treatment for bronchitis and whooping cough. Thyme also relaxes smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract and the uterus, making it effective as a digestive aid and reliever of menstrual cramps. 

In Chinese medicine cloves are used as a kidney tonic (especially for impotence associated with deficient yang), to warm the body, increase circulation and as a digestive aid. They are also used for nausea, vomiting, flatulence, hiccups, stomach chills, fever, caries, toothache, cholera, colic, cracked nipples, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, halitosis (chewing on the whole clove), unusual uterine bleeding, nasal polyps and impotence. The root is used for a weaker effect. The oil is employed for diarrhoea, halitosis, hernia, nausea and toothache. 

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