492 Serrapeptase Studies [8 Oct 2018]

I have previously written about the amazing properties of serrapeptase [#442]. A recent article by Robert Redfern in Naturally Health News #32 (pages 12-13) outlines published studies on 10 conditions which benefit from serrapeptase, summarized below.

• Alzheimer’s Disease. A 2013 animal study found that serrapeptase and nattokinase improved certain physiological markers for Alzheimer’s, showing promise as a therapeutic treatment.
• Breast Engorgement. A 1989 controlled study found that, compared to placebo, serrapeptase reduced breast engorgement by 85% vs 60% for “moderate” improvement, and 23% vs 3% for “marked” improvement.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. A preliminary trial in India in 1999 showed significant improvement with 20 mg per day serrapeptase in 65% of 20 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Mucus Reduction, Sinusitis. A 1972 Japanese study found that serrapeptase helped clear mucus in patients with bronchial asthma. In a 1982 animal study Serrapeptase decreased viscosity and increased volume of mucus expelled. A 1990 study showed that serrapeptase reduces the viscosity of nasal mucus making it easier to expel.
• Inflammation. A 2008 animal study from India showed that serrapeptase is an effective treatment for inflammation and works synergistically with aspirin.
• Postoperative Swelling. A 2008 study of 24 adults having a molar extraction found that serrapeptase significantly reduced pain and swelling for 7 days post-surgery.
• Wound Healing. A 2011 animal study found that serrapeptase improved wound healing

The uses of serrapeptase fall into several broad categories. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. It thins mucus making it easier to expel from the lungs, bronchi and sinuses. In wound healing serrapeptase dissolves dead tissue and prevents adhesions from forming, thus improving range of motion during rehabilitation (perfect following a knee or hip replacement).

Another potential benefit of serrapeptase is as an anti-atherosclerotic for clearing blocked arteries, but there have been insufficient studies on its effectiveness to recommend it.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

169 Arginine – the NO Precursor [11 June 2012]

Arginine is an interesting amino acid. It is considered “essential” (meaning it is required in our diet) in infants and children whose synthesis pathways are undeveloped, and “conditionally essential” (meaning that some is required in our diet) in adults. Arginine is usually sufficient in our diets – it is found in meat, poultry, dairy, seafood, whole grains, nuts, seeds and even chocolate – but in certain situations is also taken as a supplement. As with all amino acids, look for the L-arginine form.

An important function of arginine is the production of the gas nitric oxide (NO). NO lowers blood pressure by relaxing the smooth muscles of the endothelium (lining of the blood vessels) thus dilating the arteries. This process increases blood flow when partially blocked arteries to the heart cause angina pain, or to the leg muscles cause intermittent claudication. Nitroglycerine works similarly in treating angina by releasing NO. NO is also essential for penile erections, so arginine is often used for erectile dysfunction.

Arginine has several other uses. Taken with RNA and the essential fatty acid EPA, arginine improves wound healing, especially bone injuries, and shortens post-surgery recovery time. Arginine is sometimes taken along with ibuprofen for migraine headaches. Arginine also plays an essential role in the detoxification and elimination of ammonia through the liver and kidneys.

There are several important cautions regarding arginine supplementation:

·         do not take arginine if you have had a recent heart attack

·         arginine may be helpful with congestive heart failure, but use with medical supervision.

·         take under medical supervision if you are on prescription drugs for high blood pressure or angina

·         stop two weeks before surgery, resume a few days after

·         women: avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding

·         men: use caution if you take arginine along with sildenafil (Viagra) as the combination may lower blood pressure too far

·         avoid if you are subject to cold sores as arginine reduces the absorption of another amino acid, lysine, which is believed to play a role in combating herpes simplex infections.

Despite all the precautions, arginine supplementation can be safe and effective in certain conditions. I’ll explore more about lysine and its relationship with arginine next week.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner. 

081 Pre and Post Surgery [20 September 2010]

I have an elective surgery scheduled for next month so wondered how I could naturally prepare my body for surgery and speed recovery afterwards.
• A week prior to surgery discontinue any herbs that may increase bleeding such as white willow bark, yarrow, dong quai, ginseng, turmeric, cayenne, gotu kola, green tea, ginger and garlic. (Chamomile is thought to be a concern here but has no anticoagulant effects so is safe.) Melatonin, St. John’s Wort, yohimbe and licorice may increase the effects of the anesthetic so should be discontinued.
• Milk thistle is great for assisting the liver to detox from the anesthesia drugs and can be taken up to a day before and for several months after.
• A short detox cleanse is great to do in the month prior to surgery. Drink plenty of water to flush the released toxins and hydrate the body.
• To prevent infections boost the immune system prior to surgery with vitamin C, and echinacea. Take a good probiotic to build up the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.
• Apply vitamin E oil to the area of surgery for a few days before.
• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, gotu kola and grape seed extract help repair connective tissue. An iron tonic will help replace any lost blood.
• The amino acid glutamine has been shown to safely speed post-surgery healing. An amino acid complex could be taken with it to provide all the essential AAs.
• These supplements should all be discussed with your doctor prior to surgery.

I am reminded of a limerick my Uncle Vince May (formerly of Fiske) used to quote:
There once was a man with a hernia
Who said to the doctor “Goldernia –
When fixing my middle,
Please do not fiddle
With matters that do not concernia.”

This article is intended for educational purposes only; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.