Category: Enzymes

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), extremely high amylase levels in the blood can be an indicator of serious medical conditions such as acute pancreatitis. However, understanding **what are the hazards of amylase** requires differentiating between elevated internal levels and external exposure or supplement use.

Papain, a proteolytic enzyme from *Carica papaya*, is utilized in over 6.5 million cases of acute and chronic wounds worldwide [1.3.3]. So, what are the pharmaceutical uses of papain beyond wound care? This enzyme plays a significant role in digestive health, inflammation reduction, and more [1.2.5].

First isolated in the late 1960s by Japanese researchers, the proteolytic enzyme serratiopeptidase was discovered in the intestine of the silkworm, *Bombyx mori*. This unique serratiopeptidase origin story begins with a bacterium that helps the moth dissolve its cocoon.

According to the National Institutes of Health, papain is a proteolytic enzyme extracted from the raw fruit of the papaya plant, while chymopapain is another related enzyme from the same source. This guide delves into **what is papain and chymopapain**, exploring their distinct uses, historical medical applications, and associated safety risks.

The well-known anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet drug aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) has an astonishingly short plasma half-life of just 15 to 20 minutes. This rapid degradation is a direct result of several key enzymes that metabolize aspirin almost immediately upon absorption, converting it into its main active metabolite, salicylic acid, and other excretable compounds.

Containing the proteolytic enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin, Marochym 200 is used to help accelerate the repair of traumatic, surgical, and orthopedic injuries by reducing inflammation and swelling. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous properties make it a supportive therapy for a variety of conditions involving painful inflammation.

An important distinction must be made regarding **what is PDEA**; while sometimes used to refer to a law enforcement agency, in pharmacology, it almost always refers to phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes. These enzymes are crucial regulators of cellular signaling pathways. Medications known as PDE inhibitors leverage this system to treat a variety of conditions, from erectile dysfunction to heart and lung diseases.