Natural Plant Enzyme
Also known as: Natural plant enzymes, Digestive enzymes, Plant-derived enzymes, Multi-digestive enzyme blends, Papain, Bromelain, Plant-Derived Digestive Enzymes
Overview
Natural plant enzymes are enzymes extracted from various plants, such as papaya (papain) and pineapple (bromelain), that aid in the digestion of macronutrients, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and fibers. These enzymes are commonly used to improve digestion, reduce bloating, alleviate gas, and support gastrointestinal health. Multi-enzyme blends often combine proteases, lipases, amylases, and cellulases to target a broad spectrum of digestive substrates. Herbal components may add anti-inflammatory or carminative effects. Research suggests potential benefits in reducing post-meal bloating and improving liver enzyme profiles, particularly in individuals with digestive discomfort or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The quality of available evidence includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and some systematic reviews/meta-analyses, though heterogeneity and methodological variability exist.
Benefits
Plant-derived digestive enzymes have demonstrated several evidence-based benefits. A randomized controlled trial showed an 80% reduction in post-meal abdominal distension and significant improvement in bloating symptoms with a multi-digestive enzyme and herbal blend (p=0.007). These enzymes may also alleviate gas and indigestion symptoms. Furthermore, natural products including plant enzymes have shown reductions in liver enzymes such as ALT and AST, markers of liver function, in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of associated plant polyphenols and herbal components may contribute to these benefits. Individuals with digestive discomfort (bloating, gas) and patients with NAFLD or elevated liver enzymes may benefit most.
How it works
Plant-derived digestive enzymes primarily work by enzymatically breaking down macronutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. Proteases cleave proteins, amylases digest carbohydrates, lipases hydrolyze fats, and cellulases degrade fiber. This enzymatic action improves digestion and nutrient absorption. Herbal components may modulate gastrointestinal motility and reduce inflammation. While enzymes act locally in the gut lumen, their activity is critical for efficient digestion. In the liver, these enzymes may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially improving liver enzyme profiles.
Side effects
Plant-derived digestive enzymes are generally considered safe, with no serious adverse events reported in clinical trials. Common side effects are rare, with mild gastrointestinal discomfort being a possibility in a small percentage of users. No significant rare adverse events have been documented. Caution is advised when using these enzymes with anticoagulants due to potential effects on blood clotting enzymes. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to any plant enzyme or herbal component. Limited data exists for pregnant or lactating women, so caution is advised in these populations.
Dosage
Dosage varies by product, but clinical trials have used proprietary blends with standardized enzyme units. A typical dosage is 1-2 capsules before or with meals, containing multi-enzyme blends standardized for protease, amylase, and lipase activity. The maximum safe dose is not well established, but no toxicity has been reported at studied doses. For digestive benefits, it is best to take these enzymes with or immediately before meals. Enteric-coated capsules may improve enzyme stability. Enzymes act in the gut lumen, and acid-resistant formulations may improve efficacy. Some formulations include cofactors like zinc or magnesium to support enzyme activity.
FAQs
Are natural plant enzymes effective for digestion?
Yes, evidence supports their efficacy in reducing bloating and improving digestion of macronutrients. Studies have shown significant improvements in digestive symptoms with enzyme supplementation.
Are they safe to use long-term?
Current evidence indicates good safety profiles with no serious adverse effects reported in clinical trials. However, long-term studies are still warranted.
Can they improve liver health?
Some plant enzyme-containing supplements and related natural products have shown modest improvements in liver enzyme levels in NAFLD patients, suggesting a potential benefit for liver health.
When should they be taken?
Ideally, plant-derived digestive enzymes should be taken with meals to aid digestion and maximize their effectiveness in breaking down food.
Do they replace pancreatic enzymes?
No, they are supplements and not substitutes for pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in clinical deficiency. Consult a healthcare professional for enzyme replacement therapy.
Research Sources
- https://www.dovepress.com/a-multi-digestive-enzyme-and-herbal-dietary-supplement-reduces-bloatin-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NDS – This randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 80 healthy adults found that a multi-digestive enzyme and herbal dietary supplement significantly reduced abdominal distension and bloating after a single meal. The study reported an 80% reduction in abdominal distension among participants, highlighting the potential of such supplements for improving digestive comfort. No adverse events were reported.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36159792/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of dietary polyphenols on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The review included multiple RCTs and found that dietary polyphenols, including enzyme-related supplements, showed improvements in liver enzyme levels. However, the authors noted that the evidence is still controversial due to heterogeneity in interventions and some inconsistent results.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.844242/full – This umbrella review of meta-analyses investigated the effects of probiotics and natural products on liver enzymes in NAFLD patients. The review found that probiotics and natural products significantly reduced ALT levels, with more pronounced effects observed with longer intervention durations (≥16 weeks). The study highlights the potential of natural interventions for improving liver health in NAFLD.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1300860/full – This study investigates the impact of berberine on gut microbiota and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It suggests that berberine can modulate the gut microbiota, potentially alleviating NAFLD symptoms by improving the gut-liver axis. The research highlights the therapeutic potential of berberine in managing NAFLD through its effects on gut health.
- https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/10.1024/0300-9831/a000689 – This article discusses the use of enzyme preparations in treating exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. It details the types of enzymes used, their effectiveness in aiding digestion, and considerations for their administration. The review emphasizes the importance of proper enzyme supplementation for patients with pancreatic insufficiency to improve nutrient absorption and overall health.
Supplements Containing Natural Plant Enzyme
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