Silkworm enzyme fights inflammation in humans
Enzyme is a safe alternative to Cox-2 inhibitors and NSAIDs
VANCOUVER, Aug. 2 /CNW/ - As consumers search for alternatives to Cox-2
inhibitors such as Vioxx, Celebrex, Bextra and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, some experts are encouraging the use of safe
and natural alternatives.
In particular, many physicians have re-discovered a powerful anti-
inflammatory enzyme originally derived from the common silkworm. Serratia
Peptidase or serrapeptase is an enzyme, which is produced in the intestines of
silkworms and assists these creatures in breaking down its cocoon walls. It is
also believed to digest abnormal, dangerous or dead cells in humans.
Several studies suggest that this enzyme produced by the larval form of
the silkworm helps eliminate or reduce blood clots, cysts and plaque that
build up in the arteries and can cause heart attacks and strokes. And, more
importantly, it is anticipated that serrapeptase also rids the body of
inflammation.
Inflammation is one of the most damaging things that occurs to human
beings over time, and as we age. A variety of illnesses are exacerbated by
inflammation - including arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and
even cancer.
"It has been a goal of many scientists and physicians to find a side-
effect-free substance to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with
various diseases," says Dr. Michael Murray, the Director of Education for
Natural Factors Nutritional Products.
"We are confident that Zymactive(R), a mixture of anti-inflammatory
enzymes including the silkworm enzyme, will provide a natural and healthy
solution to the overall problem of inflammation and that this will have a
major positive effect on the millions of Canadians who currently suffer from
inflammation including the disabling disease of arthritis."
"In addition to being free from side effects, the silkworm enzyme is
proving to be a superior alternative to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
agents traditionally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis,"
says Dr. Murray.
Arthritis is not a disease by itself. It is a symptom of a variety of
health problems and conditions. The most common of these is osteoarthritis
which is also known as degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is caused by
the loss of cartilage in a person's joints. The joints most affected include
the hands and the weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips and spine.
In Canada, four million people aged 15 and older, or 16 per cent of the
population, suffers from arthritis in one form or another.(*)
The total direct cost of arthritis in Canada is estimated to be at least
$4.4-billion -- a figure that corresponds to 10.3 per cent of the total
healthcare expenditures for diseases in this country in 1998.(*) (This figure
likely underestimates the total costs, however, because data for some
expenditures -- such as costs related to health professionals other than
physicians and to over-the-counter medications -- are unavailable)
Long-term disability as a result of arthritis accounted for almost 80 per
cent of the economic cost in 1998 at nearly $3.8-billion. And, the disease is
on the increase. The number of people with arthritis is expected to increase
by 50 per cent to over six million Canadians by the year 2026.(*)
Natural Factors Nutritional Products Ltd. is a North American leader in
the health products industry. The 50-year old, Company offers a full range of
vitamins, minerals, specialty supplements and functional foods to consumers
around the world. Natural Factors is dedicated to researching and
manufacturing evidence-based nutraceuticals and in ensuring the highest
product quality. With almost 45,000 square metres of production, research and
laboratory facilities, the Company's national head office in Coquitlam
includes state of the art manufacturing facilities. It also has offices in
Burnaby, Kelowna, Toronto and Everett, Washington. Visit us at
www.naturalfactors.com
(*) Badley E, DesMeules M Arthritis in Canada as published by the Public
Health Agency of Canada (2003) at
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ac/ac_3e.html
For further information: or interview requests, please contact: Kate
Jobling, Director of Public Relations, Natural Factors Nutritional Products,
Direct: (604) 415-4181, Email: kjobling@naturalfactors.com |
