Systemic Enzyme Therapy -
Newest Status and Progress
Wrba H. Systemic Enzyme Therapy -
Newest Status and Progress. Therapie Woche 1987, Jahrgang 37, No. 7.
SO 11 (19-02-3)
On November 22, 1986 a workshop was held in Munich, where national,
as well as international experts reported of their experiences with
the enzyme therapy. Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Dr. Heinrich
Wrba of Vienna, papers were presented and vivid discussions held on
the use of enzymes in rheumatology, immune complex diseases, in
traumatology, surgery, oncology, inflammations and vascular
diseases.
As early as 200 years ago, the proteolytic activity of digestive
tract enzymes were therapeutically utilized. In 1900 J. Beard tested
the effect of intravenously administered fresh pancreas extract on
70 cancer patients in England. He attained astonishing results. 1934
Freund and Kaminer told of an enzyme treatment.
The actual development of enzyme therapy began, however, not until
after WW II. In 1950 in the USA the most important proteases -
trypsin, chymotrypsin, papain and bromelain were employed in the
treatment of inflammations and for the fibrinolysis. Streptokinase
and urokinase are being used since 1960 in the fibrinolysis therapy.
Since 1969 the enzyme combinations WOBE-MUGOS® and Wobenzym® (both
are enzyme combinations of different animal and plant tissue) are on
the market. Wobenzym® - as Karl Ransberger, Grunwald, mentioned in
his introductory address - belongs to the recognized
pharmaceuticals, particularly for the treatment of the
post-thrombotic syndrome and inflammations of the veins. Its use in
rheumatic diseases is relatively young.
Wobenzym® acts inflammatory-inhibiting, anti-edematous and as a fibrinolysis inductor. Approximately 10 years ago an examination began concerning the effects of the enzymes upon immune complexes and immune complex-determined diseases. Now the results conclude that in a series of auto-aggressive diseases immune complex elimination is possible through enzyme treatment, thus improving the treatment results.