Supplemental Relief
4. Proteolytic enzymes
What they are:
Proteolytic enzymes (or proteases) are several of the enzymes that aid digestion. Your pancreas produces trypsin and chymotrypsin, two of these enzymes. Others enzymes that are packaged as supplements come from foods: papain, from papaya, and bromelain, from pineapple.
What they do:
Proteolytic enzymes are taken for inflammatory conditions such as RA and Sjogren's syndrome, as well as OA. "Proteolytic enzymes reduce the level of circulating immune complexes, thereby decreasing inflammation," says Wilkinson. "In non-inflammatory conditions, such as OA, proteolytic enzymes are believed to help in the removal of cellular waste products associated with the condition," he says.
What we know about them:
A 2008 study from the department of rheumatology, at Cardiff University in Wales, UK, linked proteolytic enzymes with the ability to produce certain analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies also have shown they speed up recovery from sprains, strains, fractures, bruises, contusions and surgery.
A 2004 study by researchers at University of Redding, UK, of 77 people with mild knee pain of less than three months found significant improvement compared to baseline after one month of bromelaine. The higher dose treatment (400 mg vs. 200 mg daily) was associated with greater improvement.
Results can vary. A number of factors impact how fast the enzymes will work for each person. Dosage, quality of sleep, diet, and physical activity all affect their performance.
Stop taking proteolytic enzymes two weeks before surgery. People taking blood-thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin or heparin should avoid them. Those who are allergic to pineapples or papayas are likely to have a reaction to the supplements.
How much you need:
There is no standard dose. "Most proteolytic enzymes products are made of a combination of enzymes," Wilkinson says. Some provide dosing in milligrams, others list in terms of units of enzyme. "Because of these inconsistencies it is generally best to find a product from a high quality supplier and use the dosing recommended on the bottle.”
Proteolytic enzymes are best taken with water, between meals.
5. Propolis
What it is:
Propolis comes from the plant resins and wax that bees use to fortify and sterilize their hives. Substances in propolis vary by location of harvest, but may include minerals, pollen and flavonoids.
What it does:
For centuries, propolis has been used for its disinfecting properties, but now it is sold for a range of uses, including wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects.
What we know about it:
There are no studies of propolis for arthritis in humans – only rats and mice – so claims are based on anecdotal information and experience from folk medicine worldwide.
Modern studies on propolis from China and Korea have found anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Because so little is known, caution is warranted. Dermatologists have reported cases of contact dermatitis and exacerbation of eczema. Some evidence shows that it may interact with anti-inflammatories and immunosuppressants, as well as osteoporosis agents, such as bisphosphonates, and blood-thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, or heparin. There's a risk of severe allergic reactions, particularly in those allergic to bee stings.
How much you need:
Propolis is available at different potencies in many forms, including tablet, capsule, ointment, powder, and extract. If you decide to try it, consult first with your doctor and follow the doseage specified on the package.
The bottom line:
Clinical studies in humans aren’t available, so evidence for effectiveness is considered weak at this point. If you are interested in taking it, speak with your doctor first.
