November 6, 2009
An enzyme complex in kiwi fruit, when isolated and enhanced through a special process, has a profound yet gentle, normalizing effect on the spectrum of gut troubles - from IBS to constipation, diarrhea, impaction, and even food poisoning. It also shows promise in lowering cholesterol.
An Enzyme with Unique Powers of Cellular Protection & Repair
"Kiwi fruit is extremely interesting," says cell biologist Iona Weir, PhD. "My background is programmed cell death in plants. Kiwi fruit can actually initiate programmed cell death and completely recover from it. Once a human cell has committed to dying, it will die. But you can put kiwi fruit through a drought or other significant stress, and it will lock itself down, almost die, and then restore itself back to normal health.
"The enzyme that triggers this programmed cell death is also involved in cellular repair of the plant. Thus there is something quite unique about this fruit." In fact, notes Weir, kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa, which originated in China) has long been known in traditional Chinese medicine for its ability to prevent and relieve constipation.
The cysteine/serine protease enzyme complex from kiwi fruit - Zyactinase - contains plant enzymes, polyphenols, dietary fiber, carbohydrates, sugars and oligosaccharides.
Trials Demonstrate Multiple Digestive Function Benefits
According to research, this enzyme complex has a three-way mode of action:
1. The cysteine/serine protease complex increases gut motility.
2. The sugars and oligosaccharides in the extract serve as a prebiotic to improve gut microflora.
3. The insoluble fiber in the extract helps increase stool volume.
Zyactinase was tested on 400 individuals in 2007. Researchers also carried out two animal trials and two human clinical trials, and concluded that this kiwi enzyme complex:
• Significantly improves constipation;
• Is safe for human consumption;
• Has dose-response correlation (tested difference in dose-benefit ratio);
• Has no negative side effects, including diarrhea, cramps, or damage to gut mucosa;
• Has a beneficial effect in a follow-up period in which Zyactinase is no longer being taken;
• Takes only 24 hours to improve tenesmus (painful, ineffectual bowel urgency), flatulence and abdominal pain;
• Takes one week to increase gut motility (movement);
• And takes two weeks to establish a significant prebiotic effect in humans;
• Stimulates peristaltic motility (normal muscle rhythms).
Highly Effective in Treating Constipation
Two human clinical trials show that this kiwi enzyme complex is a safe and effective treatment for constipation.
In one double-blind placebo trial of 134 individuals with constipation, from the Chinese Center for Disease Control at Tianjing Centre Hospital, the enzyme normalized bowel function without any side effects at all.
"Normal healthy subjects who had recently…developed constipation defined as no more than three bowel movements per week" were studied. Half received Zyactinase capsules, and half received a placebo. The study began with a two week washout period in which no supplements or medicines for constipation were taken.
For the next two week treatment phase, each individual took four capsules a day of either placebo or Zyactinase. For the final two weeks individuals stopped taking any supplements or medicines for constipation…
Results showed that:
• The group taking the kiwi enzyme had more frequent bowel movements during and after the trial - both when compared to their pre-trial frequency, and when compared to the placebo group.
• The most significant increase occurred in the last two-week period, after supplementation, suggesting that the enzyme had actually rebalanced gut flora. The researchers conclude that "the prebiotic effect takes time to build up in the system to relieve constipation."
• In addition, the trial group had a statistically significant decrease in serum total cholesterol, while all other bloodwork stayed in normal range.
• No negative side effects - no diarrhea, abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, flatulence, or foul smelling feces - were observed in any of the individuals, either by themselves or by the doctors who examined them.
• In fact, IBS symptoms of tenesmus, flatulence and abdominal pain improved within the first 24 hours of consumption.
In a second clinical trial at Kaixian Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, 58 individuals were studied. Thirty were in the placebo group and 28 in the treatment group. All, like the first group, were healthy but had recently developed constipation, defined as no more than 3 bowel movements per week.
A higher dose of six capsules per day (two capsules three times a day before meals) was prescribed. There was a one week washout period during which nobody used any supplement or medicine for the treatment of constipation, a one week treatment period, and a third week follow-up period when the individuals took no supplement or medicine of any kind for constipation.
• In this study, a fecal score of 0 is the ideal, and consuming six capsules a day returned individuals to "near normal feces within the seven day feeding period." The fecal score was 1.9, and remained very low in the follow-up period as well.
• In addition, near normal sensation (in terms of tenesmus or discomfort) was achieved by those in the treatment group during both the treatment and follow-up period. Finally, there was no diarrhea, which can often be the case with high doses of a motility stimulant.
In summary of the two studies, the researchers conclude, "Although significance was achieved at both 4 and 6 capsules per day, there was definitely a stronger effect at 6 capsules."
Once again, there were no negative side effects; while there was a significant improvement in tenesmus, flatulence and abdominal pain in the first 24 hours, and increased bowel movements and softer consistency not only during the trial, but for the seven day post-treatment phase.
These results in humans tally precisely with animal studies, according to lead researcher Iona Weir, PhD. "The key finding of both the animal and human research is the strong correlation in dose response in the efficacy of Zyactinase," she says. In animal studies, the effective human equivalent dose for severe constipation - initiated by a chemical called diphenoxylate, which inhibits peristalsis - was between four and eight capsules a day.
Considered Very Safe
Acute toxicity studies in animals show that Zyactinase is nontoxic at 500 times the normal daily dose, and in vitro tests of cellular toxicity on human cell lines found no toxicity. The enzyme was not cytotoxic…
Works in Three Ways to Heal the Gut
Existing treatments for constipation stimulate gut motility, bulk the stool, or increase the number of beneficial flora. Kiwi enzyme complex has all three mechanisms of action, and is gentle as well.
Even at very high doses there was no unpleasant laxative effect: stools were soft but firm. The combination of fiber, oligosaccharides and the enzyme complex has a unique protective effect.
• When healthy human flora such as Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and others were incubated with the kiwi enzyme extract in an isomalt broth medium, the extract promoted the growth of each strain of beneficial flora, significantly more so than the isomalt medium alone.
• In addition, the enzyme extract inhibited common food-borne pathogens such as E. coli, salmonella and staphylococcus.
• When cells in culture were treated with the extract, Zyactinase actually stimulated renewal growth.
Overall, kiwi enzyme extract is far more than a laxative or an antidiarrheal agent. It is a digestive aid that promotes long term intestinal health.
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Reproduced with permission from the Nov 2008 issue of FOCUS, the free Allergy Research Group® e-newsletter. ©AllergyResearchGroup 2009
Note: This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is general and is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any illness, condition or disease. It is very important that you make no change in your healthcare plan or health support regimen without researching and discussing it with your professional healthcare team.
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