Enzymes are proteins that speed up and control chemical processes in the body. As such they play extremely important roles. They are drivers of metabolism, replicators of DNA, readers of genes, and signal conveyors, among other things. When it comes to inflammation, a crucial enzyme known as Csk signals to early responder immune cells when to pull back. Csk is part of a family of enzymes known as Src family kinases (SFKs). Without Csk the biochemistry of inflammation runs amok. The enzyme limits the biochemical signaling that tells cells to change their shape and texture from non-adhesive to adhesive.

Another important enzyme in the inflammatory process is cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2). Cox-2 produces chemical messenger molecules in areas of the body that are responsible for inflammation. When the COX-2 enzyme is blocked, inflammation is reduced. Newly developed drugs that selectively block the COX-2 enzyme are called COX-2 inhibitors. Blocking this enzyme impedes the production of the prostaglandins that cause the pain and swelling of arthritis inflammation. The common anti-inflammatory drugs (like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen) all act by blocking the action of COX-2 enzymes.

Enzyme supplements are either digestive or systemic. Digestive enzymes conduct their actions in the stomach to digest food while systemic enzymes are enterically coated to prevent contact with the stomach acid. This way they pass through the stomach into the intestines where they are absorbed by the body. Systemic enzymes fight inflammation, fibrosis (scar tissue), and viruses; modulate the immune system; and cleanse the blood. 

The word ‘proteolytic’ is used to refer to all enzymes that digest protein. In our bodies, proteolytic enzymes are manufactured in the pancreas. The primary uses of proteolytic enzymes in dietary supplements are used as digestive enzymes, anti-inflammatory agents, and pain relievers. 

Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme found naturally in the intestine of the silkworm. It is widely used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Clinical studies show that serrapeptase induces fibrinolytic, anti-inflammatory and anti-edemic (prevents swelling and fluid retention) activity in a number of tissues, and that its anti-inflammatory effects are superior to other proteolytic enzymes.

(Mazzone A, Catalani M, Constanzo M, Drusian A, Mandoli A, Russo S, Guarini E, Vesperini G. Evaluation of Serratia peptidase in acute or chronic inflammation of otorhinolaryngolog pathology: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized trial versus placebo. J Int Med Res 1990,18(5):379-88).

Bromelain is a plant derived proteolytic enzyme. It is extracted from the flesh and stem of the pineapple plant. It is most notable for its effectiveness in the reduction of inflammation and the decreasing of swelling. As a natural anti-inflammatory enzyme, bromelain has many uses. Arthritis patients may reduce the swelling that causes joint pain by taking bromelain. Bromelain may also be helpful for the pain, numbness, tingling, aching and loss of motor and sensory function in the fingers resulting from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

(Kelly, G.S. "Bromelain: A Literature Review and Discussion of Its Therapeutic Applications." Alternative Medicine Review (November 1, 1996). 

Papain is another plant derived proteolytic enzyme. It comes from the papaya plant. It has also proven effective in reducing inflammation, as well as preventing burn wound infection.

(Starley, I.F.; Mohammed, P.; Schneider, G.; Bickler, SW. The treatment of peadiatric burns using topical papaya. Burns 1999 Nov 25(7)636-9).