Evidence supporting the use of: Proteolytic enzyme (unspecified)
For the health condition: Abscesses

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Proteolytic enzymes, such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, and serratiopeptidase, have been studied for their potential adjunctive use in the treatment of abscesses and other localized infections. The primary rationale is their ability to break down proteins, which may help liquefy pus and necrotic tissue, thereby facilitating drainage and resolution of the abscess. Some clinical studies and case reports, mostly from the mid-20th century, have reported benefits of proteolytic enzymes as adjuncts to antibiotics in the management of abscesses, suggesting reduced inflammation, pain, and accelerated healing. For example, a few small trials from the 1960s and 1970s demonstrated that the addition of enzymes like trypsin or chymotrypsin could enhance antibiotic penetration and reduce edema in soft tissue infections, including abscesses. However, these studies often suffered from small sample sizes, lack of rigorous controls, and inconsistent outcome measures.

Modern clinical guidelines do not routinely recommend proteolytic enzymes for abscess management, with incision and drainage and appropriate antimicrobial therapy remaining the gold standard. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are lacking, and newer, high-quality randomized controlled trials are minimal. Therefore, while there is some scientific rationale and limited supporting evidence for their adjunctive use, the overall strength of the evidence is low, and the practice is not widely endorsed today.

More about Proteolytic enzyme (unspecified)
More about Abscesses

Other ingredients used for Abscesses

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chamomile
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acacia
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Products containing Proteolytic enzyme (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.