Evidence supporting the use of: Protease
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Proteases are enzymes that break down proteins and have been investigated for their potential role in wound care, including the treatment of scratches and abrasions. The scientific rationale for using proteases in wound management centers on their ability to debride necrotic tissue and biofilms, which can promote a cleaner wound bed and potentially accelerate healing. Enzyme-based debridement is less traumatic than surgical debridement, making it an appealing option for minor wounds like scratches and abrasions. Several topical preparations containing proteolytic enzymes (such as trypsin, bromelain, and papain) have been used in clinical practice, and in vitro as well as some clinical studies suggest that they may help reduce slough and promote tissue regeneration.
However, the evidence specifically supporting protease use for minor wounds like simple scratches and abrasions is limited and of modest quality. Most high-quality studies focus on chronic, non-healing wounds (such as diabetic ulcers), rather than acute, superficial injuries. Systematic reviews and guidelines highlight a lack of robust randomized controlled trials demonstrating significant benefit in minor wounds. While the theoretical basis is sound and extrapolation from chronic wound data suggests some benefit, direct evidence for scratches and abrasions is sparse. Therefore, while there is some scientific support for the use of proteases in wound care generally, the strength of evidence for their use in scratches and abrasions specifically is limited, meriting a low–moderate evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Scratches and Abrasions
aloe verabayberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chamomile
turmeric
dyer’s woad root
iodine
Japanese sophora
lauric acid
mucin
protease
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
parthenium
chickweed
paederia foetida
lilac
yarrow
moss
oriental arborvitae
tartarian aster
camphor oil
cleavers
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
Asclepias cordifolia
acacia
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anserina
Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Acemannan
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blackthorn
Bleeding Heart
Bridges' Penstemon
Black-Eyed Susan
Blackbrush
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
Black Poplar
Bletilla
Barbary matrimony vine
Bush Monkey Flower
Babassu
Black root
Bittersweet
Calochortus
Comfrey
Candleberry
Calotropis gigantea
Cattail
Columbine
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Common Zinnia
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cranesbill
Chinese Thoroughwax
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castile Soap
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Deerbrush
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
European hazel
English Elm
Emu Oil
Elkweed
Eupatorium
Elemi
Oak
Polyvinyl alcohol
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Other health conditions supported by protease
AbrasionsBruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Cuts
Edema
Exercise
Inflammation
Injuries
Pain (general remedies for)
Scratches and Abrasions
Surgery (healing from)
Tendonitis
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores
Products containing protease
Pure Encapsulations
A.I. Enzymes
Designs For Health
AllerGzyme™
Douglas Laboratories
Bilex
Integrative Therapeutics
Bio-Zyme
Pure Encapsulations
Digestion GB
Pure Encapsulations
Digestion GB
Vitabase
Digestive Enzyme
Pure Encapsulations
Digestive Enzyme
Pure Encapsulations
Digestive Enzymes Ultra
Pure Encapsulations
Digestive Enzymes Ultra
Pure Encapsulations
Digestive Enzymes Ultra with Betaine HCl
Pure Encapsulations
Digestive Enzymes Ultra with Betaine HCl
Designs For Health
Digestzymes™
Designs For Health
Digestzymes™
Designs For Health
Digestzymes™
Douglas Laboratories
GI Digest
Pure Encapsulations
Gluten/Dairy Digest
Pure Encapsulations
Gluten/Dairy Digest
Douglas Laboratories
Gluten-Dairy Ultra Enzyme
Designs For Health
Inflammatone™
Designs For Health
Inflammatone™
Designs For Health
Inflammatone™
Integrative Therapeutics
Nutrivitamin No-Iron
Designs For Health
PaleoGreens®
Designs For Health
PaleoGreens®
Designs For Health
PaleoReds®
Pure Encapsulations
Pancreatic Enzyme
Pure Encapsulations
Pancreatic Enzyme
Pure Encapsulations
Pancreatic VegEnzymes
Integrative Therapeutics
Panplex 2-Phase
Metagenics
PhytoGanix® Tropical Fruit
Designs For Health
Plant Enzyme Digestive Formula
Designs For Health
ProbioMed™ Infant
Integrative Therapeutics
Similase
Integrative Therapeutics
Similase
Integrative Therapeutics
Similase BV
Integrative Therapeutics
Similase GFCF
Integrative Therapeutics
Similase-Lipo
Metagenics
SpectraZyme® Complete
Metagenics
SpectraZyme Complete
Metagenics
SpectraZyme Pan 9x
Metagenics
SpectraZyme Pan 9x
Metagenics
SpectraZyme Pan 9x ES
Vitabase
SuperZymes
Pure Encapsulations
Systemic Enzyme Complex
Vitabase
Ultra Dairy Support
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Protein Green
Vitabase
Ultra Veggie Enzymes