Wobenzym N is the product name of a German preparation of several enzymes. At least two decades of studies have been conducted with Wobenzym N, almost all in Europe or Russia.

Benefits of Wobenzym N
After reviewing some of the studies conducted with Wobenzym, it is still not completely clear to me what medical conditions most appropriately respond to this supplement. It appears Wobenzym has benefit in having anti-inflammatory properties and perhaps may have a role in certain musculoskeletal disorders. N Wobenzym may also have some anti-coagulation properties.

Naturally Vitamins Wobenzym N 800 tablets
Wobenzym N Supplement in tablet form has:
Pancreatin - 300 mg
Papain - 180 mg
Bromelain - 135 mg
Trypsin - 72 mg
Chymotrypsin - 3 mg
Rutosid - 150 mg
 
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N Wobenzym side effects
No major Wobenzym side effects have been reported in the medical literature. It is not clear how Wobenzym would interact in those who are taking medicines to thin the blood. Discuss with your doctor before using Wobenzym enzyme supplements particularly if you are taking prescription medicines.

N Wobenzym enzymes research

Wobenzym for glomerulonephritis
Antioxidant effect of wobenzym applied for patients with chronic glomerulonephritis
Lik Sprava. 2007 Jan-March. Article in Ukrainian. Mukhin IV.
There is formation of free radicals in mesangial cells in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis which increases destruction of renal tissue and enable autoimmune inflammation. The unbalance between activity of oxidizing and antioxidazing starts developing. It accelerates the progression of the disease. The article presents the assessment of influence of enzyme medication Wobenzym on main indices of oxidizing and antioxidant systems. It was established the presence of antioxidant effect in Wobenzym medication.

Wobenzym and bronchitis
Wobenzym in treatment of recurrent obstructive bronchitis in children.
Georgian Med News. 2005 October. Tbilisi State Medical University; M. Guramishvili Pediatric Clinic, Tbilisi, Georgia.
A total of 27 patients with recurrent obstructive bronchitis (at least 3 episodes of obstructive bronchitis per year) of 5-15 years of age were studied. Serum IgE level (by ELISA method) and pulmonary function indices were determined together with the full clinical examination. The systemic enzyme preparation Wobenzym was administered with a dosage of 1 tablet for 6 kg weight. Wobenzym was administered for 3 months.  Analysis of the data, obtained after treatment, demonstrated decrease of the Daily Symptom Score and an increase of Symptom Free Days, as well as an improvement in spirometric indices (FVC, FEV, PEF). Systemic enzyme preparation Wobenzym should be used as a supporting measure in combination treatment of recurrent obstructive bronchitis.

Wobenzym and atherosclerosis
The effect of Wobenzym enzymes on the atherogenic potential and inflammatory factors at the rehabilitation stage for patients who have had a myocardial infarct
Lik Sprava. 2000 Jul-Aug;(5):111-4.
Effects were studied of wobenzyme on atherogenicity of blood serum and immunoinflammatory reactions in patients with myocardial infarction during the rehabilitation stage over six months. The basis therapy when supplemented with wobenzyme was found out to facilitate normalization of the atherogenic potential and to have a positive action on the mediators of the inflammatory process.

Wobenzym as anti-inflammatory
The use of Wobenzym in the comprehensive treatment of patients with digital flexor tendon injury
Klin Khir. 2000;(4):39-40.
The results of treatment of 56 patients with tendons of digital flexors were analyzed. In 28 of them in complex of treatment Wobenzim was included, and an early active mobilization as well. Considerable antiinflammatory, antioedematous, secondarily analgetic effect of preparation, its application in early period permitted to realize active movements, to reach high functional result of treatment of patients' were noted.

Wobenzym as blood thinner
The effect of the preparation Wobenzym on the antioxidant protection indices and on the functional-morphological properties of the erythrocytes in a toxic lesion of the liver
Lik Sprava. 1999 Jul;(5):124-8.
Based on the analysis of results of examination of 60 patients with toxic affections of the liver particular features of the anti-radical defence decompensation mechanisms have been established together with changes in morphofunctional properties of red cells in toxic hepatitis in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. It was considered expedient to include the polyenzymic preparation Wobenzyme into the therapeutic complex since it had been shown to make for normalization of the red cells' ability to undergo deformation, lowering the degree of viscosity of RBC suspension in the above patients.

The pharmacological action of wobenzym on blood coagulability
Lik Sprava. 1997 Jul-Aug;(4):70-2.

N Wobenzym for lymphedema
Wobenzyme and diuretic therapy in lymphedema after breast operation
Wien Med Wochenschr. 1996;146(4):67-72; discussion 74.
The authors of this clinical study report the results of a controlled clinical trial in randomized parallel groups (Wobenzym vs. diuretics) of 55 female patients suffering from brachial arm lymph edema subsequent to ablatio mammae. All patients received manual and machine lymph drainage as well as gymnastics as concomitant therapy. After 7 weeks of therapy the results of the volometric assessments of the arm, the circumference of the arm and the skinfold thickness showed significant improvements compared to diuretics. In addition, the patients receiving Wobenzym reported a significantly higher proportion of patients free of pain compared to the diuretics patients. Overall safety assessment results are satisfactory thus resulting in a superior benefit/risk relation of the Wobenzym group.

N Wobenzym research - absorption and distribution
Intestinal resorption with 3H labeled enzyme mixture ( wobenzyme )
Acta Med Austriaca. 1979;6(1):13-8.
0.2 g of an enzyme mixture ( Wobenzym ) labelled with 3H-acetic anhydride, were given orally to guinea pigs, which were arranged in 4 groups of 5 animals. The animals of each group were sacrificed at intervals of 30 minutes, 2, 4 and 24 hours after application. Radioactivity of the small and large intestine, plasma, urine, liver, heart, kidney, and skeletal muscle were determined. It could be shown that the labeled mixture of enzymes was absorbed from the intestine and was demonstrable in significant amounts in plasma, urine, heart, kidney, liver and skeletal muscle.

Wobenzym red
Regarding the availability of Wobenzyme Red. As of May 2007 Naturally Vitamins stopped the manufacturing of Wobenzyme Red. The reason given is that coating the red tablets involves heat which could potentially damage the enzymes, and solvents which are environmentally unfriendly. The Wobenzyme Clear is the natural alternative.

Wobenzym questions
Q.  Just found out about Wobenzym and got some. You recommend taking small amount when taking lst dose. the manufacturer recommends taking 3 tablets twice a day l hour before meals. i have had 3 heart attacks and take Plavix and 81 mg aspirin to thin blood. Should i take l tablet twice a day before meals to start and then how should i graduate to 3 tabs 2 times per day. i noticed that my pulse was up steady all night. I don't want another heart attack. I also have high blood pressure and take meds for that.
   A. We can't make specific recommendations but as a general rule it is a good idea, particularly in those who have health problems or taking medicines, to take a low dose of a new supplement to see how the low dose affects the body before increasing it. If there are side effects even on the low dose, then there is no point in taking additional tablets. Therefore, starting with one Wobenzym tablet is a good idea.

Q. I have been reading conflicting things about Wobenzym and hope a doctor can answer this question. Some sources say that Wobenzym is good for arthritis because it markedly reduces the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, which is the agent that causes arthritic pain and swelling. Yet other sources say that Wobenzym activates natural killer cells to produce more tumor necrosis factor alpha in order to help fight cancers. Which is it? It can't be both. I have high NK cells which my doctor believes is causing me to have recurrent miscarriages. I started taking Wobenzym to reduce NK cells and tnf-a. I also have arthritis, so thought the Wobenzym would help with that. But I don't want to be taking it if it is going to increase my NK cells! Please respond ASAP as I am in the middle of an IVF cycle.
   A. We can't find any studies regarding the influence of Wobenzym on natural killer cells. The human body has countless substances and chemicals, hormones, enzymes, that influence natural killer cell activity and influence arthritis and cancer. One should not focus on one blood chemical study result. Please send us a link regarding any studies that have evaluated the role of Wobenzym and natural killer cells in humans.

Q. In conducting an on-line search for information on Wobenzym, I found your website. A reader sent in a question regarding Wobenzym affecting Cancer cells. I am currently reading an on-line book by Lee Euler called "The Missing Ingredient for Good Health." The entire book tells about the tremendous success with enzymes in relationship to curing (or at least improving) cancer. One product he recommends for curing cancer (as well as being an effective pain therapy) is Wobenzym. He also referenced Dr. Max Wolf.
   A. We prefer seeing actual clinical studies to determine the role of Wobenzym in treating cancer or cancer pain.

Q. I wanted to know if wobenzym supplement would be effective in dealing with the spent phase of Polycythemia Vera. That would be where the red count is below normal, the platelet and other myloid series are very high, lymphoid series are fairly normal. This would include edemic lower legs, fibrotic lungs and no cardiac issues such as congestive heart failure.
   A. Search on Medline did not reveal any studies regarding the use of Wobenzym supplement and polycythemia vera.
 

This Wobenzym page was last updated in 2008.