Efficacy of a combination of fixed doses of serratiopeptidases, bromelain and methylsulfonylmethane in inflammatory joint diseases

Abstract

Rheumatic diseases are traditionally treated using symptomatic drugs (NSAIDs -Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) and specific drugs. Nevertheless, the inhibitory effect of traditional NSAIDs, caused by both types of COX enzymes, besides easing inflammation and pain, also has a number of damaging effects on gastric mucosa protection mechanisms. Therefore, NSAIDs administration is also contraindicated in patients who suffered or are suffering from chronic liver or kidney disease, or in patients on anticoagulants.We therefore decided to study the effect of a combination of fixed doses of Serratiopeptidases, Bromelain and Methylsulfonylmethane extracts in inflammatory joint diseases. From 1 st December 2014 to 31 st March 2015, we selected 74 patients with chronic inflammatory joint diseases of different types in an acute phase, as documented by high VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) rates and increased ESR and CRP values. Patients were randomly subdivided in two groups: in treatment group, during the first 3 months, patients also took a solution of Serratiopeptidases, Bromelain and Methylsulfonylmethane extracts, before the main meal of the day; in control group patients did not take any therapy in addition to the background one.Patients in the treatment group showed a statistically significant reduction in ESR and pain, measured with the VAS scale; moreover intake of Serratiopeptidases, Bromelain and Methylsulfonylmethane extracts led to no statistically significant change in liver (AST and ALT) and kidney (Creatinine) function in the treatment group as opposed to the control one.In this preliminary study, the product containing Serratiopeptidases, Bromelain and Methylsulfonylmethane extracts achieved optimum effectiveness and showed no side effects, although a long-term multi-centre study would be needed to confirm our results.