Systemic Enzymes (Bromelain/Trypsin/Rutin)
Systemic enzyme combinations (e.g., Wobenzym) contain bromelain, trypsin, and rutoside (rutin). Individual patient-level meta-analysis (6 RCTs, n=697): Oral enzyme combination (OEC) as effective as diclofenac for knee osteoarthritis pain and function (Lequesne index), with significantly fewer adverse events (7.2% vs 15.6%). RCT (n=150, 12 weeks): Wobenzym comparable to diclofenac in relieving knee OA pain. Narrative review (9 RCTs): OEC as effective as NSAIDs without NSAID-associated adverse events. Used for osteoarthritis, sports injuries, post-surgical recovery, and inflammation.
Quick Answer
What it is
Systemic enzyme combinations (e.g., Wobenzym) contain bromelain, trypsin, and rutoside (rutin). Individual patient-level meta-analysis (6 RCTs, n=697): Oral enzyme combination (OEC) as effective as diclofenac for knee osteoarthritis pain and function (Lequesne index), with significantly fewer adverse events (7.2% vs 15.6%).
Key findings
- Grade A: Knee Osteoarthritis Pain (vs NSAID) (Osteoarthritis (OA))
- Grade A: Joint Function in Osteoarthritis (Osteoarthritis (OA))
- Grade A: Safety vs NSAIDs (Osteoarthritis (OA))
Safety
- Individual patient-level meta-analysis (6 RCTs, n=697): Oral enzyme combination (OEC) as effective as diclofenac for knee osteoarthritis pain and function (Lequesne index), with significantly fewer adverse events (7.2% vs 15.6%).
- Narrative review (9 RCTs): OEC as effective as NSAIDs without NSAID-associated adverse events.
- RCT (n=150): Adverse events similar to placebo (7.2% vs 9.1%) and lower than diclofenac (15.6%).
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Systemic Enzymes (Bromelain/Trypsin/Rutin)
Quick Facts: Systemic Enzymes (Bromelain/Trypsin/Rutin)
- Best Evidence:Grade A
- Conditions Studied:3
- Research Outcomes:6
- Grade A Findings:3
- Grade B Findings:3
- Key Effect:Osteoarthritis (OA)
Detailed Outcomes
Evidence by Condition
Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)
Research Citations (10)
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