We often associate enzymes with food breakdown—but their healing potential runs far deeper. But there’s a whole other class of enzymes working behind the scenes in the body, and their benefits go far beyond the gut.
These are systemic enzymes—and in Functional Medicine, we use them as powerful tools for modulating inflammation, enhancing recovery, and clearing out cellular debris that can build up in the body over time.
If you’ve never heard of systemic enzyme therapy, you’re not alone. But once you understand what they do, you will see why they’re being used for everything from chronic pain to autoimmunity, post-surgery recovery, fertility, and even cardiovascular health.
What Are Systemic Enzymes?
Systemic enzymes are proteolytic enzymes (meaning they break down proteins) that, when taken on an empty stomach, are absorbed into the bloodstream—where they work throughout the body, not just in the digestive tract.
Common systemic enzymes include:
- Serrapeptase
- Nattokinase
- Bromelain
- Papain
- Trypsin and Chymotrypsin
- Rutin (a flavonoid often paired with enzymes)
These enzymes help break down fibrin, inflammatory proteins, scar tissue, biofilms, and immune complexes that can linger in the body and contribute to chronic issues.
What Do Systemic Enzymes Do in the Body?
- Reduce Inflammation (Naturally)
Systemic enzymes modulate the inflammatory response by breaking down inflammatory molecules like bradykinin, prostaglandins, and immune complexes—without suppressing the immune system like NSAIDs do. A 1997 clinical study involving 156 RA patients assessed the addition of oral systemic enzyme therapy (Wobenzym) to standard treatments like methotrexate and NSAIDs. The enzyme group showed superior improvements in joint tenderness, morning stiffness, and immune complex levels compared to the control group. - Break Down Fibrin & Scar Tissue
Fibrin is a protein involved in clotting and wound healing—but too much can contribute to scar tissue, fibrosis, adhesions, and even blocked arteries. Systemic enzymes help dissolve excess fibrin, promoting tissue flexibility and circulation. - Enhance Detox & Lymphatic Drainage
By clearing out cellular debris, enzymes support the lymphatic system and overall detox pathways—especially important for people with chronic inflammation, mold exposure, or post-viral fatigue. - Support Circulatory Health
Enzymes like nattokinase have been shown to break down blood clots, improve circulation, and reduce blood viscosity, making them a valuable tool in cardiovascular support. - Disrupt Biofilms & Improve Immune Function
Pathogenic bacteria often hide in biofilms—sticky, protective layers that resist antibiotics and the immune system. Systemic enzymes can help break down biofilms, allowing for better microbial clearance.
- Reduce Inflammation (Naturally)
Conditions Systemic Enzymes May Support:
- Chronic inflammation & pain
- Fibromyalgia or myofascial tension
- Post-surgical recovery
- Fertility & reproductive health (e.g., endometriosis, fibroids)
- Autoimmune conditions (RA, Hashimoto’s, lupus)
- Cardiovascular health (fibrin reduction, clot prevention)
- Mold illness or chronic infections
- Detox & drainage protocols
- Scar tissue, cysts, adhesions
How to Take Systemic Enzymes
Timing is everything.
To be absorbed systemically, enzymes must be taken on an empty stomach—at least 45 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Otherwise, they will be used for digestion, not systemic repair.
Typical dosing:
- Start low: 1–2 capsules once daily on an empty stomach
- Gradually increase as tolerated (some protocols use higher doses under supervision)
- Best taken first thing in the morning or before bed
Hydration matters. Drink water throughout the day to support enzyme activity and lymphatic flow.
Are Systemic Enzymes Safe?
Generally yes, but always check with your provider—especially if you:
- Are on blood thinners
- Have bleeding disorders
- Are preparing for surgery or dental procedures
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Mild side effects can include digestive upset, skin rash, or temporary fatigue (as the body detoxes old debris).
Functional Use in Practice:
“Systemic enzymes are one of my go-to tools for clients with chronic inflammation, scar tissue, or autoimmunity. They work gently but deeply—and unlike NSAIDs, they actually help the body heal instead of just masking symptoms.”
– Dr Ashwani Garg, Functional Medicine Practitioner
Concluding Thoughts
Systemic enzyme therapy might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of healing—but it’s one of Functional Medicine’s most underrated tools. From breaking down lingering inflammation and scar tissue to supporting circulation, immune balance, and detox pathways, these enzymes work quietly in the background to restore balance where the body needs it most.
Whether you’re navigating chronic illness, supporting fertility, or simply looking to enhance resilience and longevity, systemic enzymes may be the key piece your protocol is missing.
As always, work with a practitioner to customize the right dose, timing, and pairing with other therapies for your unique needs.
Looking to try systemic enzymes? These practitioner-curated formulas are designed to support inflammation modulation, detox pathways, and tissue recovery.
FM Nutrition Recommendations:
- Opti-Zyme
A full-spectrum enzyme formula with serrapeptase, bromelain, and rutin—designed for inflammation, detox, and tissue healing. - Opti-Candida
Supports microbial balance and biofilm disruption in the gut. - Eczema Care
Formulated for skin health, immune modulation, and gut-immune support. - Livokinase
Contains nattokinase for cardiovascular health and healthy circulation.
- Opti-Zyme
Commonly Asked Questions Answered
Digestive enzymes are taken with food to help break it down. Systemic enzymes are taken away from food to work in the bloodstream and tissues—modulating inflammation, clearing fibrin, and more.
Yes—systemic enzymes pair well with spore-based probiotics, binders, and antioxidant support. Just space them properly to avoid overlap (e.g., enzymes in the morning, probiotics with food).
Some people feel lighter and less inflamed within 1–2 weeks. Chronic issues like scar tissue or autoimmune symptoms may take 6–8 weeks of consistent use.
Many Functional Medicine protocols include enzymes for several months or longer. Work with a practitioner to find the right dosage and duration for your body.
- Li X, Long J, Gao Q, et al. Nattokinase Supplementation and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Rev Cardiovasc Med. 2023;24(8):234. Published 2023 Aug 15. doi:10.31083/j.rcm2408234
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39076715/ - Taussig SJ, Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol. 1988;22(2):191-203. doi:10.1016/0378-8741(88)90127-4
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3287010/ - Marzin T, Lorkowski G, Reule C, et al. Effects of a systemic enzyme therapy in healthy active adults after exhaustive eccentric exercise: a randomised, two-stage, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2017;2(1):e000191. Published 2017 Mar 12. doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2016-000191
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28879033/ - Nouza K. Outlooks of systemic enzyme therapy in rheumatoid arthritis and other immunopathological diseases. Acta Univ Carol Med (Praha). 1994;40(1-4):101-104.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9355682/ - Farhadi SA, Bracho-Sanchez E, Freeman SL, Keselowsky BG, Hudalla GA. Enzymes as Immunotherapeutics. Bioconjug Chem. 2018;29(3):649-656. doi:10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.7b00719
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29285931/
