Earthworm Therapy for Lyme Disease? Enzyme from Earthworms May Help in the Treatment of Spirochetes

Lumbrokinase is a group of six enzymes that come from the digestive systems of the Red Wriggler or Red Marsh species of earthworm called Lumbricus Rubellas, most commonly found in apple orchards. It has recently been added to protocol lists in the natural treatment of Lyme Disease. These enzymes have been shown to help dissolve fibrin. Fibrin is a protein substance released by the body in the healthy formation of blood clots.

For instance, when you happen to cut your finger, fibrin is laid down in a lattice framework to allow for clotting. (It is also found in scar tissue, fibroid cysts and tumors, and unhealthy blood clot formation.) It's important that the body's cogulation mechanism remain within normal levels, or unwanted blood clots (thrombus) can form that can travel to the heart and brain and cause heart attack or stroke. Prescription medicines like Warfarin (Coumadin) and Heparin are commonly used as anticoagulants to prevent these unwanted clots.

History of Lumbrokinase
The use of earthworm enzymes dates back to ancient Chinese acupuncture to increase blood and energy flow. In 1983, Charles Darwin noted that the enzymes were fibrinolytic (breaks down the lattice fibers).

Japanese researchers began to study the enzymes in the l980's, and they have been used extensively in over 100 Chinese hospitals since 1992 , primarily to prevent unhealthy coagulation of blood and to dissolve unwanted fibrin. It is used in thousands of hospitals in Jakarta as well as in Europe and Southeast Asia, all together treating over 60,000 people in China with no adverse side effects.

How does it work?
Lumbrokinase contains plasminogen activator and plasmin that is only produced in the presence of fibrin, quite similar to the human body's same substances.

These substances are produced, for instance, when the body forms fibrin as the result of injury. Due to this factor, Lumbrokinase does not cause excessive bleeding. There are two main mechanisms of action in Lumbrokinase. The first is the ability to activate the body's plasminogen, and the second is to dissolve the fibrin itself. Large amounts of Lumbrokinase have been shown to be absorbed through the small intestine epithelium (tissue that lines the inner walls of the intestine). Because of this, it is picked up by the blood stream and circulated.

How does Lyme Disease hide?
Fairly recent research has shown that one of the ways spirochetes can hide from the immune system is by creating hyper-coagulation. Fibrin is then activated, and it lays down a cover over the bacteria. The immune system is on the patrol for pathogens, not fibrin.

What spirochetes do to connective tissue
Fibrin is integral in connective tissue repair and maintenance. According to Dietrich Klinghardt, MD, PhD, a pioneer in the treatment of Lyme Disease who uses both allopathic and complementary medicine, spirochetes especially target connective tissue such as cartilage in joints, ligaments, and tendons (especially the large hip and knee joints), aqueous humor of the eye, heart tissue, connective tissue in the brain, skin and subcutaneous tissue (tissue beneath the skin like fascia).

Per Klinghardt, vector illness can do damage in the following ways:
1. Infect fibroblasts (cells that maintain the structure and substance of connective tissue) so that they make less collagen.
2. Induce fibroblasts to release GAGs (mucopolysaccharides that are food to spirochetes) and make spirochetes release a protein which then binds the GAGs to the surface of the Borrelia.
3. Impair the structures of cells, increase the action of the breakdown of collagen, protein and fibrin.
4. Inhibit wound healing, create pores in the cell walls by affecting collagen, and increase the release of substances that damage joints.

The way that Lumbrokinase appears to work in the treatment of Lyme Disease is to assist in dissolving the excess fibrin that overlays and hides the bacteria, regulate the clotting mechanisms, as well as remove the abnormal proteins that are released as a result of the spirochete's activity. It regulates the clotting/anti-clotting mechanisms.

ARG's and Canada RNA Biochemical's Lumbronkinase
A trusted source of Lumbronkinase is from Allergy Research Group. The company states that the enzymes are indeed taken from the digestive systems of earthworms and warns that some products on the market are just ground up earthworms. Another company, Canada RNA, maintains that their Lumbrokinase, marketed under the name Boluoke, is considered the gold standard of products, being the only one that has been scientifically researched as well as having the standardized dose.

How do I take Lumbrokinase?
You should not take the product if you are being treated for bleeding conditions or if you are already taking anticoagulation medication. Do not take if you have recent trauma, recent surgery, or post-surgery. Do not take if you have internal ulcerations. ARG's suggested use is to take at least 40mg in divided doses with 8-10 oz. of water. Dose: Take one capsule in the morning, one in the afternoon, and two before bed with or without food. There have been reports of nausea, diahrrea, skin rash, and bloating at high doses. Do not take at the same time with other enzymes. Stop Lumbrokinase at least one week prior to surgery.

The statements in this article have not been approved by the FDA.

More to come
I plan to post more articles on the application of natural herbs and supplements in addressing Lyme Disease and other vector illnesses. Please read my profile to find sources of Lumbrokinase and other natural items to heal Lyme Disease.