A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated Exclzyme Pet, a systemic enzyme blend from Specialty Enzymes & Probiotics formulated to support joint health, tissue repair and muscle recovery. Measurable differences from placebo were recorded in 92% of participating dogs.
The trial enrolled 24 dogs diagnosed with arthritis, split evenly into two groups:
- 12 dogs received 1 g of Exclzyme Pet twice daily for 30 days
- 12 dogs received a placebo
Both groups were assessed using a panel of endpoints that included:
- Pain scores
- Degree of lameness
- Weight-bearing capacity
- Joint mobility
- Willingness to hold up the contralateral limb
- Radiological assessment
- C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker associated with the body's inflammatory response
- Quality of life and mood observations
- Monitoring for adverse events
Results
After 30 days, the Exclzyme Pet group showed statistically significant differences from the control group across every functional measure, including:
- 52% difference in lameness scores
- 46% difference in weight-bearing scores
- 49% difference in joint mobility scores
- 56% difference in pain scores
- 58% difference in willingness to hold up the contralateral limb
Radiological scores, used by veterinarians to grade joint condition from X-rays, also differed significantly from the control group.
Dogs that received Exclzyme Pet had 56% lower serum CRP levels than the control group. CRP is a biomarker associated with the body's inflammatory response, used in both human and veterinary medicine.
Mechanism
Most joint ingredients in the pet category, including glucosamine and chondroitin, target the availability of cartilage substrates. Exclzyme Pet takes a different approach as a systemic enzyme blend that the company said supports the body's normal inflammatory response. Its ingredients include:
- Peptizyme SP EN and bromelain, associated with support for the body's inflammatory response pathways
- Papain, which breaks down proteins and supports normal immune function
- Amla and rutin, herbal extracts that support the body's production of antioxidant molecules
Safety and quality of life
Across the 30-day intervention, Exclzyme Pet was well tolerated, with no reported adverse events.
The study also tracked overall quality of life and mood, and the Exclzyme Pet group scored higher on both measures than the control group.
"With joint issues affecting such a large percentage of companion animals, these findings are highly relevant for the pet supplement industry," said Reshma Rathi, vice president of Specialty Enzymes & Probiotics. "Pet owners are deeply invested in their pets' comfort and vitality, and this study demonstrates that Exclzyme Pet is a game-changer in the joint health space."
