Abstract: Compositions that may be usefully employed to alleviate symptoms resulting from deficiencies in carbohydrate enzymes, together with methods for the treatment of disorders that are characterized by such deficiencies, such as autism, are provided. The compositions preferably comprise transglucosidase isolated from A. niger.

Abstract: A method of treating an inflammatory condition involving TNF-? in a mammal by administering to a patient a composition with an effective amount of an isolated alkaline protease in an amount effective to inactive TNF-?. The invention also involves compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions containing an isolated alkaline protease in an amount effective to inactive TNF-? especially those from Aspergillus oryzae.

Abstract: There is provided methods, kits, combinations, and compositions comprising a Aspergillus oryzae protease enzyme, a Bacillus subtilis protease enzyme, and a Aspergillus niger lipase enzyme for treating a digestive disorder in a subject in need thereof. The methods, kits, combinations, and compositions may also be used along with an agent (or combination of agents) for raising the gastric pH, a digestive enzyme useful in enhancing digestive activity, a dietary supplement, or a pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: A method for treating various diseases and conditions that are dependent on activated &agr;2 macroglobulin in the blood and extravascular tissue is disclosed. The method comprises orally administering a therapeutically effective amount of protease to a mammal to increase the amount of activated &agr;2 macroglobulin, which in turn enhances the clearance of TNF-&agr;, leptin, and &bgr;-amyloid while enhancing delivery of TGF-&bgr;. The protease may be any pharmaceutically acceptable protease, and preferably is of microbial and/or plant origin, given singly or in combination with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, bioflavonoids, proanthocyanidins, herbs, herbal extracts, plant and animal concentrates, and non-prescription analgesics. The microbial protease is preferably administered in a total daily dosage of at least 100,000 HUT (or equivalent biological activity). The plant protease component is preferably administered in a total daily dosage of at least 50,000 PU (or equivalent biological activity).