Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Fungal Diastase

Fungal Diastase: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Fungal Diastase?

Fungal diastase or fungal alpha-amylase is an enzyme that is generally consumed as a supplement or medicine to get rid of indigestion or gastric distress. This acts as a digestion conditioner. It enhances the conversion of starch into its by-product, i.e., maltose and maltose to glucose. It causes the breakdown of carbohydrates as well as non-vital white blood cells. As it is extracted from Aspergillus oryzae (a fungus), it is named fungal diastase or fungal alpha-amylase.

What are the uses of this enzyme?

It is actually a starch digesting enzyme that has both saccharifying and liquifying potential for starch. The prime use of this enzyme is as a digestant or digestive enzymatic supplement. Additionally, it helps in reducing acid reflux issues, gastric distress, indigestion (dyspepsia), feeling of fullness, abdominal discomfort and anorexia. Moreover, it relieves heartburn and flatulence issues. This enzyme’s intake also aids weight loss by increasing the digestion process. It is generally given in combination with pepsin, which is another enzyme that aids protein digestion.

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What are its side effects?

It may not cause all the mentioned adverse effects but may require immediate medical care on worsening and prolonged persistence. The commonly occurring effects are:

Diarrhea/nausea
Painful urination
Fever
Abdominal discomfort

Some people may suffer from serious allergic reactions upon consumption like:

Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
Itching
Rashes/swelling
Dizziness

In such cases, one must discontinue its use and immediately call for medical help to get the medical symptomatic relief as soon as possible.

What is Fungal Diastase

Uses of Fungal Diastase

Side effects of Fungal Diastase

References

Web Sparrow: https://www.websparrow.org/pharmacy/introduction-and-uses-of-diastase-enzyme
Pharmacy180: http://www.pharmacy180.com/article/diastase-326/
Lybrate: https://www.lybrate.com/medicine/diastase
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-673/digestive-enzymes-oral/details
RxWiki: http://www.rxwiki.com/diastase
Dr. Lact: https://drlact.com/drug/2689/diastase-in-breastfeeding

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Fungal Diastase

Diastase is abundantly present in human saliva as ptyalin or salivary amylase. Therefore, this enzyme initiates digestion in the mouth itself by breaking down polysaccharides like starch, glycogen and dextrin into disaccharides like maltose and limit dextrin. It then converts maltose and limit dextrin to glucose (monosaccharide), which is the end product of polysaccharide/disaccharide digestion.

Take the oral preparations of fungal alpha amylase or diastase orally after meals. Swallow the tablets with water. One must not start the consumption without consulting any healthcare provider. The dosage depends on a person's age, underlying disease, dietary style and response to treatment. One must follow the advised restrictions and guidelines while consuming this enzyme.

No. Pregnant women should not consume this enzyme during pregnancy as it may cause birth defects. However, one must go for the expert professional consultation if he/she wants to continue such formulation even during pregnancy.

Yes. It is safe to consume fungal alpha-amylase or diastase orally while you are breastfeeding your baby. Its high molecular weight makes its absorption in the intestines very difficult. Therefore, its passage into breast milk is very rare.

It is advised to not take alcohol with this enzyme because it may cause more acid release in the stomach. So, the enzyme treatment may turn futile as it may exaggerate the same problem for which the treatment is going on.

No. One must not prefer driving while having this enzyme supplementation. This is because it may cause extreme dizziness as a side effect of its consumption. This may lead to lack of concentration while driving, enhancing the risk of rash driving.

There is no correlation of urinary tract treatment and fungal diastase. UTI is a bacterial infection, whereas this enzyme is digestant. It has no effect on bacterial growth and multiplication.

No. It is not a steroid. Rather, it is an enzyme which is extracted from Aspergillus oryzae (a fungus).

No. It does not cause drowsiness but may cause extreme dizziness or feeling of body imbalance.

No. It is not an addictive agent. But it is advised that one must consume these enzyme tablets or supplements intermittently, i.e., it should be discontinued for some time before beginning it for another time. Otherwise, your gut will become less responsive to its activity.