Pancreatin

CAS No:	8049-47-6
EINECS No:	232-469-9
Synonyms:	Pancreatic enzymes, pancreatic extract, pancreatin from porcine pancreas, pancreatin from hog pancreas

Product Summary

Pancreatin is a mixture of digestive enzymes extracted primarily from porcine or bovine pancreas. It contains key enzyme components such as amylase, lipase and proteases (e.g., trypsin, chymotrypsin). Pancreatin is a broad-spectrum enzymatic blend mimicking natural pancreatic secretions. It is widely used for its digestive properties, with proven applications in medicine, food processing, and biological research. Its multi-enzyme composition and predictable enzymatic profile make it essential in treating pancreatic disorders and in simulating digestion systems in research.

Biochemical Function & Mechanism of Action

The function of pacreatin mimics natural pancreatic secretions, aiding in digestion and absorption of nutrients in gastrointestinal tract. Pancreatin acts in the duodenum and small intestine, where:

Amylase hydrolyzes starch into maltose and dextrins.
Lipase catalyzes the breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol.
Proteases cleave proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids.

This enzymatic activity enhances nutrient availability for absorption, especially in individuals with pancreatic insufficiency.

Applications in Scientific Research

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) models: Used to simulate or supplement deficient pancreatic enzyme activity in studies on cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, and post-surgical malabsorption.
Dissolution testing: Pancreatin mimics intestinal conditions to assess drug release profiles, particularly for lipid-based formulations.
Nutrient absorption studies: Used to evaluate digestibility of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in enteral nutrition and food science research.
Pancreatic cancer metastasis: Studies on cholesterol metabolism (e.g., PCSK9 protein’s role in liver/lung metastasis) use pancreatin to digest tumor microenvironments for analysis.

Packaging & Storage

Available as white to slightly yellow amorphous powder.
Store in an airtight container at 4-8°C.

References

Liu X. 2022: The positive effects of exogenous pancreatin on growth performance, nutrient digestion and absorption, and intestinal microbiota in piglets, Front Physiol. 13:906522.
Andriamihaja M, et al. 2013: Comparative efficiency of microbial enzyme preparations versus pancreatin for in vitro alimentary protein digestion, Amino Acids. 44(2):563-72.
Chang CT, et al. 1985: Preparation of pancreatin and purification of lipase from hog pancreas, Proc Natl Sci Counc Repub China B. 9(2):75-81.
Terra GDP, et al. 2016: Evaluation of pancreatin stability through enzyme activity determination, Acta Pharm. 66(3):423-31.
Lohr JM, et al. 2009: Properties of different pancreatin preparations used in pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 21(9):1024-31.
Maev IV, et al. 2020: Differences in in vitro properties of pancreatin preparations for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency as marketed in Russia and CIS, Drugs R D. 20(4):369-76.
Aloulou A, et al. 2008: In vitro comparative study of three pancreatic enzyme preparations: dissolution profiles, active enzyme release and acid stability, Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 27(3):283-92.
Mössner J, Keim V. 2021: Pancreatic enzyme therapy, Dtsch Arztebl Int. 108(34-35):578–82.
Thorat V, et al. 2012: Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy and safety of pancreatin enteric-coated minimicrospheres (Creon 40000 MMS) in patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis--a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 36(5):426-36.
Suarez F, et al. 1999: Pancreatic supplements reduce symptomatic response of healthy subjects to a high fat meal, Dig Dis Sci. 44(7):1317-21.
Saruc M, et al. 2004: Pancreatic enzyme extract improves survival in murine pancreatic cancer, Pancreas. 28(4):401-12.
Delchi L, et al. 1971: Fate of orally ingested enzymes in pancreatic insufficiency: comparison of two pancreatic enzyme preparations, Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 5(4):365-78.