Proteases are inseparable from our daily life. Their roles cover many aspects of cell cycles, me-tabolic regulations and body defenses. Actions of proteases consist of breaking down food proteins, assisting to decompose dying cells, neutralizing invading living agents or proteins and producing functional peptides which promote healings, to ensure a balanced cycling of metabolism and life. In the western countries, the history of using hydrolytic enzymes and protease included, as digestive aids could be traced back to at least 70 years ago. In contrast, the main stream of natural proteolytic enzymes which can be mass-produced in China has not yet been listed as ingredient for natural health products or dietary supplements. This paper briefly presents the characteristics, main functions, safety of application and the world market situation of several types of proteas-es. Application of proteases as natural health products seems to be promising in China.%蛋白酶与我们的日常生活密不可分，其作用涉及到细胞生命循环、代谢调节和身体防卫的许多方面，表现在：水解食物中的蛋白质，辅助分解衰竭细胞，清除入侵的微生物或蛋白质并产生可激发创伤恢复的功能性肽，以确保生命代谢循环的正常运行。西方国家利用包括蛋白酶在内的水解酶类保健至少有70年以上的历史，而我国尚未将一些主要的可大量生产的天然蛋白酶类列入天然保健品或膳食添加剂的原料名单中。本文简略介绍了几种主要蛋白酶的功能特性、应用安全性、国内外市场发展等方面的情况。蛋白酶作为天然保健品开发似有良好前景。
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