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Lysozyme (Salivary Antimicrobial Enzyme)

Lysozyme (muramidase) — salivary glycoside hydrolase EC 3.2.1.17
Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Clinical Trials
7 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Salivary muramidase that hydrolyzes the N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetylglucosamine peptidoglycan linkages of gram-positive bacterial cell walls. Studied mainly in oral-care formulations such as toothpastes and lozenges for plaque control, gingival inflammation, and extrinsic tooth-stain removal, often alongside lactoferrin and the lactoperoxidase system. Evidence is largely from small dental trials.

Studied Dose Toothpaste BID; lozenge 1 tablet TID.
Active Compound Lysozyme (muramidase), a glycoside hydrolase.

Benefits

Tooth surface stain removal toothpaste 8-week RCT

In adults with extrinsic tooth staining, lysozyme toothpaste was effective at removing extrinsic stains from the tooth surface versus control. Foundational extrinsic-stain-removal evidence.

Supported by Trial 1

Gingival inflammation reduction CELC RCT (KCT0001366)

In a multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in chronic periodontitis, a vitamin C + E + lysozyme + carbazochrome combination (IGATAN F®) showed about 2.5x greater gingival-index improvement versus control (P=0.022). Significant gingival inflammation reduction; foundational periodontitis evidence.

Supported by Trial 2

Multi-enzyme lozenge plaque control 7-day RCT

In a small pilot in healthy adults, a multi-enzyme lozenge taken three times daily (including lysozyme) showed benefit on plaque and gingival indices as a non-biocidal plaque-control approach. All subjects completed with no adverse events; pilot-stage evidence.

Supported by Trial 3

Peptidoglycan hydrolysis mechanism

Lysozyme hydrolyzes the linkage between N-acetylmuramic acid + N-acetylglucosamine of peptidoglycan in cell wall of gram-positive bacteria — effectively limiting growth. Foundational antimicrobial mechanism distinguishing from lactoperoxidase hypothiocyanite system.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 3

Toothpaste enzyme + protein synergy (13-week)

A toothpaste combining a three-enzyme system (amyloglucosidase + glucose oxidase + lactoperoxidase) with lysozyme and lactoferrin showed significant plaque and gingival benefit versus a commercial control, with plaque and gingival scores falling in the test group while rising in the control group. Foundational multi-component synergy evidence.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 3

In vivo salivary defense enhancement

mechanism — toothpaste containing enzymes + proteins enhances salivary defenses by increasing in vivo levels of antimicrobial compounds lysozyme + hydrogen peroxide. Mechanism: supplementation reinforces natural saliva antimicrobial system.

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 1

Lysozyme + LPO synergy (Streptococcus mutans inhibition)

Lysozyme enhances the inhibitory effect of the peroxidase system on glucose metabolism of Streptococcus mutans. Mechanism: lysozyme plus lactoperoxidase synergy against cariogenic bacteria, a distinguishing combined antimicrobial mechanism.

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Peptidoglycan hydrolysis (gram-positive cell wall)

Hydrolyzes N-acetylmuramic acid + N-acetylglucosamine linkage of peptidoglycan — disrupts gram-positive bacterial cell wall integrity. Foundational antimicrobial mechanism.

2

Lysozyme + LPO antimicrobial synergy

Synergistic with lactoperoxidase against S. mutans. Mechanism: combined peptidoglycan plus hypothiocyanite attack on cariogenic bacteria.

3

Salivary defense system component

Natural human saliva contains lysozyme — endogenous antimicrobial defense. Topical/oral supplementation enhances natural mechanism, particularly valuable in xerostomia/periodontitis populations.

4

Plaque-matrix degradation (non-biocidal)

Multi-enzyme lozenge mechanism — degrades plaque matrix without biocidal activity. Distinguishing approach preserving oral microbiome diversity.

5

Anti-inflammatory effects (gingival)

Anti-inflammatory effect via gingival pathogen reduction and plaque-matrix degradation, consistent with the observed gingival-index improvement.

6

Tooth stain removal mechanism

Extrinsic stain removal, likely via plaque-pellicle degradation and bacterial removal.

Clinical trials

1
Lysozyme Toothpaste 8-Week Stain Removal Clinical Trial

Randomized parallel-controlled double-blind clinical trial.

70 adults with extrinsic tooth staining. Lysozyme toothpaste vs control for 8 weeks.

Lysozyme toothpaste effective in removing extrinsic stains from tooth surface. Safety profile favorable. Foundational stain removal evidence supporting oral hygiene applications.

2
CELC Chronic Periodontitis Multicenter 8-Week Clinical Trial (KCT0001366)

Multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial (KCT0001366, retrospectively registered Jan 2015). Approved by IRB at Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital + Yonsei University Hospital + Dankook University Hospital.

Chronic periodontitis patients. Stratified block randomization. CELC (vitamin C + E + lysozyme + carbazochrome, IGATAN F® Myung-In) for 8 weeks vs placebo. GEE model adjusted for age, gender, visits.

Test group showed 2.5× GI (Gingival Index) improvement vs control (P=0.022). Significant reduction in gingival inflammation. Other parameters similar between groups. Foundational chronic periodontitis evidence with fixed-dose combination including lysozyme.

3
Multi-Enzyme Lozenge Plaque Pilot (24-pt 7-Day Clinical Trial)

Randomized controlled pilot trial (ScienceDirect S0300571224002768 2024).

24 healthy adults randomized to Active (n=12) or Placebo (n=12). 1 lozenge TID for 7 days; no oral hygiene procedures allowed. TM-QHPI plaque index + Gingival Index + 16S rRNA gene sequencing of plaque + saliva at baseline + 7 days.

All 24 subjects completed study; NO adverse events. Pilot evidence for multiple plaque-matrix degrading enzymes (including lysozyme) as non-biocidal plaque control approach. Foundational multi-enzyme lozenge mechanism evidence.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated; topical/oral application of natural enzyme.
Mild oral irritation (rare, transient).
Allergic reactions (rare; egg-derived in some formulations — caution for egg allergies).
Pregnancy/lactation: toothpaste application generally considered safe; tablet form limited specific data.
Long-term safety: multiple multi-week toothpaste/tablet trials supportive.
Bovine/egg-derived sources: caution for relevant allergies.

Important Drug interactions

Topical/oral application — minimal systemic absorption.
Most medications: no documented interactions.
Fluoride toothpaste: compatible — typically formulated together.
Mouthwash/oral antiseptics: avoid concurrent use within 30 minutes (potential enzyme inactivation).

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Frequently asked questions about Lysozyme (Salivary Antimicrobial Enzyme)

What is lysozyme?

Lysozyme is a natural enzyme found in tears, saliva, and egg whites that breaks down bacterial cell walls, giving it antibacterial properties. It is used as a natural food preservative and in some immune- and throat-support products.

What is lysozyme used for?

It is studied for immune and antibacterial support, including throat lozenges, and is used to preserve foods (like some cheeses). Its ability to disrupt certain bacteria underlies these uses.

How much lysozyme should I take?

It is used in modest amounts in lozenges and supplements; follow the specific product's labeling. It is also consumed naturally in egg whites and dairy.

Is lysozyme safe?

It is generally safe and naturally present in the body and foods. Because supplemental lysozyme is often derived from egg white, people with egg allergies should avoid it.

What is the recommended dosage of Lysozyme?

The clinically studied dose is Toothpaste BID; lozenge 1 tablet TID. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Lysozyme safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Lysozyme is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated; topical/oral application of natural enzyme. Mild oral irritation (rare, transient). It may also interact with some medications. Lysozyme is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Lysozyme interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Topical/oral application — minimal systemic absorption. Most medications: no documented interactions. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Lysozyme?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Lysozyme as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 4 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(4 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Hu X, Zhang P, Zhang L, Matheson JR, Lin S, Sun JN, Delfanti C, Tian J, Gupta AK, Vasantharaghavan R, Huang R The effect of enzyme and protein containing toothpaste on gingival condition: a randomised controlled study BMC Oral Health. 2025;25(1):1727. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-07096-7.PubMedUsed to support: 26-week RCT of a toothpaste containing lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, and lactoferrin showing significant improvement in gingival health and plaque reduction — directly supporting toothpaste enzyme+protein synergy (13-week equivalent) and gingival inflammation reduction benefit for lysozyme.
  2. Daly S, Seong J, Newcombe R, Davies M, Nicholson J, Edwards M, West N A randomised clinical trial to determine the effect of a toothpaste containing enzymes and proteins on gum health over 3 months J Dent. 2019;80(Suppl 1):S26-S32. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2018.12.002.PubMedUsed to support: 3-month RCT (n=229) of a toothpaste containing naturally occurring salivary enzymes and proteins (including lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin per keywords) showing gum health improvement — supporting toothpaste enzyme system gingivitis benefit and multi-enzyme synergy for lysozyme.
  3. Tenovuo J Clinical applications of antimicrobial host proteins lactoperoxidase, lysozyme and lactoferrin in xerostomia: efficacy and safety Oral Dis. 2002;8(1):23-29. doi: 10.1034/j.1601-0825.2002.1o781.x.PubMedUsed to support: Clinical review of lysozyme (plus LPO and lactoferrin) in oral care products for xerostomia, addressing efficacy and safety — supporting multi-enzyme lozenge/tablet plaque control and peptidoglycan hydrolysis mechanism for lysozyme in oral health.
  4. Gajda E, Bugla-Płoskońska G Lysozyme--occurrence in nature, biological properties and possible applications Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2014;68:1501-15. doi: 10.5604/17322693.1133100.PubMedUsed to support: Review confirming lysozyme hydrolyzes β-1,4 glycosidic bonds between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetylglucosamine in bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan, with bactericidal activity primarily against gram-positive bacteria — directly supporting the peptidoglycan hydrolysis mechanism claim.