Serrapeptase Enzyme Benefits

SERRAPEPTASE (iHerb) 


Serrapeptase (PipingRock)

Serrapeptase was first isolated by scientists in Japan in the 1960s and later finding its way onto store shelves in Europe and North America as a dietary supplement. Originally discovered in the intestine of silkworms, the proteolytic enzyme Serrapeptase is harnessed through the isolation of the microorganism.

Did you know Serrapeptase is one of the world's finest enzymes that support normal mucus levels? Serrapeptase is an excellent choice for promoting healthy sinus activity during cold and flu season. 

Serrapeptase is also the perfect addition to support a normal inflammatory response after sports injuries and invasive procedures. 

Serrapeptase’s inherent ability to digest dead tissue enables the enzyme to successfully aid in supporting normal scar tissue, normal blood clotting, and allows for more fluid and natural blood flow throughout the body.

Serrapeptase has a variety of different benefits that may help with the following:

  • Sport injuries
  • Promote healthy sinus activity
  • Promote free joint mobility
  • Muscle tears and pulls
  • Surgical recovery
  • Normal fluid retention such as swelling
  • Potent fibrinolytic activity
  • Promotes recovery after physical stress
  • Boosts energy levels
  • Promotes lean body mass

 

Reduces Inflammation

  • Serrapeptase is most commonly used for reducing inflammation — your body’s response to injury.
  • In dentistry, the enzyme has been used following minor surgical procedures — such as tooth removal — to reduce pain, lockjaw (spasming of the jaw muscles), and facial swelling (Trusted Source).
  • Serrapeptase is thought to decrease inflammatory cells at the affected site.
  • One review of five studies aimed to identify and confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of serrapeptase compared to other drugs after the surgical removal of wisdom teeth (Trusted Source).
  • Researchers concluded that serrapeptase was more effective at improving lockjaw than ibuprofen and corticosteroids, powerful drugs that tame inflammation.
  • Serrapeptase is used for conditions such as back pain, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and for conditions generally associated with pain and swelling (inflammation).

Serrapeptase helps the body break down protein. This helps decrease inflammation and mucous. In the same study, researchers also concluded that serrapeptase has a better safety profile than the other drugs used in the analysis — suggesting that it could serve as an alternative in cases of intolerance or adverse side effects to other medications.

 

Curbs Pain

Serrapeptase has been shown to reduce pain — a common symptom of inflammation — by inhibiting pain-inducing compounds.  Serrapeptase is believed to exert anti-inflammatory effects to reduce pain and swelling, mostly of the upper respiratory tract. It is also used to relieve pain following minor surgery.

One study looked at the effects of serrapeptase in nearly 200 people with inflammatory ear, nose, and throat conditions (Trusted Source).

Researchers found that the participants who supplemented with serrapeptase had significant reductions in pain severity and mucus production compared to those who took a placebo.

Serrapeptase can help treat a wide range of medical conditions. Chief among these are:

  • Pain and inflammation following oral surgery
  • Chronic upper respiratory concerns, including bronchitis, Sinus congestion, sinusitis, laryngitis, and pharyngitis (sore throat), Hoarseness
  • Dissolve blood clots
  • Alleviate symptoms of arthritis
  • Prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
  • Other heart disease
  • Treat diabetes
  • Neurological disorders
  • Muscle inflammation
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Asthma, and other upper respiratory infections and illnesses
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Injuries, including wounds and sprains
  • Leg ulcers
  • Fibrotic breast disease, and many other conditions

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, autoimmune conditions or infection. It’s also a key component of many physiological conditions that cause pain. Enzyme-based anti-inflammatory drugs are becoming preferred over conventional, chemical-based drugs that reduce pain because they generally have limited side effects.

In countries including Japan and many in Europe, serrapeptase is currently considered the the anti-inflammatory and pain treatment of choice.

Similarly, another study observed that serrapeptase significantly reduced pain intensity compared to a placebo in 24 people following the removal of wisdom teeth (Trusted Source).

In another study, it was also found to reduce swelling and pain in people following dental surgery — but was less effective than a corticosteroid.

Serrapeptase may offer pain relief for people with certain inflammatory ear, nose, and throat conditions. It may also be beneficial for minor postoperative dental surgeries.

 

Prevents Infections

Kills Bacteria and Promotes Wound Healing

Thanks to its caseinolytic properties, serrapeptase can help control harmful bacteria and prevent infections. Serrapeptase has been shown to support wound healing and wound cleaning. This enzyme is also shown to repair burns and trauma to the skin. It’s useful for promoting recovery from infections and injuries because it’s been shown to:

  • decrease swelling
  • reduce formation of scar tissue
  • reduce excess mucus
  • break down excess proteins
  • decrease permeability of capillaries (small blood vessels)
  • control histamine responses
  • control skin temperature
  • and facilitate the absorption of decomposed products through blood and the lymphatic system

Additionally, serratiopeptidase has been found to enhance the activity of several antibiotics that have widespread uses in treating infections. These include the types called ampicillin, ciclacillin, cephalexin, minocycline and cefotiam.

In a biofilm, bacteria can join together to form a protective barrier around their group (Trusted Source).

This biofilm acts as a shield against antibiotics, allowing bacteria to grow rapidly and cause infection. Serrapeptase inhibits the formation of biofilms, thereby increasing the effectiveness of antibiotics.

Research has suggested that serrapeptase improves the efficacy of antibiotics in treating Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections (Trusted Source).

In fact, test-tube and animal studies have shown that antibiotics were more effective when combined with serrapeptase in treating S. aureus than antibiotic treatment alone (Trusted Source, Trusted Source).

What’s more, the combination of serrapeptase and antibiotics was also effective in treating infections that had become resistant to the effects of antibiotics.

Several other studies and reviews have suggested that serrapeptase in combination with antibiotics may be a good strategy to reduce or stop the progression of infection — especially from antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Serrapeptase may be effective at reducing your risk of infection by destroying or inhibiting the formation of bacterial biofilms.

Dissolve Blood Clots

Serrapeptase may be beneficial in treating atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up inside your arteries.

It’s thought to act by breaking down dead or damaged tissue and fibrin — a tough protein formed in blood clots (Trusted Source).

This could enable serrapeptase to dissolve plaque in your arteries or dissolve blood clots that may lead to stroke or heart attack.

 

Useful for Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Serrapeptase has long been touted for its ability to alleviate throat pain, hoarseness, and sinus congestion associated with upper respiratory infections and illnesses. In addition to alleviating inflammation, serrapeptase also breaks down exudates (fluids that seep out of tissue as a result of inflammation).

By exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-exudate, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, serrapeptase alleviates common upper respiratory tract symptoms.  Serrapeptase increase the clearance of mucus and reduce inflammation in the lungs, in people with chronic respiratory diseases (CRD).

CRDs are diseases of the airways and other structures of the lungs.

Common ones include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pulmonary hypertension — a type of high blood pressure that affects the vessels in your lungs (Trusted Source).

While CRDs are considered incurable by conventional medicine, various treatments can help dilate the air passages or increase mucus clearance, improving quality of life.

In one 4-week study, 29 people with chronic bronchitis were randomly assigned to receive 30 mg of serrapeptase or a placebo daily (Trusted Source).

Bronchitis is one type of COPD that leads to coughing and difficulty breathing due to the overproduction of mucus. People who were given serrapeptase had less mucus production compared to the placebo group and were better able to clear the mucus from their lungs (Trusted Source).

 Serrapeptase is useful for people with chronic respiratory diseases by increasing mucus clearance and reducing inflammation of the airways.

 

Bleeding disorders: Serrapeptase might interfere with blood clotting, so some researchers worry that it might make bleeding disorders worse. If you have a bleeding disorder, check with your healthcare provider before using serrapeptase.

Surgery: Serrapeptase might interfere with blood clotting. There is a concern that it might increase bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using serrapeptase at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

May Help Treat Neurological Disorders (Including Alzheimer’s)

Recent study results suggest that oral administration of proteolytic enzymes, including serrepeptase and nattokinase (derived from the fermented soy food natto), may be effective role in modulating certain factors that characterize Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers believe these enzymes may have a therapeutic application in the treatment of neurological disorders because they can lead to a significant decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and insulin-like growth factor-1 when compared with controls.

One study found that supplementation with these enzymes caused significant declines in the expression levels of certain genes linked to Alzheimer’s in the brain. In animal studies, these enzymes have been shown to have positive effects on brain tissue and neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus and focal hyalinosis.

 

Serrapeptase Might Decrease Blood Clotting

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with SERRAPEPTASE

Serrapeptase might decrease blood clotting. Therefore, taking serrapeptase along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Dosing and Supplements

Since 1997, serrepeptase has been sold as a dietary supplement and used in medical interventions by doctors in a number of settings. There are various ways that serrepeptase can now be administered. These include as a gel, ointment, capsule and in some cases intravenous injection.

When taken orally, serrapeptase can be easily destroyed and deactivated by your stomach acid before it has a chance to reach your intestines to be absorbed. For this reason, dietary supplements containing serrapeptase should be enteric-coated, which prevents them from being dissolved in the stomach and allows for release in the intestine.

The doses typically used in studies range from 10 mg to 60 mg per day (Trusted Source). The enzymatic activity of serrapeptase is measured in units, with 10 mg equalling 20,000 units of enzyme activity.

You should take it on an empty stomach or at least 30 mins before eating or two hours after finishing a meal.

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:

For reducing swelling of the inside of the cheek after sinus surgery: 10 mg of serrapeptase 3 times on the day before surgery, once in the evening after surgery, and then 3 times daily for 5 days following surgery.

Doses of up to 60 mg daily have been used safely in short-term studies.

It is best to avoid high-dose formulations. Not only are they more costly, but there is no evidence that higher doses are any more effective than lower doses.

Always use the smallest dose possible and never exceed the recommended dose on the product label. If side effects persist or worsen, stop taking serrapeptase and advise your healthcare provider.


How to Use 

Serrapeptase dosage depends on the condition being treated, as well as the patient’s medical history, body size, age, etc.

Below are general serrapeptase dosage recommendations:

  • In most studies, serrapeptase is used in adults at doses that range from about 10 to 60 milligrams per day (most often between 15 to 30 mg/day in order to be effective). However, smaller doses of only about five milligrams may also be helpful for reducing mild discomfort.
  • If you take antibiotics or other medications along with serrapeptase, make sure to talk to your doctor about any possible interactions and the recommended dose you should take.

When can you eat after taking serrapeptase?

It’s best to take serrapeptase on an empty stomach, usually first thing in the morning or between meals. After taking it, wait at least a half hour to eat.

After eating, ideally wait at least two hours before taking serrapeptase.

 

It’s good practice to follow manufacturer recommendations. However, as with everything else, begin with the lowest dose and then titrate up if needed and tolerated.

 

What to Look For

Dietary supplements are not strictly regulated in the United States. To ensure the highest quality, opt for brands that have been tested by an independent certifying body like U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), GMP, NSF International, or ConsumerLab.

If you are strictly vegetarian or vegan, double-check that gelcaps are made of a vegetable-based gelatins rather than animal-derived bovine or porcine gelatin.

Serrapeptase can be stored safely at room temperature. You should discard any supplement that has expired or shows signs of spoilage or deterioration (including changes in color, texture, or smell).

 

What are the Side Effects of Serrapeptase?

Serrapeptase appears well tolerated.

Side effects may include:

  • Nausea, Stomach upset,
  • Skin inflammation and spreading of infections or rash
  • Muscle aches and joint pain
  • Increased risk for pneumonia
  • Potentially increased risk for infections, such as bladder infection
  • Potentially increased risk for bleeding and bruising, especially when combined with drugs such as warfarin, clopidogrel and aspirin, etc.

 

Original Excerpt Links:

https://draxe.com/nutrition/serrapeptase/

https://www.verywellhealth.com/serrapeptase-89513

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/serrapeptase





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