What is Serrapeptase?
Serrapeptase is an enzyme isolated from bacteria present in silkworms. It has been used for years in Japan and Europe to reduce inflammation and pain due to surgery, trauma, and other inflammatory conditions. Serrapeptase is now widely available as a dietary supplement and has many purported health benefits.
Serrapeptase—also known as serratiopeptidase—is a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller components called amino acids. It is produced by bacteria in the digestive tract of silkworms and allows the emerging moth to digest and dissolve its cocoon.
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Get A Second OpinionSerratiopeptidase Uses
Serrapeptase can be used for:
- Bony and pain in the joints (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis , osteoporosis, fibromyalgia)
- Headaches (migraine, tension headache)
- Inflammation of the sinuses, pharynxes and sinuses
- Infections of the ear (otitis media)
- Blood clots
- Postoperative injury or traumatic swelling
- Syndrome of Carpal Tunnel
- Following dental extraction
- Chronic diseases of the airway (bronchitis)
- Ulcer and inflammation of the colon (ulcerative colitis)
- Blood clots (thrombophlebitis)
- Mammary Fibrocystic Disease
Benefits of Serrapeptase
Reduces inflammation
- Serrapeptase reduces inflammation, commonly used post-surgery and in dentistry for pain, lockjaw, and facial swelling.
- It decreases inflammatory cells at the site of injury.
- Studies suggest serrapeptase is more effective than ibuprofen and corticosteroids for improving lockjaw post-wisdom teeth removal.
- It has a safety profile compared to other drugs, making it a potential alternative in cases of intolerance or side effects.
Reduces infections
- Serrapeptase reduces bacterial infection risk by inhibiting biofilm formation.
- It enhances antibiotic effectiveness, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).
- Studies show serrapeptase boosts antibiotics' efficacy in treating infections resistant to standard therapies.
- Combining serrapeptase with antibiotics may help combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria effectively.
Dissolves blood clots
- Serrapeptase is considered beneficial for atherosclerosis treatment by breaking down dead tissue and fibrin in blood clots.
- It may potentially dissolve arterial plaque and blood clots linked to stroke or heart attack prevention.
- However, claims about its efficacy in clot dissolution are largely anecdotal and require further scientific research for validation.
Serrapeptase Side Effects
- Allergic reactions
- Rash
- Fever
- Stomach ache
- Bleeding in patients of bleeding disorders
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Itchiness
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Book an Appointment Precautions
Surgery
Serrapeptase may interfere with blood clotting. There is concern that bleeding may increase during and after surgery. Stop using serrapeptase at least 2 weeks before surgery is scheduled.
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding
There is not much data on the usage of serrapeptase during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Stay safe and avoid using it.
Bleeding disorders
Serrapeptase may interfere with blood coagulation, therefore some researchers are concerned that it may exacerbate bleeding conditions. If you have a bleeding issue, consult with your doctor before using serrapeptase.
Dosage
For this reason, dietary supplements containing serrapeptase should be energetic-coated, preventing them from dissolving in the stomach and allowing for intestinal release.
- The usual doses used in studies vary from 10 mg to 60 mg per day.
- Serrapeptase enzymatic activity is measured in units of 10 mg, which equals 20,000 units of enzyme activity.
- You should take it on an empty stomach or at least two hours before a meal. In addition, after taking serrapeptase, you should postpone eating for around 30 minutes.