Serrapeptase: Benefits, Dosage, Dangers, and Side Effects

 

Serrapeptase is an enzyme isolated from bacteria found in silkworms. It is a modern treatment used in Japan and Europe for reducing inflammation and pain due to surgery, trauma, and other inflammatory conditions.

 

These days, serrapeptase is widely available as a food supplement and has purported health benefits. The purpose of this article is to review the benefits, dosage, and potential side effects of serrapeptase.

 

What Is Serrapeptase?

 

Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme, meaning it breaks down proteins into smaller components called amino acids.

 

It’s produced by bacteria in the digestive tract of silkworks and when these silkworms begin the process to exit the cocoon, these bacteria will help dissolve it.

 

Serrapeptase is an enzyme that comes from silkworms. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties, it may offer a host of other health benefits (1).



Serrapeptase Has Potential Anti Inflammatory Properties

 

Serrapeptase is most commonly used for reducing inflammation - your body’s response to injury.

 

In dentistry, the enzyme has been used for minor surgical procedures to reduce pain, spasms and facial swelling (2). More specifically, serrapeptase is thought to decrease inflammatory cells at the affected site. 

 

One study compared the anti-inflammatory properties of serrapeptase to other drugs after the surgical removal of wisdom teeth (3). Researchers concluded that serrapeptase was more effective at supporting the recovery of the body after a spasm, than ibuprofen and corticosteroids, powerful drugs that tame inflammation.

 

However, due to a lack of eligible studies, no analysis could be performed for pain. In the same study, researchers also concluded that serrapeptase has a better safety profile than other drugs in the test, which means that it could be an alternative in cases of intolerance or adverse side effects.

 

May Reduce Pain

 

Serrapeptase has been shown to reduce pain by inhibiting pain inducing compounds. One study on the effects of serrapeptase in nearly 200 people with inflammatory ear, nose, and throat conditions (4). Also compared to a group who took placebo pills, the participants who were supplemented with serrapeptase had significant reductions in pain severity and mucus production.

 

Ultimately, more research is needed to confirm the potential pain-reducing effects of serrapeptase and to determine what other conditions it may be useful in treating before it can be recommended.

 

May Prevent Infections

 

Serrapeptase may decrease your risk of bacterial infections. Serrapeptase supports the immune system in preventing infections, thus increasing the effectiveness of antibiotics (5). Further research into the combination of serrapeptase and antibiotics was also deemed effective in treating infections which had become resistant to the effects of antibiotics.

 

Several other studies have suggested serrapeptase may be a good strategy to reduce or stop the progression of infection, especially from antibiotic-resistant bacteria (6,7).



May Break Down Blood Clots



Serrapeptase may be beneficial in treating atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up inside your arteries. Serrapeptase helps break down the dead or damaged tissue and fibrin - a tough to break down protein, part of a blood clot (8).



May Be Useful For Chronic Respiratory Diseases

 

Serrapeptase may 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 (9).

 

While CRDs are incurable, various treatments can help dilate the air passages or increase mucus clearance, improving quality of life. When researchers conducted a 4-week study on 29 people with chronic bronchitis they were randomly assigned to receive 30mg of serrapeptase or a placebo daily (10).

 

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 and reduce inflammation of the airways (11).

 

However, further studies are needed to support these findings.

 

Dosing And Supplements

 

In most studies the serrapeptase dose ranges from 10 mg to 60 mg per day (12). 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 for at least two hours before eating. In addition, you should avoid eating for about half an hour after taking serrapeptase.

 

Conclusion

 

Serrapeptase is an enzyme that’s been used in Japan and Europe for decades for pain and inflammation management.

 

It may also decrease your risk of developing an infection, prevent the formation of blood clots and support the body against certain chronic respiratory diseases.

 

Serrapeptase has a lot of potential uses and numerous benefits and research supports those claims as illustrated above. 

 

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Liability Disclaimer: This article, including tips, provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for expert medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. Herbalista assumes no responsibility for this information.