Serrapeptase is an enzyme derived from Serratia E-15, an intestinal bacterium used by silkworms to dismantle their cocoons once they convert into moths. 


Serrapeptase has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve discomfort and swelling in the upper respiratory tract. Moreover, it is incorporated to treat pain after minor surgery.


Benefits of Serrapeptase


Following are some of the numerous benefits of this magical enzyme: 


1. Relieves Pain


Serrapeptase may be able to alleviate discomfort. One double-blind, placebo-controlled research, for example, found that patients who took it experienced a considerable reduction in pain compared to those who took the placebo.


2. Reduces Inflammation 


Serrapeptase has been proved in several tests to be an effective anti-inflammatory drug. According to one study, serrapeptase has a remarkable potential to decrease inflammation. In addition, it has been both safe and helpful in lowering facial oedema after removing an impacted molar and wisdom teeth.


3. Infection Control


Biofilms cause more than 80% of bacterial illnesses, and serrapeptase happens to b designated as a biofilm buster.


Biofilms are hazardous because bacteria utilise them to protect themselves from antibodies and your immune system, allowing germs to proliferate. Serrapeptase inhibits the formation of biofilm.


Other studies have indicated that serrapeptase can be quite effective when combined with antibiotics, particularly against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.


4. Chronic Respiratory Conditions


While there is no known treatment for chronic respiratory illnesses (CRDs), there are strategies to lessen the discomfort and difficulties of CRDs and enhance the quality of life. For example, doctors have utilised serrapeptase to help patients with CRDs because of its ability to break down mucus.


In one trial, participants who took serrapeptase had much fewer coughing episodes than those who took a placebo.


5. Blood Clot Thinner


Serrapeptase may help break down the plaque inside your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis.


Recent research has effectively exploited microorganism-produced fibrinolytic enzymes in the therapy of blood clots, especially in the dissolution of fibrin, a frequent artery-blocking substance.


Side Effects of Serrapeptase


Serrapeptase does not cause adverse effects in everyone. People with underlying medical issues had pneumonia and haemorrhages in uncommon circumstances. Serrapeptase also has the following adverse effects:


  • Joint discomfort
  • Soreness in the muscles
  • Nausea and stomach discomfort
  • Loss of appetite and weight
  • Skin responses, such as an itchy rash
  • Cough
  • Disruption of blood clotting

It is critical to consult with your doctor before taking serrapeptase, especially if you want to take it in conjunction with other drugs. This is because specific prescription and over-the-counter medicines may interact with the supplement, and certain brands may interact with the accessory that others do not.


If you have any adverse effects, stop using serrapeptase immediately and notify your doctor.


Dosage and Quantity


Serrapeptase must be able to enter your gut and then enter your circulation to be effective. So if you’re going to take it orally, it should be enteric-coated to prevent it from being damaged and made useless by stomach acid before it reaches the intestine.


The recommended dosage varies based on the reason for use.


  • 10 mg daily for preventive
  • 20 mg daily for arthritis, sinusitis, fibrocystic breast, bronchitis, and cardiovascular issues.
  • Start with 10 mg for general pain and gradually increase to 20 mg if necessary.
  • 30 mg for two days, then 20 mg daily until swelling and discomfort lessen.

It is best if one takes serrapeptase on an empty stomach.


Is Serrapeptase Safe? 


No supplement or drug is ever entirely risk-free. Because it is a supplement, it is not subject to the same government safety regulations as prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, there have been few investigations on the substance’s effectiveness.


Serrapeptase dangers include preventing blood clot formation and, in rare situations, haemorrhages. Serrapeptase side effects can be extremely harmful if you have a health condition that makes clotting problematic or is presently on blood thinners or anti-clotting medications. 


If you have cirrhosis or other liver problems, the serrapeptase enzyme may be complicated for your liver to digest. Serrapeptase side effects on the liver may exacerbate the illness.


Serrapeptase was relatively safe in short-term clinical studies, with few side effects involving issues for the patients’ primary medical condition. However, because clinical trials have not tested the safety of long-term usage, those with long-term chronic inflammatory diseases should be very careful.


The FDA has not studied the benefits or safety of serrapeptase. In addition, it is illegal to sell a supplement as a treatment or cure for a specific ailment or to relieve its symptoms.


FAQs 


Here are some of the most commonly asked questions related to serrapeptase: 


Can serrapeptase cause weight gain? 


Serrapeptase has lately been advertised as a weight-loss supplement. However, no human or animal research has been conducted to determine if serrapeptase impacts fat reduction. On the other hand, Serrapeptase may indirectly help weight loss in those who are overweight or obese by potentially lowering inflammation.


After how long can i eat after taking serrapeptase? 


The enzymatic activity of serrapeptase is measured in units of 10 mg, equaling 20,000 units of enzyme activity. Therefore, it should be taken on an empty stomach or at least two hours before eating. You should also avoid eating for around 30 minutes after taking serrapeptase.


How long does serrapeptase take to start working?


When taken regularly, serrapeptase can dissolve or chew away cysts or fibroids. For the enzyme to function on fibroids, 10 mg thrice daily is an effective dose. However, the optimum benefits can be visible after two weeks, and the dosage can be used for up to four weeks.


Serrapeptase should be taken for how long?


When taken orally: Serrapeptase is POSSIBLY SAFE for people to consume orally for up to 4 weeks. However, there isn’t enough reliable data to say whether serrapeptase is safe to use for more than four weeks.


Is serrapeptase beneficial in the treatment of autoimmune diseases?


Serrapeptase provides relief for:


  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Lupus
  • MS
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Juvenile arthritis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Lyme disease
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Psoriasis
  • Human papillomavirus
  • Hashimoto’s

– as well as relief for bilateral pneumonia and bartonellosis


Conclusion


Serrapeptase can be utilised as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. In addition, it is used as a mucolytic drug to thin mucus and alleviate sinus pressure. 


It’s also used as a supplement for lung illness. However, despite its popularity as a supplement and component in Japan and Europe, there is insufficient clinical trial data to back up claims of serrapeptase’s efficacy.


Before using any dietary supplement, like with any other, thoroughly investigate the effects of the substance and consult with your health care professional. 


While severe adverse effects of serrapeptase are uncommon, there are more common adverse effects and insufficient data to assess its overall efficacy.