Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and More

Serrapeptase, or serratiopeptidase, is an enzyme made naturally in the intestines of silkworms. It is sold as a dietary supplement, primarily for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, serrapeptase has several other potential health benefits, such as breaking down blood clots, relieving pain, preventing infection, and reducing mucus.

Serrapeptase is most widely known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation occurs in the body as a protective measure against infections and injuries. Long-lasting inflammation is associated with autoimmune disorders and several other diseases.

Serrapeptase has been used to treat inflammation for many years. According to one study, Japanese people began using it in 1957. It’s prescribed in various specialties, including dentistry, surgery, and orthopedics.

Serrapeptase is sometimes used in dentistry to relieve pain, facial swelling, and lockjaw after oral surgery. A review of five studies found that serrapeptase was more effective than corticosteroids at improving lockjaw, but the two treatments were equally effective when used for facial swelling.

A smaller study compared serrapeptase to a placebo (a treatment without any active healing properties) in people who underwent surgery for molar removal. Serrapeptase was more effective than a placebo in improving lockjaw and swelling.

Serrapeptase may be useful in breaking down plaque that builds up in your arteries. It works by digesting non-living tissue and fibrin, a protein that partly forms blood clots. This can help improve stroke risk, thickened blood, and phlebitis (vein inflammation leading to blood clots).

Research also suggests that serrapeptase may help reduce the severity of blood clotting complications caused by COVID-19.

Serrapeptase may help relieve pain and swelling caused by various conditions.

Small studies in several specialties, such as dentistry, orthopedics, and otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat doctor), found evidence suggesting that serrapeptase helps reduce pain and inflammation for carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, tooth extraction, and joint conditions.

Another study found that serrapeptase, when taken with the anti-diabetes drug metformin, can help reduce pain scores in people with both obesity and knee osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease).

Serrapeptase may be useful for preventing infections due to its anti-biofilm properties. This means it stops the formation or growth of biofilms, clusters of bacteria or other microorganisms with a barrier around their community. Biofilms tend to grow rapidly and can cause persistent infections.

By blocking the formation of biofilms, serrapeptase may enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics (drugs that treat bacterial infections) against biofilms. Research shows serrapeptase boosts the activity of several antibiotics, including ampicillin, Keflex (cephalexin), and Solodyn (minocycline).

One study also found that the effectiveness of the antibiotics vancomycin and rifampicin against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus increased when combined with serrapeptase.

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are characterized by increased mucus production. Treatments for CRDs focus on reducing symptoms by decreasing mucus production, increasing mucus clearance, or widening airways.

Serrapeptase has been shown to reduce the thickness of mucus, improving the flow and clearance of mucus. Its mucus-clearing properties may also be beneficial for managing COVID-19 symptoms.

Another study suggests serrapeptase improves symptoms and the quality of life in people with pulmonary fibrosis, scarring on the lungs that causes breathing issues.

Serrapeptase is available as a dietary supplement. The most common form available is an enteric-coated tablet, meaning the tablet has a special coating that protects it from disintegrating in the stomach. It’s typically taken on an empty stomach or at least 30 minutes before food.

Dosage

There isn’t a standard dosage of serrapeptase. Studies have used doses of 10-60 milligrams per day, depending on the condition being treated. Its enzyme activity is 20,000 units per 10 milligrams.

Consult a healthcare provider to determine the proper dosage for your condition.

There is limited research on the safety of serrapeptase. In most cases, it’s considered safe to take. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking serrapeptase if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have a blood clotting disorder, talk with your provider before starting serrapeptase, as it is known to alter normal blood clotting.

Potential Drug Interactions

Serrapeptase can disrupt normal blood clotting. Combining it with blood-thinning medications can increase your risk of unusual bleeding and bruising. Blood thinners that may interact with include:

• Jantoven (warfarin)
• Plavix (clopidogrel)
• Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like Eliquis (apixaban), Pradaxa (dabigatran), and Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
• Aspirin

For similar reasons, serrapeptase can also interact with natural remedies that have blood-thinning effects, such as garlic, fish oil, and turmeric.

Can You Take Too Much?

There are no known reports of overdose from serrapeptase. However, it’s important to take medications and supplements as directed by your healthcare provider. Taking too much can increase your risk of side effects.

Side effects of serrapeptase are typically mild and may include:

• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Upset stomach
• Cough
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Allergic skin reactions, including dermatitis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Changes to the way your blood clots

Serrapeptase is an enzyme with several potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties, pain relief, and infection prevention. There is limited research on the dosage and safety of serrapeptase, and it may interact with certain drugs. Talk with a healthcare provider before starting serrapeptase supplements.