Serratiopeptidase enzyme is widely available as a dietary supplement worldwide. It may have several health benefits. It is generally used for reducing inflammation and pain naturally. Let us look into detail about this enzyme and its uses and benefits.

What is Serratiopeptidase?

Serratiopeptidase is also known as Serrapeptase, which is easier to pronounce and remember. It is a type of proteolytic enzyme whose function is to break down complex protein particles into smaller amino acids. It is produced in the digestive tract of silkworms by bacteria present there. Through the use of Serrapeptase, the silkworm moth dissolves and digests its cocoon allowing it to emerge. Other proteolytic enzymes like bromelain, trypsin, and chymotrypsin were already in use as over-the-counter supplements in the USA for their anti-inflammatory properties in the fifties. A decade later researchers in Japan too were successful in isolating another proteolytic enzyme, in this case, serrapeptase from the silkworms. Serratiopeptidase enzyme was found to be more effective than other proteolytic enzymes for reducing inflammation and having several other health benefits.

Serratiopeptidase Enzyme Uses & Benefits

There have been several studies and researches done that attributed various purported health benefits to the Serrapeptase enzyme. The benefits of using Serratiopeptidase include –

1. Reducing Inflammation

Serratiopeptidase is generally used to reduce inflammation of the body. Dentists prescribe it for several dental issues and for after dental procedures. These include prescribing it for jaw muscle spasms ie lockjaw, and for reducing pain and facial swelling after minor surgical processes like tooth removal. Studies found that serratiopeptidase enzyme was more effective at reducing pain and facial swelling than over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen and prescription medication that included corticosteroids. It was also concluded that serrapeptase was safer to use compared to these medications.

2. Improving Antibiotic Activity and Prevents Infections

Serrapeptase supplement in combination with antibiotics reduces bacterial activity and prevents infections from spreading. During the early stages of infection, bacterial colonies create a biofilm that forms a protective barrier against antibiotics. This is prevalent in the case of super bacterias which are fast becoming immune to antibiotics. Serratiopeptidase enzyme inhibits this biofilm formation thus increasing the antibiotic efficacy and reducing the infection from progressing.

3. Reducing Pain

Serrapeptase enzyme uses also include reducing pain from inflammation and other trauma. It inhibits the working of pain-causing compounds and provides relief to the user. It has proven especially effective in reducing pain and mucus formation due to ear, nose, and throat inflammation.

4. Helpful in Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Studies found Serrapeptase usage was beneficial for CRD (chronic respiratory diseases) patients. Chronic respiratory diseases include asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and pulmonary hypertension. CRD are incurable and long-time diseases of the lungs and respiratory system. Reduction of symptoms like dilated and clear air passages and increased mucus clearance improves the quality of life of patients. Intake of Serrapeptase supplements was found to reduce inflammation of lungs and increased mucus clearance.

5. May Prevent Heart Disease

Serratiopeptidase enzyme may also be beneficial in reducing blood clots and treating heart issues like atherosclerosis, a condition leading to plaque buildup inside the arteries. Untreated, this may lead to stroke or heart attack. Fibrin and dead tissues increase the chance of blood clots and plaque formation in the blood. Serrapeptase breaks down fibrin and dead tissues in the blood thus decreasing the chances of blood clots and plaque formation.

Serratiopeptidase Supplements to Choose

Serratiopeptidase enzyme in normal conditions gets destroyed by our stomach acids before it can even get absorbed by the intestines. Therefore, the pills containing the enzyme should be enteric-coated. Enteric-coated pills prevent the destruction of serrapeptase by stomach acids and allow the enzyme to be absorbed by the intestines. The dosage should be taken on an empty stomach or 2 hours after meals and should e limited between 10-60 mg per day.

Precautions to Take

Serratiopeptidase enzyme should not be taken alongside dietary supplements like turmeric, fish oil, or garlic and neither with blood thinners like aspirin and warfarin. It may risk the increase of bleeding and bruising, cough, nausea, or stomach pain.