Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase is a proteolytic (protein destroying) enzyme from bacteria native to the digestive system of silkworms. It is the enzyme responsible for dissolving a silkworm’s cocoon. Brand names for serrapeptase include Danzen, Serodase, Nemesulide, and Antiflazym.
Latest Research
  • Serrapeptase has been associated with short term pain reduction and anti-inflammatory effect. [1] [2]
  • Serrapeptase is known as a mucus liquifying agent providing a significant decrease in the frequency of coughing and expectoration. [3] [4]
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How to Take
The standard dose for serrapeptase is 10-60mg. Serrapeptase should be supplemented on an empty stomach, which is 30 minutes before a meal or two hours after a meal, three times a day. Most studies use 10mg of serrapeptase taken every eight hours. Serrapeptase is destroyed in the acidic environment of the stomach and as such requires an enteric-coated capsule in order to retain bioactivity. An enteric coating is a polymer barrier applied to oral medication that prevents its dissolution or disintegration in the gastric environment.
Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions
  • Serrapeptase has been shown to enhance antibiotic efficacy by reducing the inhibitory effects of bacterial biofilms.
  • Serrapeptase was noted to work synergistically with aspirin in acute and subacute inflammatory tests.
Safety Information
Toxicity and Side Effects
Serrapeptase is LIKELY SAFE for adults when taken by mouth, short-term (up to 4 weeks). The long-term safety of serrapeptase is not known. Serrapeptase has been linked to sporadic side effects related to joint pain and skin problems (such as erythema or dermatosis). Occurrence rates are not known, but they seem rare.
Special Precautions And Warnings
Serrapeptase might interfere with blood clotting. People with a bleeding disorder should check with a healthcare provider before using serrapeptase. There is a concern that serrapeptase might increase bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking serrapeptase at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Drug Interactions
Serrapeptase might decrease blood clotting. Therefore, taking serrapeptase along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, indomethacin (Indocin), ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
References
[1] Al-Khateeb TH, Nusair Y. Effect of the proteolytic enzyme serrapeptase on swelling, pain and trismus after surgical extraction of mandibular third molars. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. (2008)
[2] Kee WH, et al. The treatment of breast engorgement with Serrapeptase (Danzen): a randomised double-blind controlled trial. Singapore Med J. (1989)
[3] Lee HS, et al. A technique for quantitative cytology of nasal secretions. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. (1991)
[4] Nakamura S, et al. Effect of the proteolytic enzyme serrapeptase in patients with chronic airway disease. Respirology. (2003)