What is Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase is most commonly used to reduce inflammation—the response of your body to injury. In dentistry, the enzyme was used following minor surgical procedures—such as tooth removal—to reduce pain, lockjaw (jaw muscle spasm) and facial swelling. Serrapeptase is thought to decrease inflammatory cells in the affected site. One review of five studies aimed at identifying and confirming the anti-inflammatory effects of serrapeptase compared to other drugs following the surgical removal of wisdom teeth. Researchers concluded that serrapeptase was more effective in improving lockjaw than ibuprofen and corticosteroids, potent drugs that tame inflammation. What's more, although corticosteroids were found to outperform serrapeptase by reducing facial swelling on the day after surgery, the differences between the two later were insignificant. However, due to a lack of eligible studies, no pain analysis could be performed. In the same study, researchers also concluded that serrapeptase has a better safety profile than other drugs used in the analysis—suggesting that it could serve as an alternative in cases of intolerance or adverse side effects to other drugs.

Serrapeptase may reduce your risk of bacterial infections. In a so-called biofilm, bacteria can unite to form a protective barrier around their group. This biofilm acts as a shield against antibiotics, enabling bacteria to grow rapidly and cause infection. Serrapeptase inhibits the formation of biofilms, increasing the efficacy of antibiotics. Research has suggested that serrapeptase improves the efficacy of antibiotics in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), the leading cause of health-related infections. In fact, test tubes and animal studies have shown that antibiotics are more effective when combined with serrapeptase in the treatment of S. Aureus than antibiotic therapy alone. Furthermore, the combination of serrapeptase and antibiotics was also effective in the treatment of infections that had become resistant to the effects of antibiotics. Several other studies and reviews have suggested that serrapeptase in combination with antibiotics may be a good strategy for reducing or stopping the progression of infection—especially from antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Serrapeptase may be beneficial in the treatment of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up inside your arteries. It is thought to act by breaking down dead or damaged tissue and fibrin—a tough protein formed in blood clots. This may allow serrapeptase to dissolve plaque in your arteries or dissolve blood clots that may lead to stroke or heart attack. Much of the information on its ability to dissolve blood clots, however, is based on personal stories rather than facts. More research is therefore needed to determine the role—if any—of serrapeptase in the treatment of blood clots.

Serrapeptase may interfere with blood clotting. There is concern that bleeding may increase during and after surgery. Stop using serrapeptase at least 2 weeks before surgery is scheduled.

There is not enough information about the use of serrapeptase during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid using it.

Serrapeptase may interfere with blood clotting, so some researchers are concerned that it may make bleeding disorders worse. If you have a bleeding disorder, check with your health care provider before taking serrapeptase.