Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
How to Store
Sources & What to Look For
Serrapeptase,sometimes calledserratiopeptidase, is a supplement taken orally to help decrease inflammation. It is anenzymederived from the intestinal bacteria of silkworms.
There is limited research on the benefits of serrapeptase, but some complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners believe it may help reduce pain and swelling after minor surgery. Others claim it relieves upper-respiratory symptoms such as sinusitis.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products (such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia, Consumer Labs, or NSF) and consult a healthcare provider,registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Uses of Serrapeptase
That is not to say there is no potential benefit of using serrapeptase, but studies that make up the current body of research are often poorly designed or too small to be statistically relevant.
The following is a look at some of the more compelling pieces of evidence in support of serrapeptase use.
Oral Surgery
Some dentists recommend their patients use serrapeptase to alleviate swelling and pain afteroral surgery. According to one review, serrapeptase is sometimes used for this purpose either alone or along with steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
The same review looked at five studies on serrapeptase for facial pain, swelling, andlockjaw(trismus) often associated with oral surgery. It was concluded that serrapeptase most significantly improved lockjaw, whilesteroidswere found to reduce swelling better. Unfortunately, the review could not determine the effects of serrapeptase on facial pain.
A small clinical trial compared serrapeptase to a placebo (a pill with no healing properties) in people who had recently had a molar removed. Serrapeptase was found to improve inflammation better than placebo over five days.
More high-quality research is needed to determine the role of serrapeptase in oral surgery.
Natural Remedies for Tooth Pain
Upper Respiratory Symptoms
It is believed that serrapeptase could alleviate common upper respiratory tract symptoms, like inflammation and pain. However, to date, there is little qualitative evidence of such benefits.
Interestingly, serrapeptase has been recommended as a potential therapy for COVID-19 symptoms. Researchers believe serrapeptase could reduce symptoms through its anti-inflammatory and mucus-reducing properties. However, these potential benefits have yet to be confirmed.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Other Uses
Other serrapeptase uses have been suggested but poorly researched. A review of in vitro and in vivo serrapeptase lab studies included research on the following:
Although much can be learned from lab studies, human trials are required to confirm these and other potential uses of serrapeptase.
What Are the Side Effects of Serrapeptase?
Serrapeptase is generally thought to be safe. However, you may experience side effects when taking it. These side effects may be mild or severe.
Common Side Effects
Few studies on serrapeptase have reported side effects or adverse reactions. Generally, common side effects of serrapeptase tend to be mild and may include:
Typically, side effects will subside once you stop using serrapeptase. You should talk with your healthcare provider if side effects persist.
Severe Side Effects
To best prevent these and other potential side effects, only use serrapeptase as directed.
Serrapeptase is considered safe for most people. However, the safety of serrapeptase has not been established in children or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Given the potential harms and uncertain benefits of serrapeptase, it may be best that these groups avoid it.
People with blood clotting disorders may also need to avoid serrapeptase. This is due to serrapeptase’s potential disruption of normal blood clotting.
Before starting serrapeptase, let your healthcare provider know about any existing health issues.
Dosage: How Much Serrapeptase Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
Due to a lack of research, there are no guidelines for the appropriate use of serrapeptase. However, doses of up to 60 milligrams daily have been used safely in short-term studies.
Many clinical studies have used serrapeptase doses of 10 to 60 milligrams (mg) daily. The enzyme activity of serrapeptase is said to be 20,000 units per 10 milligrams. It is recommended that you take serrapeptase with water, on an empty stomach, and avoid eating food for at least 30 minutes after taking it.
As a general rule, never exceed the recommended dose on the product label. Also, consult your healthcare provider regarding the proper dosage for your specific needs.
Supplement FactsActive ingredient(s):Proteolytic enzymesAlternate name(s): Butterfly extract, serratiopeptidase, silkworm enzyme, serralysinLegal status:Legal in the United States and sold over the counterSuggested dose: Ranges from 10 to 60 milligrams per daySafety considerations: May cause side effects, including rash, stomach pain, and joint pain
Supplement Facts
Active ingredient(s):Proteolytic enzymesAlternate name(s): Butterfly extract, serratiopeptidase, silkworm enzyme, serralysinLegal status:Legal in the United States and sold over the counterSuggested dose: Ranges from 10 to 60 milligrams per daySafety considerations: May cause side effects, including rash, stomach pain, and joint pain
What Happens if I Take Too Much Serrapeptase?
There are no documented reports of toxicity or overdose regarding serrapeptase. As such, serrapeptase is regarded as a safe supplement for many people.
Regardless, it is vital that you follow dosage and usage guidelines when taking any supplement. Taking too much serrapeptase may increase your chances of various side effects.
Supplements can interact with other supplements, nutrients, or medications. Research suggests that serrapeptase may interfere with certain medications.
Serrapeptase may interact with blood thinners like Jantoven (warfarin) and Plavix (clopidogrel). Taking them together may cause easy bruising or bleeding. Therefore, people taking these and other similar medications should avoid using serrapeptase.
Serrapeptase may also increase the risk of bleeding or bruising when taken with:
Please carefully read the ingredients list and nutrition facts panel of any new supplement to learn which ingredients are in the product and how much of each ingredient is included. You should review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Serrapeptase
Storing supplements properly can ensure their quality is maintained.
Like other supplements, serrapeptase should be stored in a cool, dry place. Keep it out of direct sunlight. For best practice, keep serrapeptase out of the sight and reach of pets and small children to prevent accidental consumption.
Discard serrapeptase supplements once the expiration date has passed. The expiration date should be listed on the supplement bottle or packaging.
Serrapeptase Supplements and What to Look For
Serrapeptase is derived from silkworms and is not found in foods. Instead, serrapeptase can be found as a supplement in various forms. These supplements are available online and in some health food and specialty stores.
Capsules appear to be the most popular form of serrapeptase supplements. Serrapeptase capsules may be vegan,kosher, and/or gluten-free.
If you are strictly vegetarian or vegan, double-check that gel caps are made of vegetable-based gelatins rather than animal-derived bovine or porcine gelatin.
Summary
Serrapeptase is an enzyme derived from silkworms. It is mostly thought to be useful for inflammation but has many other potential health benefits. Yet, more research is needed to support these health claims.
Talk with your healthcare provider before starting serrapeptase supplements.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sivaramakrishnan G, Sridharan K.Role of serratiopeptidase after surgical removal of impacted molar: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2018;17(2):122-128. doi:10.1007/s12663-017-0996-9Tamimi Z, Al Habashneh R, Hamad I, et al.Efficacy of serratiopeptidase after impacted third molar surgery: a randomized controlled clinical trial.BMC Oral Health. 2021;21(1):91. doi:10.1186/s12903-021-01451-0.Tiwari M.The role of serratiopeptidase in the resolution of inflammation.Asian J Pharm Sci. 2017;12(3):209-215. doi:10.1016/j.ajps.2017.01.003Sharma C, Jha NK, Meeran MFN, et al.Serratiopeptidase, a serine protease anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic, and mucolytic drug, can be a useful adjuvant for management in covid-19.Front Pharmacol. 2021;12:603997. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.603997Jadhav SB, Shah N, Rathi A, Rathi V, Rathi A.Serratiopeptase: insights into therapeutic applications.Biotechnol Rep (Amst).2020 Dec:28:e00544. doi:10.1016/j.btre.2020.e00544Bhagat S, Agarwal M, Roy V.Serratiopeptidase: a systematic review of the existing evidence.Int J Surg. 2013;11(3):209-217. doi:10.1016/j.ijsu.2013.01.010Rajaram P, Bhattarcharjee A, Ticku S.Serrotiopeptase - a cause for spread of infection.J Clin Diagn Res.2016;10(8):ZD31-2. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2016/21388.8302Additional ReadingTiwari, M.The role of serratiopeptidase in the resolution of inflammation.Asian J Pharma Sci.2017 May;12(3):209-15. doi:10.1016/j.ajps.2017.01.003
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sivaramakrishnan G, Sridharan K.Role of serratiopeptidase after surgical removal of impacted molar: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2018;17(2):122-128. doi:10.1007/s12663-017-0996-9Tamimi Z, Al Habashneh R, Hamad I, et al.Efficacy of serratiopeptidase after impacted third molar surgery: a randomized controlled clinical trial.BMC Oral Health. 2021;21(1):91. doi:10.1186/s12903-021-01451-0.Tiwari M.The role of serratiopeptidase in the resolution of inflammation.Asian J Pharm Sci. 2017;12(3):209-215. doi:10.1016/j.ajps.2017.01.003Sharma C, Jha NK, Meeran MFN, et al.Serratiopeptidase, a serine protease anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic, and mucolytic drug, can be a useful adjuvant for management in covid-19.Front Pharmacol. 2021;12:603997. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.603997Jadhav SB, Shah N, Rathi A, Rathi V, Rathi A.Serratiopeptase: insights into therapeutic applications.Biotechnol Rep (Amst).2020 Dec:28:e00544. doi:10.1016/j.btre.2020.e00544Bhagat S, Agarwal M, Roy V.Serratiopeptidase: a systematic review of the existing evidence.Int J Surg. 2013;11(3):209-217. doi:10.1016/j.ijsu.2013.01.010Rajaram P, Bhattarcharjee A, Ticku S.Serrotiopeptase - a cause for spread of infection.J Clin Diagn Res.2016;10(8):ZD31-2. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2016/21388.8302Additional ReadingTiwari, M.The role of serratiopeptidase in the resolution of inflammation.Asian J Pharma Sci.2017 May;12(3):209-15. doi:10.1016/j.ajps.2017.01.003
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sivaramakrishnan G, Sridharan K.Role of serratiopeptidase after surgical removal of impacted molar: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2018;17(2):122-128. doi:10.1007/s12663-017-0996-9Tamimi Z, Al Habashneh R, Hamad I, et al.Efficacy of serratiopeptidase after impacted third molar surgery: a randomized controlled clinical trial.BMC Oral Health. 2021;21(1):91. doi:10.1186/s12903-021-01451-0.Tiwari M.The role of serratiopeptidase in the resolution of inflammation.Asian J Pharm Sci. 2017;12(3):209-215. doi:10.1016/j.ajps.2017.01.003Sharma C, Jha NK, Meeran MFN, et al.Serratiopeptidase, a serine protease anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic, and mucolytic drug, can be a useful adjuvant for management in covid-19.Front Pharmacol. 2021;12:603997. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.603997Jadhav SB, Shah N, Rathi A, Rathi V, Rathi A.Serratiopeptase: insights into therapeutic applications.Biotechnol Rep (Amst).2020 Dec:28:e00544. doi:10.1016/j.btre.2020.e00544Bhagat S, Agarwal M, Roy V.Serratiopeptidase: a systematic review of the existing evidence.Int J Surg. 2013;11(3):209-217. doi:10.1016/j.ijsu.2013.01.010Rajaram P, Bhattarcharjee A, Ticku S.Serrotiopeptase - a cause for spread of infection.J Clin Diagn Res.2016;10(8):ZD31-2. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2016/21388.8302
Sivaramakrishnan G, Sridharan K.Role of serratiopeptidase after surgical removal of impacted molar: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2018;17(2):122-128. doi:10.1007/s12663-017-0996-9
Tamimi Z, Al Habashneh R, Hamad I, et al.Efficacy of serratiopeptidase after impacted third molar surgery: a randomized controlled clinical trial.BMC Oral Health. 2021;21(1):91. doi:10.1186/s12903-021-01451-0.
Tiwari M.The role of serratiopeptidase in the resolution of inflammation.Asian J Pharm Sci. 2017;12(3):209-215. doi:10.1016/j.ajps.2017.01.003
Sharma C, Jha NK, Meeran MFN, et al.Serratiopeptidase, a serine protease anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic, and mucolytic drug, can be a useful adjuvant for management in covid-19.Front Pharmacol. 2021;12:603997. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.603997
Jadhav SB, Shah N, Rathi A, Rathi V, Rathi A.Serratiopeptase: insights into therapeutic applications.Biotechnol Rep (Amst).2020 Dec:28:e00544. doi:10.1016/j.btre.2020.e00544
Bhagat S, Agarwal M, Roy V.Serratiopeptidase: a systematic review of the existing evidence.Int J Surg. 2013;11(3):209-217. doi:10.1016/j.ijsu.2013.01.010
Rajaram P, Bhattarcharjee A, Ticku S.Serrotiopeptase - a cause for spread of infection.J Clin Diagn Res.2016;10(8):ZD31-2. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2016/21388.8302
Tiwari, M.The role of serratiopeptidase in the resolution of inflammation.Asian J Pharma Sci.2017 May;12(3):209-15. doi:10.1016/j.ajps.2017.01.003
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