The Healing Properties of Serrapeptase

Can an enzyme found in the intestinal bacteria of silkworms reduce inflammation, breakdown scar tissue,

help heal wounds, help fight auto-immune conditions, aide in pain management, and dissolve blood clots, artherosclerotic plaques and amyloid plaques in humans? Since the 1960s serrapeptase, also referred to as serratiopeptidase, has been used medicinally in Japan and some European countries, and is now used worldwide, to help with inflammation, as an analgesic, and for wound healing and reduction of scar tissue.[1]  

Research has shown that serrapeptase has significant applications in therapeutic areas, as it has been found to be anti-inflammatory, anti-biofilm, analgesic, fibrinolytic (fibrin dissolving), and anti-edemic. Further, it is known to reduce scar tissue, improve tissue healing, and research continues in the areas of Alzheimer’s (breaking down the amyloid plaques), reducing edema, carpal tunnel syndrome and more.[2]

Serrapeptase is a proteolytic (meaning it breaks down proteins into their amino acid components) enzyme. It is found in a bacteria called Serratia marcescens, which is found in the bacteria in the intestines of silkworms.[3]  

Enzymes are an essential part of most metabolic processes and are needed for the normal functioning of the human body. Enzymes are used in the body for physiological functions including digestion, immune function, metabolism, reproduction, and respiration. Enzymes are obtained from plant, animal, and microbial sources. Interestingly, enzyme-based therapies and therapeutic supplements are being used more widely due to their selectivity, efficiency, and safety profile.[4]  

How Does Serrapeptase Support Health and Healing? 

Serrapeptase is believed to be beneficial in the recovery from infections and injuries because it has been shown to reduce swelling, reduce the formation of scar tissue, control histamine responses and reduce excess mucus, control skin temperature, and facilitate the absorption of decomposed products through blood and the lymphatic system.[4] 

Notably, serrapeptase has a history of use for several conditions. Some key uses and highlights of serrapeptase include:

• Wound Healing: Serrapeptase has been shown to support wound healing, wound cleaning, and repair of burns and trauma to the skin. This has been attributed to its caseinolytic properties, which help control harmful bacteria and prevent infections.[5] Serrapeptase helps to thin the fluids in inflamed areas, thus facilitating drainage. This results in reduction of swelling, pain, and enhances tissue repair. Serrapeptase has been shown to accelerate healing of wounds because it is able to dissolve dead tissue surrounding the wound without harming living tissue. Further, it hydrolyses (a decomposition reaction that breaks down a molecule with water[6]) histamine, serotonin, and bradykinin, which helps to reduce pain and swelling and improve microcirculation, which in turn supports the wound healing process.[7] Additionally, serrapeptase has been found to enhance the activity of several antibiotics, including ampicillin, ciclacillin, cephalexin, minocycline and cefotiam.[7]

  
  

• Anti-inflammatory: serrapeptase acts as an anti-inflammatory by regulating inflammatory cytokines, which can help prevent chronic inflammation. Additionally, serrapeptase modifies the cell adhesion molecules that guide inflammatory cells to the sites of inflammation.[4] This makes serrapeptase beneficial in wound healing, repair, and restoring the skin temperature at the target inflammation site. Notably, studies show that serrapeptase is more stable and has higher efficacy when used in combination with zinc and manganese.[4]

  
  

• Fibrinolytic: Fibrin is an insoluble protein that is produced in response to bleeding and is the major component of blood clots.[8] Research is showing that Serrapeptase dissolves blood clots and artherosclerotic plaques by breaking down fibrin and other dead or damaged tissue[9]. Serrapeptase is also shown to remove deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, and cellular waste inside the arteries. The fibrinolytic property of serrapeptase may also aide conditions connected to thickened blood, and clotting disorders, such as thrombophlebitis and stroke.[4] 

  
  

• Breaking down scar tissue: Scar tissue formation is the natural part of the healing process. Scar tissue is fibrous, and tends to be less flexible than normal tissue. Scar tissue can develop throughout the body (e.g. skin, joints), including within the body, such as in liver cirrhosis.[10] Serrapeptase’s anti-inflammatory and fibrinolytic properties help to reduce swelling and edema, and metabolize scar tissue as serrapeptase has been found to digest dead tissue, break down blood clots and arterial plaques.[10]

• Helps Heal Autoimmune Diseases: It is thought that serrapeptase possesses the ability to dissolve dead and damaged tissue, created as a byproduct of the body’s healing response, without harming living tissues. Because of this action, it is suggested that serrapeptase and similar enzymes can be effective alone, or in combination with other drugs, to help heal rheumatoid arthritis and other auto-immune conditions.[11]

  
  

• Antibiofilm: Biofilm is a community of living microorganisms embedded in a gooey matrix.[12] The matrix protects the microorganisms from threats, such as antibiotics, disinfectants, and the human immune system. Serrapeptase prevents biofilm formation as well as helps to break-down pre-formed biofilm. Notably, this anti-biofilm function helps to enable penetration of antibiotics through the resistant biofilm and therefore increases the susceptibility of the microorganisms to antibiotics.[13]  

  
  

• Mucolytic Support: Mucolytics can reduce the viscosity of mucus and make it easier to cough up. Studies are showing that serrapeptase, in combination with vitamin D, may be beneficial in respiratory conditions.[14] 

  
  

• And more: researchers are exploring serrapeptase for dissolving amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s, and finding results suggesting that it may be as effective in reducing amyloid plaques as nattokinase (an enzyme shown to degrade amyloid fibroid).[15]  Studies also show that the analgesic properties of serrapeptase, widely known to reduce histamine response and reduce pain, may prove beneficial in conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, breast engorgement, chronic sinusitis, oral surgery, and chronic respiratory conditions, among others.[4]

Are There Any Concerns or Cautions?

Serrapeptase is commonly available as a supplement, and is considered “well-tolerated” for adults. If considering a supplement, look for an enteric coated supplement so it can bypass gastric acid.[16]

It is important to consider the following: 

• Be mindful if you have allergies or sensitivities to serrapeptase, and avoid this supplement;

• According to drugs.com, serrapeptase has reported side-effects including[16]:

  • Potential increased risk for bleeding and bruising, especially when combined with drugs such as warfarin, clopidogrel and aspirin;

  • Not recommended to take serrapeptase if taking medications to dissolve blood clots, such as alteplase, reteplase, or streptokinase;

  • Skin inflammation and spreading of infections or rash;

  • Digestive upset and nausea;

  • Muscle aches and joint pain;

  • Potential for the increased risk of infections, pneumonia.

• There is insufficient information available regarding safe use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.  

*It is always important to consult with your trusted healthcare practitioner prior to making any major lifestyle changes, especially if taking any medications.

References:

1.     Article: “What Is Serrapeptase Used for and Are There Side Effects?”. MedicineNet. Author: Dany Paul Baby, MD. https://www.medicinenet.com/what_serrapeptase_used_for_are_there_side_effects/article.htm 

2.     Article: “Analytical techniques for serratiopeptidase: A review”. PubMed. Authors: Vandana Gupte, et.al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5790697/#:~:text=It%20has%20powerful%20anti%2Dinflammatory,7%5D%2C%20%5B8%5D.

3.     Article: “Serratiopeptidase: a systematic review of the existing evidence”. PubMed. Authors: Shivani Bhagat, et.al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23380245/ 

4.     Article: “The role of serratiopeptidase in the resolution of inflammation”. PubMed. Author: Manju Tiwari. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32104332/ 

5.     Article: “Effects of Bacillus Serine Proteases on the Bacterial Biofilms”. PubMed. Authors: Olga Mitrofanova, et.al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5585633/ 

6.     Article: “What is Hydrolysis”. Chemistry Learner. https://www.chemistrylearner.com/chemical-reactions/hydrolysis 

7.     Article: “Cytokine synthesis in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells after oral administration of polyenzyme preparations”. PubMed. Authors: L Desser, et.al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7694216/ 

8.     Article: “Fibrin”. Britannica.  https://www.britannica.com/science/fibrin 

9.     Article: “Analytical techniques for serratiopeptidase: A review”. PubMed. Authors: Vanada Gupte, et.al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29404039/ 

10.  Article: “Serrapeptase : A Promising Enzyme for Scar Tissue Reduction and Healing”. ePainAssist. https://www.epainassist.com/vitamins-and-supplements/serrapeptase-a-promising-enzyme-for-scar-tissue-reduction-and-healing 

11.  Article: “Conservative Nonhormonal Options for the Treatment of Male Infertility: Antibiotics, Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, and Antioxidants”. PubMed. Authors: Aldo E. Calogero, et.al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5253172/ 

12.  Article: “Biofilms - What Are They, Formation, Removal, and More”. Osmosis.org. Author: Anna Hernández, MD. https://www.osmosis.org/answers/biofilm 

13.  Article: “Compounds from natural sources for new diagnostics and drugs against biofilm infections”. NiSPR. Authors: CR Kokare, et.al. https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/3883 

14.  Article: “Adjuvant therapy with Serratiopeptidase and Vitamin D for COVID-19 patients: A new perspective”. ResearchGate. Authors: Kuldeep Kumar Gupta, et.al. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352282548_Adjuvant_therapy_with_Serratiopeptidase_and_Vitamin_D_for_COVID-19_patients_A_new_perspective 

15.  Article: “Serratiopeptidase: Insights into the therapeutic applications”. ScienceDirect. Authors: Swati B. Jadhav, et.al. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215017X20307128 

16. Article: “Serrapeptase”. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/npc/serrapeptase.html