Serrapeptase, also known as serratiopeptidase, is an enzyme isolated from a non-pathogenic bacteria called enterobacter Serratia E15. This enzyme is naturally processed commercially through fermentation. In other words, serratiopeptase is produced by purification from culture of Serratia E-15 bacteria. This immunologically active enzyme is entirely bound to the alpha 2 macroglobulin in biological fluids. Various researches reveal strong anti-inflammatory properties of this naturally occurring enzyme.
Serratiopeptidase Benefits
Particularly in Asia and Europe, it is clinically used for anti-inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, fibrocystic breast disease and carpal tunnel syndrome. Researches in Japan and Germany has shown serratiopeptidase can dissolve ovarian and breast cysts, case symptoms of arthritis, speed the healing of torn ligaments and sports injuries and aid post operative healing. Serratiopeptidase just dissolves non-living tissue, leaving living tissue alone. Blood clots, cysts and arterial plaque are all slowly dissolved.
Clinical Trials
The German doctor, Dr. Hans Nieper, used serratiopeptidase on patients who were candidates for chelation therapy
and surgery to remove the plaque from arteries. Especially, advises the use of this enzyme to treat blocked carotid arteries when classic surgery is too risky. The formation of plaque involves deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, calcium, cellular waste products, and fibrin on the inner lining of the arteries. In his researches, Dr. Nieper proved that serratiopeptidase was capability of dissolving and digesting the substances that cause plaque formation on the arterial walls, such as cholesterol, calcium, cellular wastes, various fats, and fibrin, a clotting agent. Excessive plaque results in partial or complete blockage of blood flow through an artery, resulting in arteriosclerosis which could cause a heart attack or stroke. Dr. Nieper explained that serratiopeptidase digests non-living tissue, blood clots, cysts, arterial plaque and inflammation in all forms. It protects against strokes and has been found to be more effectual and fast than EDTA chelation therapies in removing arterial plaque.
Serratiopeptidase anti-inflammatory effects are similar to those of the ibuprofen, salicylates and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Unlike these drugs, serratiopeptidase is a naturally occurring enzyme and that does not irritate the digestive system. Besides reducing inflammation, one of serratiopeptidase most important effects is decrease of pain, due to its capability to block the release of pain-inducing amines from inflamed tissues.
In a study 2008; compared serrapeptase and its anti-inflammatory effect with aspirin and two human pancreatic proteolytic enzymes ( chymotrypsin and trypsin). Though all groups were effective at reducing inflammation, serrapeptase was the most effective.
Serratiopeptidase reduces the viscosity of the mucus, improving the elimination of bronchopulmonary secretions. Early research findings suggests that patients with sinusitis who take serratiopeptidase have important reduced pain, nasal secretions, and nasal obstruction after 3-4 days of therapy. People taking the serratiopeptidase experienced a significant reduction in severity of pain, amount of secretion, purulence of secretions, difficulty in swallowing, nasal obstruction, and body temperature after only three or four days. A study in Japan investigated the efficacy of serratiopeptidase on sputum properties and symptoms in individuals with chronic airway diseases. After four weeks of serratiopeptidase therapy, sputum output, viscosity and sputum neutrophil count decreased significantly. Also, the frequency of expectoration and of coughing decreased.
Serratiopeptidase has been approved as a standard solution in many European countries for swelling and inflammation. A study was conducted on the effect of serratiopeptidase on post-operative pain of the ankle and swelling. In the serratiopeptidase group, the swelling decreased by 50 percent on the third post-operative day, while in the control groups no reduction in swelling occurred. Another double-blind study, reported in the “Pharmatherapeutica“, found that serratiopeptidase reduced swelling in patients who underwent surgery to treat empyema.
In a double-blind study, serratiopeptidase was found to decrease breast pain, breast swelling and induration in 85.7 percent of the patients taking the supplement. Experts concluded that serratiopeptidase is a influential and safe remedy for the therapy of breast engorgement.
Scientists in India conducted a study to assess the response of serratiopeptidase in people with carpal tunnel syndrome. 20 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were evaluated clinically after six weeks taking serratiopeptidase. 65 % demonstrated significant clinical development, which was supported by improvement in electrophysiological parameters. While surgery had been considered the first therapy, new researches reveal that the use of serratiopeptidase in conjunction with bromelain and Vitamins B2 and B6 is also useful.
Serratiopeptidase Dosage
The general recommended dose is 10 mg to 30 mg per day. According to Dr. Nieper, just 3 three 5 mg tablets of serratiopeptidase daily for twelve to eighteen months are sufficient to remove fibrous blockages from constricted coronary arteries, as confirmed in many of his patients by ultrasound examination. For pain, start with 10 mg daily and work up to 20 mg if necessary. The enzyme activity is measured in units and are based on the ratio of 10 mg of serratiopeptidase equaling 20,000 units of activity.
Serratiopeptidase is taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before of 2 hours after meals. Serratiopeptidase capsules and tablets are enteric coated and are taken on an empty stomach to ensure that they are activated in the small intestine, rather than in the stomach. Non-enteric coated capsules or tablets are rapidly destroyed by the stomach acid.
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