Serrapeptase
Updated Jun. 01st, 2023
Serrapeptase is an enzyme that was initially discovered in silkworm larvae, but was later derived from a bacteria called Serratia marcescens. It may also be known as: serratiopeptidase, serralysin, serratiapeptase, and SPEP, or SER for short. SER is in the peptidase enzyme family, meaning that it breaks up protein. There are a large number of health benefits attributed to SER supplementation.
Proposed Functions
There are a number of health products out there claiming that SER can do just about anything in the body, including dissolving arterial plaque, blood clots, cysts, and scar tissue, while eliminating pain and inflammation.
Pain and Swelling
There are several dental studies examining SER treatment for the prevention of pain and swelling after dental surgery. When examining these studies together, it would appear that SER has good potential as an anti-inflammatory and pain reducer, although further research is needed to say for sure.
Thinning mucous
There are also a number of studies examining the ability of SER to thin mucous secretions in both the nose and the rest of the respiratory tract. Each of these studies showed a positive result with the supplementation of SER.
Prevention of bacterial adhesion
The most current research has examined SER's potential as a protective agent on hospital surfaces for preventing colonization by certain bacteria. These studies have shown that it is successful in preventing the adhesion of a number of different bacteria.
How can I take serrapeptase
SER can be found as an individual supplement from a number of different manufacturers. The dosage varies due to the lack of research, although most studies used around 20-30mg a day. Because it is an enzyme, there is no perfect standardization (for more information on enzymes and standardization, please click here). In general, there is approximately 100IU/mg SER, thus a dose of 30mg is approximately 3,000IU per day. This is the only dosage with research supporting its use. Most manufacturers supply dosages that are much higher than this, often 10-40 times as much. Because of the lack of standardization in enzyme preparations, it is extremely difficult to compare the=m, or to recommend dosage. In general, if you would like to take these higher dosages, follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage. Do NOT break or open capsules to divide doses (see below).
Important Information
There are a few cases of allergic reaction with supplementation of SER; if you develop any difficulty breathing or skin rashes, discontinue use immediately. Do not use SER if you currently have, or have recently suffered from, pneumonia as there have been documented cases of relapse after apparent remission with SER use. There have been cases where oral supplementation of SER has resulted in damage to the throat due to improper usage. Do not break or open capsules prior to ingesting.
Hi, i would like to put my father on serrapeptase, he is on a blood thinner and ive heard not to take ser if taking a blood thinner, can you enlighten me on this ? thanks garnett
I was saved by Serrapetase in 2015 from severe plaque buildup in my veins to the point of trying stainless steel stints inserted which failed to correct it ... Three days from starting my mornings with it I wouldn't be without it now.
Hello Garnett,
It's always best to speak to your health care practitioner before starting supplementation if you're on medication.
Have a healthy day.
We have come to rely on Serrapeptase primarily for its anti-inflammatory benefits. We met a woman with chronic back pain some years ago who had tried everything for her back including gold shots etc., nothing was working. My wife gave her 4 days worth of 120,000 Iu Serrapeptase. Three days in we saw her, immense smile on her face, she declared that for the 1st time in 20 years she was without back pain! So we have used it ourselves for many years successfully. We also take it to manage potential clotting if we have been sitting for long periods of time. We are in our late 60’s early 70’s with NO health issues, something is working!
Hello Peter,
Thank you for sharing this experience. Serrapeptase is a great natural supplement for pain and back pain especially. We love to hear that you're healthy & strong.
Have a healthy day :)
I am in my sixties, and when I was forty-one I was involved in a car crash in January 2001. Pain has been part of my life ever since that time and I have researched online to see what would help with pain and inflammation. One thing that I have found is that taking 120,000 IU of (Enerex) Serrepeptase at night and in the morning reduces inflammation in my joints and helps with my mobility. I wish I had heard about this sooner, and more people should be talking about it so others can be helped!
I started taking it a month ago and found it helped with my back soreness. This article has many helpful pieces of information. It would be helpful to have some more specific info about dosage and also side effects and interactions with other supplements or herbs. I initially tried it because I have chronic sinus problems resulting in eustacian tube blockages. So far it has not relieved that problem. I was hoping it would thin the mucus and help my ear drain. Perhaps in time it will. Not sure of the time frame for it to work.
Hello Susan,
Serrapeptase is great for inflammation, we're glad to hear it has helped your situation and you could learn something about your health with our articles. We do outline general dosage in our articles, but every manufacturer formulates their supplements differently, so it's alway best to either follow what's on the bottle or your health care practitioners recommendations. Same as with prescription interactions. In general, like medications, it can take supplements 6-8 weeks to have a full effect, which can also vary person to person. Here's another one of our articles which may have some useful suggestions for you as well.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/sinusitis/
Have a healthy day!
I have been taking Serrapeptase for cyst on overy and it has shrunk them and got rid of them. Excellent supplement.
Hello Leanne,
That's excellent to hear that serrapeptase helped you dissolve the cyst. It's an excellent supplement for helping with pain and inflammation too. We're glad our article could help your find a supplement to support your needs and help you get better.
Stay healthy & well!
Serrapeptase is usually used as a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic and is commonly used for conditions such as back pain, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as for most conditions generally associated with pain and swelling (inflammation). Serrapeptase is also renowned for its ability to reduce scar tissue and improve tissue healing, so goes far beyond mere pain reduction/symptom control. Thank you for these informative articles, it's great to have everything on one site!
Hello Nelly,
We love to hear your feedback and how much you're enjoying our articles. We enjoy providing information to help you learn about natural health concerns and supplements so you can feel empowered to take care of yourself, naturally. Don't forget to check out our healthy recipes as well:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/healthy-recipes/
Stay healthy & well!