Serrapeptase,sometimes calledserratiopeptidase, is a supplement taken orally to help decrease inflammation.
It is anenzymederived from the intestinal bacteria of silkworms.
Others claim it relieves upper-respiratory symptoms such as sinusitis.
Verywell / Getty Images
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Researchers believe that serrapeptase works by facilitating the drainage of fluid that can build up during inflammation.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
However, many health claims surrounding serrapeptase are unsupported by scientific evidence.
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.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
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.
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.
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.
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.
You should talk with your healthcare provider if side effects persist.
However, this has only been reported in one case study to date.
To best prevent these and other potential side effects, only use serrapeptase as directed.
Precautions
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?
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.
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 Facts
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.
Interactions
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.
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.
Discard serrapeptase supplements once the expiration date has passed.
The expiration date should be listed on the supplement bottle or packaging.
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.
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.
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.
doi:10.1016/j.btre.2020.e00544
Bhagat S, Agarwal M, Roy V.Serratiopeptidase: a systematic review of the existing evidence.Int J Surg.
