What Is Serrapeptase And When and How Do You Use It? 11


Serrapeptase (also called serratiopeptidase) is the most potent proteolytic, or protein-dissolving, enzyme available as a nutritional supplement. This enzyme is found in nature as the substance used by silkworms to dissolve their cocoons. When it's manufactured as a supplement, Serrapeptase can be just what your body needs to fight swelling and inflammation.  Different companies market it with slightly different names.  The one I use is called SerraPlus+ (it contains MSM and trace minerals to help better assimilation and utilization of serrapeptase) but you might find it also called serra enzyme.

There are three kinds of proteins for which serrapeptase is especially effective:

  • Casein, one of the most abundant proteins in milk and cheese. As a digestive enzyme, serratiopeptidase helps to break up clumps of casein that can clog the digestive tract.
  • Fibrin, the protein that holds blood clots together. The ability of serrapeptase to break up fibrin breaks up blood clots. Cancerous tumors cover themselves with a layer of a fibrin derivative known as fibrinogen to avoid detection by the immune system. serrapeptase can “uncloak” tumors for immune system attack.
  • Bradykinin, a protein that causes blood vessels to dilate. This protein is important in swelling blood vessels around injured tissues to fill them with fluid so that they also swell painfully. By breaking up bradykinin, serrapeptase can relieve pain and swelling.

Using serrapeptase to help break up casein can stop food allergies and speed up sluggish digestion. Using serrapeptase to help break up fibrin can treat bruises and help speed up healing of the skin after cuts and scrapes. And using serratiopeptidase to break up bradykinin can stop inflammation and swelling after surgery and athletic injuries.

Weaker proteolytic enzymes like bromelain, papain, trypsin, and chymotrypsin have weaker effects on these proteins. As the strongest proteolytic enzyme, serratiopeptidase by itself is what gets the fastest results in situations like these:

  • You have sinusitis and you are using an over the counter NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ) pain reliever such as aspirin or Tylenol to control the pain. serrapeptase will control swelling and allow your sinuses to drain.
  • You have bruised or torn ligament or tendon and, once again, you are using an over the counter pain reliever to control the pain. Both the NSAID and serratiopeptidase help clear out damaged tissue so new tissue can take its place. I’d recommend that you stop taking serratiopeptidase after the pain stops.
  • You want to stop swelling and pain after a dental procedure, such as having a tooth pulled, or minor surgery—and you are not taking a blood thinner like Coumadin or Plavix.

How do you use serrapeptase?

The usual dosage of serratiopeptidase is 10,000 to 30,000 SU (serratiopeptidase units), which usually corresponds to 100 to 300 mg of the enzyme every day. Unless you are taking the enzyme to help with sluggish digestion, take it on an empty stomach with a little water. Don't take serratiopeptidase with milk. If you are using serratiopeptidase to control pain or swelling, stop using it when pain and swelling resolve. This enzyme is not a “vitamin.” It's best used for limited time period (although people with some serious health conditions like cancer may take it every day for years).

It is also important to beware leaving serratiopeptidase on the dashboard of your car or in your car in hot weather. Just 15 minutes at 55°C (132°F) will deactivate the enzyme, robbing all its health benefits. Always store serratiopeptidase in the refrigerator, with the bottle tightly closed. The products you buy online are more likely to have been kept under refrigeration until you buy them.

Serrapeptase Side Effects?

Most of the medical literature suggests that this enzyme has few side effects.  A few people have reported a little nausea, and even allergic skin reactions but the cases are rare.  If you are unsure, please consult your doctor before taking serrapeptase (or any alternative treatment).  I also recommend you read our article on the Dangers of serrapeptase.

Where can you get Serrapeptase?

The place I recommend is Good Health Naturally.  They offer enteric coated tablets as well as vegan capsules.  Their serrapeptase is a high dose and you can buy it with additional minerals and MSM to help absorption and utilization by the body. They even have Serrapeptase for Pets.

imageSerraplus – serrapeptase + MSM and trace minerals.  
Click here for more details.


imageSerraPet  -Serrapeptase for pets.  
Click here for more details.


 


About Andy

I suffered a serious neck injury when I was about 19 years old. That problem didn't affect me until I was in my 40s, but I then suffered two prolapsed discs in my neck and problems with my right arm and hand. Serrapeptase was recommended by my chiropractor to try to break up the scar tissue around the vertebrae that were causing me the problems. It seemed to help me with my problem, so created this site to help inform people what serrapeptase is, what it can do and just as importantly, what it cannot do. I hope you find the information useful.

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11 thoughts on “What Is Serrapeptase And When and How Do You Use It?

  • Richard W. Jones

    What about Serrapeptase for eye floaters? Does this enzyme help with eye floaters. How much and how often is recommended to help dissolve vitreous eye floaters. I’m taking about 30mg twice a day, but after reading the article it appears this amount may not be nearly enough.

  • Brenda Vaughn

    I’v researched this enzyme looking for help with arterial plaque. I’m plugged up from neck to feet.my cholesterol levels are good . I’v had bot carotids scraped , lost one kidney and a leg, my other leg is in jeopardy . I only weigh 115 so they say it’s genes.do you have any knowledge of serrapeptase really helping situations like mine?

    • Andy Post author

      I cannot advise you on whether this will work or it is safe to use with your conditions, you need to talk to your doctor about it. What I can tell you is that Dr. Nieper of Hanover, Germany used serrapeptase to treat people with blocked arteries. His results were very impressive. His patients had severe blockages. Maybe you should talk to your doctor about it, although to be honest, most will probably never have heard of serrapeptase.
      Good Health Naturally sell serrapeptase but also have a product called Blockbuster which they say is the most powerful formula for clearing arteries. Again though, talk to your doctor before trying any new medications.

    • Mari

      30-60 minute wait after talking serrapeptase before eating. Wait at least 2 hours after eating before taking serrapeptase. Hope that helps!

  • Cristina

    Hi,

    I am taking Serrapeptase along with azithromycin and Myco supplements (natural antibiotics). At what time should I be taking Serrapeptase? And can I take it at the same time with my antibiotics? Is it better to take 3 capsule all at once or distribute them throughout the day? Thanks!

  • Simon Tenesmus

    I am taking tablets of 80000iu 3 tims daily. I have read that 30mg is a recommended dose but I cannot work out how many mg is equivalent to 80000iu.
    Can anyone advise please?

  • Ash

    Any advice on using serapeptase after surgery to repair broken ankle. They had to titanium pin and plate. Surgery was a week ago but I’m hesitant to take anything so soon.