Serrapeptase Health Benefits and Uses

Serrapeptase (also known as "serratiopeptidase") is an enzyme extracted from a type of bacteria that occurs naturally in the intestines of the silkworm. Found to possess anti-inflammatory properties, serrapeptase is widely available in supplement form.

Proponents claim that serrapeptase can help with a wide range of health problems, including:

• Asthma
• Atherosclerosis
• Back pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Crohn's disease
• Fibromyalgia
• Migraine
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sinusitis
• Sore throat
• Tension headache
• Ulcerative colitis

To date, few clinical trials have tested the health effects of serrapeptase. Here's a look at some key findings from the available research:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Serrapeptase may help manage carpal tunnel syndrome, according to a small study published in The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India in 1999. For the study, 20 carpal tunnel syndrome patients were given 10 mg of serrapeptase twice daily. After six weeks of treatment, 65 percent of cases showed significant improvement.

Post-Surgery Pain

A small study published in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 2008 suggests that serrapeptase may help alleviate pain and swelling resulting from dental surgery. The study involved 24 healthy people, all of whom underwent surgical removal of impacted molars. Compared to those who were given a placebo in combination with pain medication, participants who received both serrapeptase and pain medication experienced significantly less pain and cheek swelling in the seven days following surgery.

Breast Engorgement

For a study published in Singapore Medical Journal in 1989, researchers assigned 70 women with breast engorgement to three days of treatment with either a placebo or serrapeptase. (Very common among breastfeeding women, breast engorgement is a painful condition that occurs when the breasts overfill with milk.) Study results revealed that serrapeptase was superior to the placebo in terms of its effects on breast pain and swelling.

Some manufacturers claim that taking serrapeptase in combination with nattokinase can help treat arthritis, enhance heart health, stimulate the immune system, and reduce inflammation. However, there is currently a lack of scientific evidence to support this claim.

Since serrapeptase is easily broken down by gastric acids, some medical professionals recommend choosing enteric-coated capsules when purchasing serrapeptase supplements.

Little is known about the safety of long-term use of serrapeptase. However, there is some evidence that taking serrapeptase can harm lung health. For instance, several reports have linked consumption of serrapeptase to increased risk for pneumonitis (a condition marked by inflammation of lung tissue). Due to these safety concerns, it's important to consult your doctor if you're considering the use of serrapeptase.

Supplements haven't been tested for safety and due to the fact that dietary supplements are largely unregulated, the content of some products may differ from what is specified on the product label. Also keep in mind that the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established.

Due to a lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend serropeptase in the treatment of any condition. If you're considering the serropeptase, talk with your primary care provider first. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.