Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase is a chemical taken from the silkworm. It is a commonly used drug (Takeda Chemical Industries) in Japan and Europe. In the U.S., serrapeptase is classified as a dietary supplement.

Serrapeptase is used for painful conditions including back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, carpel tunnel syndrome, migraine headache, and tension headache.

It is also used for conditions that involve pain and swelling (inflammation) including sinusitis, laryngitis, sore throat, ear infections, swelling after surgery, swelling of a vein with the formation of a blood clot (thrombophlebitis), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Some people use serrapeptase for heart disease and “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis).

Women use it for non-cancerous lumpy breasts (fibrocystic breast disease), and nursing mothers use it for breast pain caused by too much milk (breast engorgement).

Other uses include treatment of diabetes, leg ulcers, asthma, and pus accumulation (empyema).

How does it work?

Serrapeptase helps the body break down protein. This might help decrease inflammation and mucus.

Facial swelling after surgery to clear the sinuses.
Chronic bronchitis.
Sinus pain (sinusitis).
Hoarseness (laryngitis).
Sore throat (pharyngitis).
Back pain.
Osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoporosis.
Carpel tunnel syndrome.
Diabetes.
Leg ulcers.
Migraine headache.
Tension headache.
Asthma.
Pus accumulation (empyema).
Thrombophlebitis.
Fibromyalgia.
Fibrocystic breast disease.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Breast engorgement.
Heart disease.
Ear infections.

By Mouth:

For reducing swelling of the inside of the cheek after sinus surgery: 10 mg of serrapeptase 3 times on the day before surgery, once in the evening after surgery, and then 3 times daily for 5 days following surgery.

Serrapeptase seems to be safe for adults when taken by mouth, short-term (up to 4 weeks). The long-term safety of serrapeptase is not known.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of serrapeptase during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Serrapeptase might interfere with blood clotting, so some researchers worry that it might make bleeding disorders worse. If you have a bleeding disorder, check with your healthcare provider before using serrapeptase.

Surgery: Serrapeptase might interfere with blood clotting. There is a concern that it might increase bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using serrapeptase at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.