The Health Benefits of Serrapeptase
Discovered in the early 1970’s, this proteolytic enzyme was isolated from the Serratia species of bacteria located in the intestines of silkworms. Serrapeptase, also called serratiopeptidase, is a superior enzyme that provides strong, healthful properties. Today, serrapeptase is used all over Europe and Asia in clinical settings. It can break down non-living tissue in the body.
Serrapeptase is one of the world’s most exciting enzymes and studied thoroughly for its wide variety of clinical applications. It’s used clinically throughout Europe and Asia for many health conditions. One of the most well-known proponents of this enzyme was the German physician, Dr. Hans Nieper. Some even call him the “father of serrapeptase.” He had great success supplementing with serrapeptase to support normal heart and circulatory system health.
How Does Serrapeptase Work?
Serrapeptase is an important enzyme that supports a range of functions. It can bind itself to alpha-2 macroglobulin, a protein in blood plasma, and travel to the areas of the body where it’s needed most. Interestingly, serrapeptase is the same enzyme that helps silkworms eat their protective cocoon before flying away. Serrapeptase has the distinct ability to digest only non-living tissue allowing the old toxic layers that clog the digestive system and the lining of our arteries to dissolve. This is one reason why it's so good at keeping arterial deposits from building up after heart surgery.
Health Benefits of Serrapeptase
1. Supports Circulatory Health
Dr. Nieper found that serrapeptase promoted normal blood clotting and reduced the appearance of varicose veins. Other studies found that serrapeptase effectively removes atherosclerotic plaque without hurting any of the healthy cells along the arterial wall.[1] In supplements, it is often used in conjunction with nattokinase.
2. Soothes Redness
Multiple studies confirm serrapeptase soothes redness and swelling.[2, 3] It promotes a calm, harmonious environment in the body at a cellular level.
3. Helps With Traumatic Injuries
Serrapeptase is widely used in Europe as a supplement for traumatic injury (such as sprains and torn ligaments), as well as the swelling associated with post-surgical patients.
4. Fluid Balance and Swelling
Serrapeptase has been approved as a standard remedy in many European countries for swelling. A German study on the enzyme found that it could reduce swelling by up to 50% in post-operative patients by the third day after ankle surgery.[2] Patients who took serrapeptase experienced less discomfort than the control groups. Additionally, patients who took serrapeptase reported comfort more rapidly than those who did not take the supplement.
5. Promotes Breast Health
In a double-blind study, serrapeptase was found to reduce breast tenderness and swelling in 85.7% of the patients taking the supplement.[4] This is related to the fact that the enzyme possesses fibrinolytic and proteolytic properties.
6. Encourages Ear, Nose, and Throat Health
In one double-blind study, patients with acute or chronic ear, nose or throat diseases found significant symptom regression with serrapeptase.[5] The enzyme can reduce the viscosity of mucus, thus facilitating drainage.
7. May Help With Carpal Tunnel
Recent studies confirm the use of this enzyme for the reduction of symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.[6] Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is a painful wrist condition caused when a nerve that runs along the carpal bones is pinched. In a preliminary trial on twenty patients, 65% showed clinical improvement after taking serrapeptase with no side effects.
8. Supports Systemic Wellness
Serrapeptase is used by the body for a vast array of functions. It’s important for the nervous system, as well as for the ears, nose, and throat. Its properties benefit the respiratory system, prostate, cardiovascular system, and more. Positive effects on sports injuries, post-operative scars and lesions, varicose veins, anti-aging, restoration of healthy fibrin metabolism, and reduction in C-reactive protein are also reported.
How to Read the Units of Measurement for Serrapeptase
Serrapeptase is measured in SUs (serrapeptase Units). This comes from the Japanese and Korean Pharmacopoeias. The units tell you the activity level of the enzyme; the higher the number, the more active it is.
Where Can I Find the Best Source of Serrapeptase?
Veganzyme® is an advanced, full-spectrum enzyme formula. It contains a 100% vegan form of serrapeptase cultured from Serratia marcescens. Completely free of toxic additives, the vegan formula contains digestive enzymes which help digest fats (lipids), sugars, proteins, carbohydrates, gluten, and other food sources. Veganzyme also provides enzymes to break down excess mucus, fibrin, various toxins, allergens, and excess clotting factors throughout your body. Veganzyme is non-GMO, kosher certified, gluten-free, and contains no animal products.
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References (6)
- Kakinuma A, et al. "Repression of fibrinolysis in scalded rats by administration of Serratia protease." Biochem Pharmacol. 1982 Sep 15;31(18):2861-6.
- Esch PM, et al. "Reduction of postoperative swelling. Objective measurement of swelling of the upper ankle joint in treatment with serrapeptase-- a prospective study." Fortschr Med. 1989;107(4),67-8,71-2.
- Tachibana M, et al. "A multi-centre, double-blind study of serrapeptase versus placebo in post-antrotomy buccal swelling." Pharmatherapeutica. 1984;3(8),526-30.
- Kee WH, et al. "The treatment of breast engorgement with Serrapeptase (Danzen): a randomised double-blind controlled trial." Singapore Med J. 1989;30(1),48-54.
- Mazzone A, et al. "Evaluation of Serratia peptidase in acute or chronic inflammation of otorhinolaryngology pathology: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized trial versus placebo." J Int Med Res. 1990;18(5),379-88.
- Panagariya A, Sharma AK. "A preliminary trial of serratiopeptidase in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome." J Assoc Physicians India. 1999;47(12),1170-2.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
