Serrapeptase
OTHER NAME(S): serralysin, serrapeptase, serrapeptidase, serratiopeptidase
Overview
Serrapeptase is an enzyme made by bacteria in silkworms. It is sometimes used to reduce swelling (inflammation), but its benefits are not well defined. Although serrapeptase seems to be well tolerated, there is not enough research to know what side effects it may cause. Before taking serrapeptase, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is serrapeptase used for?
Serrapeptase is used to reduce swelling (inflammation) from various causes, but its benefits are not well defined.
Note: The FDA has not reviewed serrapeptase for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does serrapeptase work (mechanism of action)?
Serrapeptase is an enzyme that breaks down proteins (a protease). It is made by a type of bacteria that lives in silkworms. The serrapeptase in dietary supplements is made by this bacteria, which is called Serratia marcescens.
Serrapeptase may help reduce swelling (inflammation), which has led to interest in taking it for a wide range of issues, including problems with the nose or throat, as well as breast engorgement while breastfeeding. There is also interest in taking serrapeptase to help with healing after an injury or surgery, such as an ankle sprain or wisdom tooth removal. But most research shows that over-the-counter pain medicines may work as well or better than serrapeptase for reducing pain. The benefits of serrapeptase for reducing swelling are not well defined.
How should I store serrapeptase?
You should store serrapeptase according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of serrapeptase?
There is not enough research to know what side effects may be caused by serrapeptase. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be side effects of serrapeptase that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of serrapeptase?
While less common, the most serious side effects of serrapeptase are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Serrapeptase may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking serrapeptase and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Severe Skin Reactions.In rare cases, taking serrapeptase may cause severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and bullous pemphigoid. If these reactions happen, you may need treatment in a hospital. Stop taking serrapeptase and call your health care provider right away if you get a rash or blisters on the skin. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
- Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
- Red, painful, and watery eyes
- Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and muscle aches
Precautions
Who should not use serrapeptase?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take serrapeptase.
- Serralysin
- Serrapeptase
- Serratiopeptidase
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific serrapeptase products they stock.
What should I know about serrapeptase before using it?
Serrapeptase is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep serrapeptase out of the reach of children.
The FDA has not tested serrapeptase products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using serrapeptase?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if serrapeptase is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- A current infection or an infection that keeps coming back
- Bleeding problems
- Eosinophilic disorders, including eosinophilic asthma or eosinophilic esophagitis
- Upcoming surgery
Other Medicines and Supplements.Serrapeptase may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking serrapeptase, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how serrapeptase could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if serrapeptase passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does serrapeptase interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between serrapeptase and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect serrapeptase.
Does serrapeptase interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any of the following before taking serrapeptase.
- A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
- An antiplatelet medicine, such as aspirin/dipyridamole, cilostazol, clopidogrel (Plavix), or ticagrelor (Brilinta), which is a medicine used to prevent blood clots
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
The interactions between serrapeptase and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with serrapeptase is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking serrapeptase with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much serrapeptase?
If you or someone else has used too much serrapeptase, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Serrapeptase comes in a wide range of doses. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take serrapeptase safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- BMC Oral Health: “Efficacy of serratiopeptidase after impacted third molar surgery: a randomized controlled clinical trial.”
- Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences: “Study of the fibrinolytic activity of serrapeptase and its in vitro thrombolytic effects.”
- The British Journal of Dermatology: “A case of serratiopeptidase‐induced subepidermal bullous dermatosis.”
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: “Treatments for breast engorgement during lactation.”
- Indian Journal of Dental Research: “Comparison of the roles of serratiopeptidase and dexamethasone in the control of inflammation and trismus following impacted third molar surgery.”
- International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: “A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing the efficacy and safety of paracetamol, serratiopeptidase, ibuprofen and betamethasone using the dental impaction pain model.”
- Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: “Diclofenac-Serratiopeptidase combination induced Stevens–Johnson Syndrome: a rare case report with review of literature.”
- Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma: “Efficacy and safety of serrapeptase on ankle sprain cases: a single center prospective comparative study.”