Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme that’s been used in Japan and Europe for decades. It comes from bacteria found in silkworms — specifically, it’s what allows the moth to dissolve its cocoon.
The enzyme has been studied primarily for inflammation and pain following surgery, particularly dental procedures. But does the evidence support the hype?
Here’s what the research actually shows.
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What is serrapeptase?
Serrapeptase (also called serratiopeptidase) breaks down proteins into amino acids. The bacteria Serratia marcescens produces it in the silkworm’s gut, where it dissolves the tough silk cocoon.
Researchers in Japan first isolated the enzyme in the late 1960s after noticing its ability to reduce inflammation. Since then, it’s been used in Europe and Asia as an anti-inflammatory supplement alternative to NSAIDs.
The idea behind using serrapeptase is simple: if it can dissolve a silk cocoon, maybe it can break down inflammatory proteins and dead tissue in the body. The reality is more complicated.
Serrapeptase may reduce inflammation
The most studied use of serrapeptase is for post-surgical inflammation, especially after dental procedures like wisdom tooth extraction.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examined serrapeptase versus other treatments for post-operative inflammation after third molar surgery. The analysis found that serrapeptase was more effective than ibuprofen and corticosteroids at reducing trismus (lockjaw). However, corticosteroids were better at reducing facial swelling immediately after surgery.1
The same review noted that serrapeptase had a better safety profile than NSAIDs and corticosteroids, making it a potential option for people who can’t tolerate those medications.
Suggested read: The 13 Most Anti-Inflammatory Foods You Can Eat
Serrapeptase may curb pain
Some studies suggest serrapeptase can reduce pain, likely by breaking down inflammation-related proteins.
One double-blind study of 193 people with acute or chronic ear, nose, and throat conditions found that serrapeptase significantly reduced pain severity and mucus production compared to placebo.2
Another small study in 24 people after wisdom tooth removal showed serrapeptase reduced pain intensity compared to placebo. However, a separate trial found it was less effective than corticosteroids for post-dental surgery pain.
The evidence is promising but limited. Most studies are small and short-term.
Serrapeptase may prevent infections
This is where serrapeptase gets interesting. Bacteria form protective structures called biofilms — essentially a shield that makes them resistant to antibiotics.
Research suggests serrapeptase can break down these biofilms, potentially making antibiotics more effective. A review of studies found that serrapeptase enhances antibiotic efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of hospital-acquired infections.3
This biofilm-disrupting ability has led to interest in using serrapeptase alongside antibiotics for stubborn infections, including antibiotic-resistant strains. However, most of this research is from lab and animal studies — human trials are limited.
Serrapeptase may dissolve blood clots
The theory is that serrapeptase breaks down fibrin, the protein that forms blood clots. This has led to claims that it can prevent or treat atherosclerosis and blood clots.
Let’s be direct: there’s no solid human evidence for this. The claims are mostly based on the enzyme’s known properties and anecdotal reports, not clinical trials.
Don’t take serrapeptase expecting it to prevent heart attacks or strokes. If you’re concerned about cardiovascular health, focus on heart-healthy foods and talk to your doctor about proven interventions.
Serrapeptase may be useful for chronic respiratory diseases
Serrapeptase has mucolytic properties — it can thin mucus and make it easier to clear from the airways.
One randomized controlled trial of 29 people with chronic bronchitis found that 30 mg of serrapeptase daily for 4 weeks reduced mucus production and improved clearance compared to placebo.
For people with COPD, chronic bronchitis, or excessive mucus production, serrapeptase might offer some benefit. But the studies are small, and it shouldn’t replace standard respiratory treatments.
Serrapeptase dosing and supplements
Serrapeptase is destroyed by stomach acid, so supplements must be enteric-coated to survive until they reach the intestines.
Typical doses
Studies have used doses ranging from 10-60 mg daily (equivalent to 20,000-120,000 SPU or serratiopeptidase units).
How to take it
- Take on an empty stomach (30 minutes before eating or 2 hours after)
- Look for enteric-coated formulations
- Follow the specific product’s dosing instructions
Potential dangers and side effects of serrapeptase
The safety profile appears reasonable in short-term studies, but there’s limited long-term data.
Reported side effects include:
- Nausea and stomach discomfort
- Skin reactions
- Muscle and joint pain
- Decreased appetite
Important interactions
Don’t combine serrapeptase with blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin) or supplements that affect clotting (fish oil, garlic, turmeric). The enzyme may increase bleeding risk.
If you have a bleeding disorder or are scheduled for surgery, avoid serrapeptase.
Should you supplement with serrapeptase?
The honest assessment: serrapeptase has some promising research, particularly for post-surgical inflammation and as an antibiotic adjunct. But the evidence base is limited — mostly small studies, many from decades ago.
A Cochrane-style systematic review concluded that while serrapeptase shows potential, the quality of available evidence is low to moderate at best.1
If you’re considering serrapeptase:
- Talk to your doctor first, especially if you take medications
- Don’t use it as a replacement for proven treatments
- Be realistic about expectations — it’s not a miracle enzyme
- Choose enteric-coated products from reputable manufacturers
For general inflammation management, dietary approaches and proven supplements have stronger evidence behind them.
Summary
Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme with decades of use in Japan and Europe. The best evidence supports its use for reducing inflammation after dental surgery, where it may work comparably to NSAIDs with fewer side effects.
Research on biofilm disruption and antibiotic enhancement is interesting but preliminary. Claims about blood clots and cardiovascular benefits lack human evidence.
If you try serrapeptase, use enteric-coated products, avoid combining with blood thinners, and keep expectations realistic.
Tiwari M. The role of serratiopeptidase in the resolution of inflammation. Asian J Pharm Sci. 2017;12(3):209-215. PubMed ↩︎ ↩︎
Mazzone A, Catalani M, Costanzo M, 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):379-388. PubMed ↩︎
Selan L, Papa R, Tilotta M, et al. Serratiopeptidase: a well-known metalloprotease with a new non-proteolytic activity against S. aureus biofilm. BMC Microbiol. 2015;15:207. PubMed ↩︎
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