Serrapeptase
Alternate names: Butterfly Enzyme, Enzyme de Ver de Soie, Extrait de Ver de Soie, SER, Serrapeptidase, Serratiopeptidase, Silk Worm Enzyme, Silkworm Extract
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Antinoceptive
Background
Serrapeptase (Serratia peptidase) is a chemical taken from the silkworm. It is a commonly used drug in Japan and Europe made by Takeda Chemical Industries.
Serrapeptase is an enzyme. It helps the body break down protein and might help reduce swelling and mucous. In the US, serrapeptase is used as a dietary supplement.
People use serrapeptase for asthma, back pain, osteoarthritis, swelling after surgery, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Serrapeptase is an enzyme. It helps the body break down protein and might help reduce swelling and mucous. In the US, serrapeptase is used as a dietary supplement.
People use serrapeptase for asthma, back pain, osteoarthritis, swelling after surgery, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Serrapeptase is possibly safe when used for up to 4 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if serrapeptase is safe when used longer-term. It seems to be well-tolerated. Side effects might include stomach upset and nausea.
Bleeding disorders: Serrapeptase might interfere with blood clotting. This 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. This might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using serrapeptase at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if serrapeptase is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Bleeding disorders: Serrapeptase might interfere with blood clotting. This 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. This might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using serrapeptase at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using serrapeptase for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
Serrapeptase has most often been used by adults at a dose of 30 mg by mouth daily. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Serrapeptase might slow blood clotting. Taking serrapeptase along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Serrapeptase might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 07/12/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 01/12/2021 11:14:30. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
