Serrapeptase: The Miracle Enzyme

First discovered in the 1970s, serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme, which means that its primary task is to break down proteins. Serrapeptase naturally occurs in the intestine of the silkworm and is used by the adult moth to dissolve the remains of the cocoon after metamorphosis. Now, however, it is processed commercially in laboratories through a fermentation process using the friendly bacteria Serratia E15 to create a plant-based formula. Serrapeptase has been used medicinally in Europe and Asia for more than 25 years for its potent analgesic and anti-infammatory properties. Today, it is used as a viable alternative to ibuprofen and NSAIDs. Serrapeptase dissolves non-living tissues such as fibrin,  plaque, blood clots, cysts and inflammation in all forms – without harming living tissue. Dead or inflamed tissues are two of the key causes of the majority of ailments in the body so by removing these dead tissues serrapeptase enables the body to heal itself.

It has been found to help with numerous inflammatory conditions including atherosclerosis, arthritis, fibrocystic breast disease and carpal tunnel syndrome. The German physician, Dr Hans Nieper, reportedly had great success using serrapeptase in the reduction of heart disease and arterial blockage in his patients.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SERRAPEPTASE

Numerous studies have been carried out into the health benefits of serrapeptase.

In 2003 a team of Japanese researchers investigated the effect of serrapeptase on patients with chronic airway disease. The results showed that the patients in the treatment group experienced significant improvement after four weeks of serrapeptase therapy.1

A 2008 study suggested that serrapeptase may help to soothe pain and swelling after dental surgery.

The 24 participants were either given serrapeptase and pain medication or a placebo in combination with pain medication following their surgery. Those in the serrapeptase group experienced significantly less pain and cheek swelling in the seven days after the operation.2

In 1996 Italian researchers at the University of Naples reported that serrapeptase reduced swelling, weakness and nighttime cramps in patients with inflammatory venous disease.3

Researchers in Singapore carried out a double-blind controlled trial in which serrapeptase was evaluated in a group of 70 patients with evidence of cystic breast disease. In the serrapeptase group improvements in breast pain and swelling were noted in significant numbers with no adverse reactions.4

A double-blind study involving patients with acute or chronic ear, nose or throat diseases found significant reductions in symptoms with those patients taking serrapeptase. This fact is attributed to the ability of the enzyme to reduce the viscosity of mucous, therefore helping drainage.5

WHAT FORMULATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Serrapeptase is available in various formulations to suit different people and different health conditions. For example, a high strength of 80,000iu can be taken in a low dose of one or two per day for long-term maintenance and to support the health of the digestive system, arteries and lungs, or increased to 6 per day for maximum benefit in the shortest time and to support the health of the lungs, joints and tendons as well as aiding the reduction of scars and lesions.

Serrapeptase can be combined with other anti-inflammatory ingredients such as curcumin in order to promote a healthy heart blood flow and circulation as well as healthy cholesterol levels. It can also be combined with antioxidants and other enzymes such as Pycnogenol® and nattokinase to support the cardiovascular and arterial system, promote healthy joints and cartilage, aid with wound healing and lower inflammation.

In over 25 years of studies serrapeptase has demonstrated no side- effects or interactions with medications and is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is even suitable for use in pets!