Inflammation is our body’s natural response to injury, autoimmune conditions or infection. However, at the same time, it’s also a key component of many physiological conditions that cause pain. To address this, enzyme-based anti-inflammatory drugs are becoming preferred over conventional, chemical-based drugs that reduce pain because they generally have limited side effects.
What is serratiopeptidase?
Serratiopeptidase or serrapeptase, is an enzyme proteolytic in nature, which is recommended by healthcare providers for its anti-inflammatory, antiedema and analgesic effects. It is produced in the intestines of silk worms which helps to break down cocoon walls. It reduces inflammation by mediating immune cell movement and monitoring lymphocytes level at the site of inflammation. It is found to be helpful in arthritis, neurological disorders, heart disease, injuries, sinusitis, bronchitis, muscle inflammation and others. This enzyme is proving to be a superior alternative to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) which are traditionally used to manage pain in rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
How does Serrapeptase work?
This Proteolytic enzyme works by breaking down the molecular chains of protein into amino acids, thus removing damaged and denatured proteins from the body.
Mechanism of action:
1. Anti-inflammatory: Serratiopeptidase works by decreasing the amount of fluid in the tissues, thinning the fluid, and hence facilitating the drainage of fluid. It also dissolves the surrounding dead tissue so that healing is faster.
2. Analgesic: It reduces pain by controlling the release of pain-inducing amines like bradykinin from inflamed tissues. It also works by breaking down cyclooxygenase, an enzyme which produces different inflammatory molecules.
3. Fibrinolytic/caseinolytic: It is also helpful in atherosclerotic disease, by its action of fibrinolysis it removes other dead or damaged tissue without harming living tissue. This enables the dissolution of blood clots, and atherosclerotic plaques.
4. Respiratory infection: Breakdown the exudates from inflammatory response. Also it tends to decrease and thin out the mucus released by cough thus helping in respiratory infections.
5. Effect on biofilms: Serratiopeptidase, is found to be effective against a variety of biofilm-related medical conditions as it modifies the virulent bacteria or kills them with bactericidal effect and is also effective against mature biofilms.
6. Varicose veins: Serrapeptase helps to normalize the blood clotting mechanism and hence reduces the appearance of varicose veins
7. Promotes wound healing: Serrapeptase due to its caseinolytic properties, helps control harmful bacteria , prevent infections, repair burns and trauma to the skin.
8. Helpful in treating Neurological Disorders: Studies have shown that oral administration of proteolytic enzymes, like serrepeptase, plays significant role in modulating certain factors that lead to neurological disorders.
9. Lockjaw: It has been found to be effective against lockjaw condition, also known as trismus. Hence can be used for certain dental procedures such as extraction.
Dosage: 10 mg twice a day under the guidance of a physician. It should be consumed on an empty stomach. If taken with meals, serratopeptidase will get denatured.
Possible side effects:
Allergic reactions
Rash
Fever
Stomach ache
Bleeding in patients of bleeding disorders
Nausea
Weakness
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Itchiness
Precautions:
Surgery and bleeding disorders: Serrapeptase is known to interfere with blood clotting, hence it may increase bleeding during and after surgery and also with blood disorders. It is always recommended to stop taking serrapeptase at least 2 weeks before surgery.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Nothing much has been found about the effect of serrapeptase on pregnancy and breast-feeding. So better avoid it.
References:
Tiwari M. The role of serratiopeptidase in the resolution of inflammation.Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Volume 12, Issue 3, May 2017, Pages 209-215
Rainsford K. Anti-inflammatory drugs in the 21st century. Subcell Biochem, 42 (2007), pp. 3-27
Malshe P. Orally administered serratiopeptidase: can it work?. J Assoc Physicians India, 46 (5) (1998), p. 492
Imbimbo B. The potential role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in treating Alzheimer's disease.Expert Opin Investig Drugs, 13 (11) (2004), pp. 1469-1481