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 is a chemical taken from the silkworm. It is a commonly used drug (Takeda Chemical Industries) in Japan and Europe. In the U.S., serrapeptase is classified as a dietary supplement.
Serrapeptase is used for conditions such as back pain, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and for conditions generally associated with pain and swelling (inflammation), but there is no good evidence to support these uses..
Serrapeptase is used for conditions such as back pain, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and for conditions generally associated with pain and swelling (inflammation), but there is no good evidence to support these uses..
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Serrapeptase is POSSIBLY SAFE for adults when taken by mouth for up to 4 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if serrapeptase is safe when taken for longer than 4 weeks.
Bleeding disorders: Serrapeptase might interfere with blood clotting, so some researchers worry that it 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. There is a concern that it might increase 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, so some researchers worry that it 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. There is a concern that it might increase 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
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
BY MOUTH:
- For reducing swelling of the inside of the cheek after sinus surgery: 10 mg of serrapeptase 3 times on the day before surgery, once in the evening after surgery, and then 3 times daily for 5 days following surgery.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Serrapeptase might decrease blood clotting. Therefore, taking serrapeptase along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Serrapeptase might interfere with blood clotting. Taking it along with other supplements that might also slow blood clotting could increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Some of these supplements are angelica, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, fish oil, turmeric, vitamin E, willow, and others.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Serrapeptase helps the body break down protein. This might help decrease inflammation and mucous.
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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.
