Serrapeptase – Serratia Peptidase, a natural anti-inflammatory

by Aviva Natural Health Solutions February 06, 2014

Miracle Enzyme for Pain Relief, Inflammation, Sinusitis, and Arthritis

For the millions of people who take anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and promote cardiovascular health, there is a supplement that shows great promise. The name of this supplement is serrapeptase, and doctors in Europe have been prescribing it to treat everything from pain to atherosclerotic plaques.

Serrapeptase is an enzyme that is produced in the intestines of silk worms to break down cocoon walls. This enzyme is proving to be a superior alternative to NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) traditionally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Serrapeptase has been used to treat chronic sinusitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sprains and torn ligaments, fibrocystic breast disease, ovarian cysts, ear, nose and throat infections, fibromyalgia, varicose veins, emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, migraines (vascular), Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) including Crohn's, colitis and cystitis, enlarged prostate, pain, and postoperative inflammation. Some researchers believe serrapeptase can play an important role in arterial plaque (hardening of the arteries) prevention and removal.

NSAIDs are traditionally used to treat pain, inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Non selective (COX1 and COX2) NSAIDs include Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, and salicylates (Aspirin). Selective NSAIDS include COX2 enzyme inhibiting products, including a popular drug recently taken off the market. With the recent reports linking COX2 enzyme inhibiting drugs to heart attacks, stroke, intestinal bleeding, kidney or liver impairment, and respiratory infections, many are looking for safe, natural alternatives. Recent surveys have found that drugs are 250,000 times more dangerous than natural products.

Unlike over-the-counter NSAIDs, serrapeptase has not been shown to cause ulcers and stomach bleeding. In fact, serrapeptase, like many natural health products, produces numerous ( side benefits ) In over 25 years of use and in published studies, no side effects have been found.

Inflammation

Our bodies have a love-hate relationship with inflammation. On the one hand, inflammation is a natural response necessary to protect the body from invading organisms. On the other hand, excessive inflammation can limit joint function, and destroy bone, cartilage and other articular (joint) structures.

Pain Reduction

While serrapeptase reduces inflammation, one of its most profound benefits is reduction of pain, due to its ability to block the release of pain-inducing amines from inflamed tissues. Physicians throughout Europe and Asia have recognized the anti-inflammatory and pain-blocking benefits of this naturally occurring substance and are using it in treatment as an alternative to NSAIDs.

Post Operative Swelling and Pain

In Germany and other European countries, serrapeptase is a common treatment for inflammatory and traumatic swellings. One double-blind study was conducted by German researchers to determine the effect of serrapeptase on post-operative swelling and pain. This study involved sixty-six patients who were treated surgically for fresh rupture of the lateral collateral ligament of the knee. On the third post-operative day, the group receiving serrapeptase exhibited a 50 percent reduction of swelling, compared to the controls. The patients receiving serrapeptase also became pain-free more rapidly than the controls, and by the tenth day, the pain had disappeared completely.

Fibro-Cystic Breast Disease

Serrapeptase has been used in the successful treatment of fibrocystic breast disease. In a double-blind study, serrapeptase was superior to the placebo for improvement of breast pain, breast swelling and induration (firmness). 85.7 percent of the patients receiving serrapeptase reported moderate to marked improvement. No adverse reactions to serrapeptase were reported. Researchers concluded that serrapeptase is a safe and effective method for the treatment of breast engorgement.

Serrapeptase & Sinusitis

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, serrapeptase has been shown in clinical studies to benefit chronic sinusitis sufferers. In this condition, the mucus in patients' nasal cavities is thickened and hypersecreted. This thickening causes mucus to be expelled less frequently. Japanese researchers evaluated the effects of serrapeptase (30 mg/day orally for four weeks) on the elasticity and viscosity of the nasal mucus in adult patients with chronic sinusitis. Serrapeptase reduced the viscosity of the mucus, improving the elimination of bronchopulmonary secretions.

Ear, Nose and Throat

Other clinical trials support serrapeptase's ability to relieve the problems associated with ear, nose, and throat infection, anosmia (loss of smell), nasal obstruction, laryngitis, difficulty in swallowing, often in just 3-4 days. Physicians assessed efficacy of treatment as excellent or good for 97.3 percent of patients treated with serrapeptase compared with only 21.9 percent of those treated with a placebo. One anecdotal report indicated that serrapeptase ended years of snoring literally overnight.

Cardiovascular Implications

Fibrinolytic (Clot Busting) Action: Hans A. Nieper, M.D, an internist from Hannover, Germany, studied the effects of serrapeptase on plaque accumulations in the arteries. The formation of plaque involves deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin (a clotting material in the blood) on the inner lining of the arteries. Excessive plaque results in partial or complete blockage of the blood's flow through an artery, resulting in arteriosclerosis, and potentially a stroke or heart attack. The evidence to support serrapeptase's role in preventing plaque build-up is anecdotal. Still, further studies are called for in this area as Nieper's research indicated that the protein-dissolving action of serrapeptase will gradually break down atherosclerotic plaques.

According to Dr. Nieper, 30,000 I.U. of Serrapetase per day for 12 to 18 months is sufficient to remove fibrous blockages from constricted coronary arteries, as confirmed in many of his patients by ultrasound examination.

When combined with nattokinase, another amazing fibrinolytic enzyme, and other natural products including omega 3 fatty acids and Terminalia Arjuna, natural health practitioners have a powerful method of improving cardiovascular health without the side effects of drugs.

Conclusion

If you suffer from inflammatory diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, sinusitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, snoring, fibrocystic breast disease, ovarian cysts, fibromyalgia, varicose veins, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, migraine headaches, enlarged prostate, tennis elbow, lung problems, arteriosclerosis, edema (swelling), pain, or cardiovascular plaque build up, serrapeptase may provide the relief you've been looking for, without the side effects of NSAIDs and COX2 enzyme inhibiting drugs.

Thanks to the tiny larvae of the silk moth, researchers have taken a large step toward finding relief for inflammatory disease sufferers.

Aviva offers Enerex serrapeptase in various strengths including 60,000, 90,000 and 120,000 units. Additional information regarding serrapeptase dosage is also available. Originally posted December 2004, latest update January 2019. Material compiled from Enerex.