Serrapeptase: Further Reading

What Is?

Serrapeptase

Further Reading

Index: Dosage -||- Side Effects -||- Dr. Hans Nieper -||- Medical Research

Serrapeptase Dosage

The Serrapeptase dosage most commonly used in scientific research has been between 10 mg and 30 mg per day, but this suggestion is useless since the enzyme strength or activity is unknown. Unlike vitamins or herbal supplements, the most effective Serrapeptase dosage depends more on the potency of the Serrapeptase enzyme rather than the amount taken.

The best answer regarding what is the best Serrapeptase dosage is completely dependent on the person. One person may get relief from sore joints by taking 250,000 IU's per day while another person may need 750,000 IU's per day to get relief. Enzymes work with an individual’s biochemistry and are rarely dependent on that person's weight. A 7 stone woman may need to take more Serrapeptase per day than a 16 stone man. The amount or dosage is different for everyone. Since there are no common side effects it is safe to take an amount of 1,000,000 IU's per day for pain, inflammation, and the reduction of fluid accumulations.

Are there any Serrapeptase Dangers?

There is no evidence that you can overdose on systemic enzymes like Serrapeptase. However, it is still important to follow the Serrapeptase dosage recommended by the product's manufacturer unless you are otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.

For best results, always take Serrapeptase at least half an hour before eating and/or two hours after a meal. If you are uncertain and have more questions feel free to contact us.

Serrapeptase Side Effects

Current medical research has reported virtually no signs of side effects from using Serrapeptase. In few and rare cases Serrapeptase may cause allergic skin reactions. The Serrapeptase Research Organization has mentioned only a few reported side effects, associated with enzymatic detoxification. If too much of the enzymes are taken too quickly, Serrapeptase can cause the body to detoxify. For this reason, we suggest limiting your dosage to no more than 500,000 IU’s per day for the first week, and drinking plenty of water, allowing the body to release any accumulations of toxins.

As with any enzyme or dietary supplement there is always a chance of experiencing an upset stomach or nausea and gastrointestinal symptoms. Since certain enzymes like Serrapeptase are proteolytic (protein digesting), it is not recommended that they be taken with food, as they can digest the food and become weakened before they reach the bloodstream. Therefore, if you experience any stomach discomfort try adding the enzymes to apple puree or another low protein medium to coat the stomach.

Consult Your Doctor

Serrapeptase side effects and potential risks are few. No serious or adverse side effects have been reported from taking Serrapeptase; however, there are a few potential cautions. A very small number of isolated cases of gastrointestinal irritation mostly in patients with gastrointestinal ulcers have been reported with use. A smaller population described in medical literature, developed pneumonia. Although rare, it was theorized that removing scar tissue from the lungs (as Serrapeptase does) can increase the chance of infection due to airborne pathogens (52), this is mostly in elderly individuals with compromised lung function. For this reason Serrapeptase is not recommended for those people with advanced lung cancers or those that smoke. Discontinue smoking if beginning Serrapeptase, and consult your doctor if you are taking blood thinners as Serrapeptase can also enhance or amplify their effectiveness. In addition, always consult a physician before replacing prescriptions with natural supplements.

Dr. Hans Nieper

Letter writen by Dr. Hans Nieper featured in April 1997 issue of Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients.

I informed you some years ago that Serrapeptase is apparently active in the cleaning of coronary arteries from occluding layers. The results are so spectacular that even Tom Valentine reported on this progress in the US (DC) press after speaking to several parties here.

Serrapeptase is an enzyme produced by serratia bacteria living in silkworms. With this enzyme the worms melt a hole out of the cocoon. Unlike other enzymes in the field of biology, Serrapeptase dissolves ‘dead’ tissue, but not the silk and apparently also fibrinoid layers in the arteries which chemically could be compared to silk.

A special problem in today’s civilized society is occluding processes in the carotid arteries of the neck. Very often we see patients where surgeons were reluctant to operate or to apply drill or laser technology to such occluded carotids. The reason for this is the potential risk that surgical debris will be pushed into the smaller cerebral vessels.

We have, therefore, started to apply Serrapeptase treatment to cases of severe narrowings of the carotid arteries, mostly in patients showing severe symptoms due to the narrowing, including amaurosis fugax (intermittent blindness). The therapeutic results are excellent, certainly lifesaving. It is, however, mandatory that the therapy be conducted for a very long time. The first reliable results can be expected after 6-8 months. Even up to 18 months after the onset of Serrapeptase therapy, patients have still displayed improvement.

SerraDosage

SerraEffects

SerraHans

I have also found Serrapeptase to be an extraordinary substance for safely removing fibrous blockages from coronary arteries, particularly the carotid arteries found in the neck, which supply blood to the brain. Serrapeptase is a natural enzyme produced by serratia bacteria living in silkworms. Once the silkworm has completed its transformation into a moth, it uses this substance to “melt” a hole in its cocoon, so that it can escape.

The astonishing fact is that, unlike other biological enzymes, Serrapeptase affects only non-living tissue, such as the proteins that make up the silk cocoon. This is the reason the moth is not harmed. For our health purposes, Serrapeptase dissolves only dead tissues such as the old fibrous layers that clog the lining of our arteries and dangerously restrict the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. Because of this, Serrapeptase is extremely useful in keeping arterial deposits from building up again after angioplasty (a balloon technique used to clear arterial blockage) or coronary bypass surgery has been performed.

Very often, surgeons are reluctant or unable to open partially closed carotid arteries using laser surgery. They fear that resulting debris could be pushed into smaller connecting arteries and result in a stroke and possibly death. In cases of severe arterial narrowing, I have used Serrapeptase with excellent, even life-saving results. Many of my patients have shown significantly improved blood flow through their previously constricted arteries, as confirmed by ultrasound examination. Unfortunately, orthodox cardiologists do not employ this important method in their practices.

The late Dr. Nieper of Hanover, Germany, was an oncologist who was consulted by prominent persons including Red Buttons, Yul Brynner and Ronald Reagan. He was president of the German Society of Oncology and was outspoken against fluoridation, as witnessed in his book "Revolution in Medizin und Gesundheit."

Serrapeptase Medical Research

The Wonders of Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase has been used to treat ailments for more than 25 years, but initially this enzyme was mostly used in Europe and Asia as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, as word regarding the effectiveness of this enzyme spread, other countries around the world recognized its benefits and started using it for various illnesses and health disorders. Despite its success, questions often remain such as what exactly is Serrapeptase and what are the benefits for which it has gained such enormous popularity?

SerraResearch

What is Serrapeptase?

Serrapeptase can easily be rated as a ‘super enzyme’ due to its benefits. Initially this enzyme was isolated from bacteria Serratia SP. E-15 that live in the intestines of silkworms, but today it is produced commercially through fermentation and in laboratory settings in order to meet its unexpectedly high demand. The theory is that the enzymes extracted from the bacteria are capable of dissolving dead tissue without having any harmful effects on an organism’s healthy cells. In the case of the silkworm, Serrapeptase makes it possible for this insect to leave the silk cocoon after it has transformed into a moth by breaking down proteins contained within the cocoon (1).

Interestingly, enzymes such as Serrapeptase can be found in various micro-organisms and two of the most common are Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. Furthermore, the September 2003 edition of ‘Life Extension Magazine’ mentioned that Serrapeptase has been used in Europe and Asia for more than 25 years, whereas in the US it started gaining recognition after 1997 when it began being sold as a dietary supplement. Health benefits of Serrapeptase:

Serrapeptase has been shown to be beneficial for reducing both pain and inflammation. Serrapeptase supplementation may also be beneficial for:

Respiratory Health
Thinning mucus (ears, nose, & throat)
Pain and Inflammation associated with Arthritis and Atherosclerosis

Currently, researchers are also evaluating the ability of this enzyme to promote cardiovascular health by analysing the role Serrapeptase plays in preventing the development of arterial plaque (4).

How it Works?

Serrapeptase is also known as serrapeptidase, serratiopeptidase, and serratiapeptidase. It is a proteolytic enzyme in that it helps speed up the breakdown of proteins within an organism (1, 3, 8). This enzyme has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in two different ways:

Serrapeptase breaks down fibrin, which is an important protein in the blood that is involved in blood coagulation or clotting.
Serrapeptase has the ability to reduce pain by blocking the release of Bradykinin in damaged tissue. Bradykinin is a protein that is responsible for triggering a pain response.

Serrapeptase has the ability to inhibit the release of pain-inducing amines such as bradykinin from inflamed tissue (11, 20, 26, 27). Bradykinin is a protein that causes blood vessels to dilate and its main function is to increase the sensation of pain. Bradykinin also makes nerves in inflamed tissue more sensitive, causing them to be hypersensitive to heat and light touch and creates a general sensation of soreness. By leading to the reduction of proteins that cause pain sensations and soreness, Serrapeptase shows promise as a pain-reducing supplement.

Serrapeptase for Infections Related to Implants

It is common for the human body to develop infections in the tissue surrounding orthopaedic devices that are implanted in the body. In most cases, these infections pose a great threat to the entire body. When this occurs, doctors will occasionally remove a device if an infection develops. Based on this information, a study was carried out by a team of Turkish researchers in order to evaluate the effects of Serrapeptase on reducing the numbers of bacteria that cause these types of infections.

The study involved drilling holes in the right femurs of 60 rats. Cement made out of a substance called Polymethylmethacrylate was used to fill the cavities. In addition, a Kirschner wire was connected to the knee joints. After the operation, each rat was injected with staphylococcus epidermidis in order to cause an infection to develop. Twenty of the rats died 14 days after the procedure due to the infection. The forty rats that were still alive were then separated into two groups:

The first group was given antibiotics along with Serrapeptase.
The second group was given antibiotics and saline (saltwater) injections.

The conclusions of the study, which were published in 2006 in the ‘Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery’, showed that Serrapeptase in combination with antibiotics effectively reduced the number of staphylococcus epidermidis and enabled the animals in this group to survive (14). Additional research has also demonstrated the effectiveness of Serrapeptase at inhibiting the reproduction of biofilm-embedded bacteria that cause prosthetic device infections (17).

Serrapeptase for Reducing Postoperative Swelling

A group of German researchers and doctors conducted a study on the ability of Serrapeptase to lessen postoperative pain, inflammation, and swelling. Patients who underwent ankle surgeries were selected for this study and 66 patients were divided into three groups. The first group was given Serrapeptase after the operative procedures in order to reduce inflammation. The conclusions of this study were reported in the issue of ‘Fortschritte der Medizin’ in February, 1989. The group that was given Serrapeptase had 50% less swelling than the other patients by the third day of Serrapeptase treatment (52).

Similarly, another study was published in the ‘International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery’ in March 2008. This study demonstrated that the use of Serrapeptase after dental surgeries can greatly reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain (7).

Serrapeptase for Heart Health

Numerous researchers have demonstrated the efficacy of Serrapeptase as a healthy enzyme for maintaining good heart health. Around 40 studies were conducted and all proved Serrapeptase to be helpful in improving heart health. Among all of these studies, the late Dr. Hans A. Nieper of Hanover was the leading researcher. He was well known around the globe for being one of the best integrative physicians available at the time. He was also widely known for being among the best cardiovascular doctors in the world.

Dr. Nieper was the first person who showed strong belief in the positive effects of Serrapeptase on heart patients. He spent an extensive amount of time conducting studies on this very issue. His main goal was to see whether or not Serrapeptase was capable of reducing the accumulation of plaque in the arteries. Interestingly, it was he who called Serrapeptase ‘the miracle enzyme’ after discovering the benefits it has to offer to heart patients. Through his thorough research, Dr. Nieper was able to determine that Serrapeptase is effective at reducing fat, plaque, and cholesterol debris that are associated with atherosclerosis (4). Atherosclerosis is a condition that is caused by the accumulation of plaque in the arteries. It is one of the major causes of strokes, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and other cardiac conditions.

Dr. Nieper performed several experiments and discovered that Serrapeptase can dissolve harmful particles that accumulate and form plaque in the arterial walls. These particles include cellular waste, fat, fibrin, bad cholesterol, and calcium. Moreover, he also proved that Serrapeptase did all of this without harming the living, healthy cells or tissues that line the arterial walls.

What makes his studies even more reliable is the fact that modern science and the recent studies conducted have shown that plaque formation inside the arterial walls is a form of inflammation (32). In other words, this means that Serrapeptase is capable of improving heart health by reducing the accumulation of harmful particles in the arteries.

According to Dr. Nieper, Serrapeptase supplementation is different from other cholesterol reducing drugs because it dissolves dead tissue and other harmful particles within the arteries without affecting the natural process of cholesterol creation in the body. The human body does require good cholesterol to carry out different functions within the body effectively. Therefore, Serrapeptase does not block healthy cholesterol circulation instead it only digests the dead tissue and cells as well as harmful substances in the arteries. Also, Serrapeptase does not cause any side effects like most drugs (9-18).

He also proved through his studies that Serrapeptase works very well in cleaning up debris that can form plaque in the carotid arteries. The carotid arteries are responsible for transporting blood and oxygen to the brain from the heart. Dr. Nieper, in his biography, ‘The Curious Man’ referred to several issues surgeons face while dealing with plaque formation in carotid arteries which eventually narrows the arteries. He stated that “quite frequently surgeons face difficulties in opening up semi-blocked or closed carotid arteries. It is their fear that the debris that will be caused by the surgery can move into other smaller arteries which can eventually result in death by stroke”.

According to Dr. Nieper, Serrapeptase is a safer alternative because the risk involved with such surgeries can be avoided with the use of this enzyme. He noted that he had used Serrapeptase on patients with severe arterial narrowing and observed great improvement and even life-saving results. These patients were diagnosed with constricted arteries based on ultrasound reports. He prescribed three tablets to be taken each day and most of his patients showed significant improvement in their blood flow.

Furthermore, through such studies, Dr. Nieper was also able to prove that Serrapeptase worked faster than many other drugs to remove arterial plaque. It also works faster than EDTA chelation therapy. EDTA chelation therapy is a process used commonly for removing plaque and for restoring overall cardiovascular function. Finally, he also proved that Serrapeptase is capable of dissolving blood clots and restoring the health and proper functioning of the veins and arteries (36).

People suffering from heart-related conditions may experience improved heart health by taking Serrapeptase. Here are some tips for doing so based on Dr. Nieper’s findings:

Serrapeptase can be taken every day. Remember, you should take Serrapeptase on empty stomach and only as recommended by most doctors.
People suffering from chronic inflammation may be able to take higher doses.
It is best to take Serrapeptase one hour before eating or two hours after eating.

Make sure you talk to your doctor about taking Serrapeptase along with other drugs. Although Serrapeptase has not yet shown any reactions when taken in conjunction with other drugs, it is always best to be on the safe side when it comes to your health (36).

Serrapeptase for Arthritis

In 1947, Dr. Arnold Renshaw from Manchester took the initiative of investigating the efficacy of a proteolytic enzyme on improving the symptoms of inflammation that are associated with arthritis. In the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, he reported that 700 patients were recruited to take it for inflammation and the results were marvellous (33). He also added that 283 patients out of 556 with different types of arthritis showed great recovery after taking it and 21 patients showed slight recovery. Similarly, 264 patients out of 292 with rheumatoid arthritis showed great recovery. Most of the patients started showing recovery after two months of taking this proteolytic enzyme.

Arthritis can be classified into two major types: rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is the type in which the joints are inflamed due to a virus or an autoimmune reaction. Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the joints become weak.

Rheumatoid vasculitis is a very dangerous condition that can at times be fatal. It is the inflammation of the blood vessels and is regarded as one of the most complicated forms of rheumatoid arthritis. Major complications associated with this condition include the development of skin ulcers and neuropathies. This condition can also severely affect the brain, the heart, and the nerves and as a result, can cause heart strokes or heart failure.

According to numerous studies, Serrapeptase also works faster on osteoarthritic pain than rheumatic pain (11, 33). Furthermore, many studies have revealed that the only way to naturally control arthritis is by supplementing the diet with systemic enzymes and/or maintaining a strict diet.

Serrapeptase may be highly beneficial for inflammation associated with both forms of arthritis. Normally, patients take strong medications which are quite dangerous to their overall health. Furthermore, some of the medications also contain steroids and medical research has shown that most of the conventional anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed for arthritis only produce shown short-term relief.

Fortunately, studies related to arthritis have demonstrated that digestive enzymes are safer and more effective than most of the anti-inflammatory drugs. More specifically, Serrapeptase has the ability to improve inflammation and pain to a greater extent than most drugs. In addition, it does not cause side effects (9-18).

Today, research indicates that Serrapeptase can provide the following benefits to those suffering from chronic inflammation:

Reduced risk of thromboembolic complications
Reduced risk of cartilage damage that can occur due to immobility
Decreased extent of muscle atrophy
Improved mobilization
Reduced pain due to swelling

Serrapeptase capsules, in particular, have been shown to be highly effective for cleansing the body of dead tissues. Once this occurs, the body’s healing process is activated and dead tissues are replaced with new and healthy tissue (33).

Serrapeptase for Chronic Inflammation

Inflammatory reactions generally consist of pain, swelling, tissue damage and even muscle spasms according to the injury. The release of enzymes such as cyclooxygenase and prostaglandins usually cause these types of complications to develop. The symptoms of inflammation can be treated by corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce the accumulation of harmful fluids that leak from the circulatory system into areas of inflammation (5, 6). These types of drugs also inhibit the release of cyclooxygenase and prostaglandins (7). However, the potential side effects of these drugs include delayed wound healing and adrenal suppression and cannot be used for certain conditions (8).

Serrapeptase has been shown to reduce inflammation and swelling without causing harm to healthy tissue or adverse side effects and is, therefore, a safer alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs (9-18). Furthermore, when taken in capsule form, Serrapeptase is easily absorbed through the intestines and released into the body through the bloodstream (19). Once released into the body, this enzyme promotes the degradation of cellular debris and causes fluid accumulations to become less thick, thereby facilitating the drainage of harmful substances away from the site of inflammation. As a result, Serrapeptase has the ability to rapidly decrease the signs and symptoms of inflammation

while speeding up tissue repair (19-25).

There are three major reasons as to why Serrapeptase capsules are an ideal supplement to reduce chronic inflammation. Here are the reasons:

Serrapeptase breaks down fibrin, which is an important protein in the blood that is involved in blood coagulation or clotting.
Serrapeptase thins the fluids that are associated with inflammation. This allows fast drainage away from the site of inflammation and leads to quicker recovery times after injury or surgery.
Finally, Serrapeptase has the ability to alleviate pain by blocking the release of Bradykinin in damaged tissue. Bradykinin is a protein that is responsible for triggering a pain response.

Conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are prescribed for

chronic inflammation are aspirin, naproxen, and salicylates. Unlike Serrapeptase,

these non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cause numerous side effects including prolonged wound healing. Interestingly, most of us don’t realize that some headaches and migraines are related to arterial inflammation. In these instances, taking Serrapeptase instead of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may prove beneficial for both pain relief and reduced inflammation. Additionally, Serrapeptase has been regarded as being quite useful for trauma relief.

Serrapeptase for Breast Engorgement

Millions of women every year are affected by complications related to breast lumps and cysts. Cysts or lumps moving freely within the breast tissue indicate fibrocystic breast diseases. The pain and the condition itself get worse during menstruation. These lumps are usually soft initially and get harder with time. At times, the cysts become full of fluid as a result of increased hormone levels. Over time, the cysts also become surrounded by fibrous tissues and can become chronically inflamed.

Several studies involving supplementation with Serrapeptase have been conducted in the past with women who had breast tenderness and cysts. The results were quite effective on women who were already taking other medications. They were not told to stop taking their medication, but were given Serrapeptase as a dietary supplement. Serrapeptase supplementation reduced breast swelling, breast firmness, and pain. The conclusion was that Serrapeptase is effective in alleviating breast cyst inflammation and swelling without any side effects (10, 34).

Serrapeptase for Muscle Inflammation

In March 2007, The Myositis Association reported that myositis is a condition in which a patient experiences extreme swelling and inflammation in the muscles. This inflammation and swelling can be the result of an injury, an infection, or side effects of medications. It has been reported that this type of inflammation can become chronic in some cases. Weakness, muscle aches, and fatigue as well as difficulty standing, reaching upward, climbing stairs, lifting weights, and swallowing are all symptoms of myositis.

Research has shown that Serrapeptase has anti-inflammatory properties (11, 13). Serrapeptase is also known for providing relief from pain as reported by Life Extension. Furthermore, Serrapeptase has the ability to thin fluids which surround the area of injury. By thinning these fluids, Serrapeptase has the ability to reduce both pain and inflammation. Also, Serrapeptase can break down fibrin and other types of dead tissue that can elevate the degree of pain and inflammation.

Serrapeptase for Mucus Build-up

In addition to being able to digest and break down dead tissues, Serrapeptase also has the ability to reduce the elasticity and thickness of nasal mucus as well as lower the number of neutrophils in mucus samples (24). Also, some studies have shown that patients have found Serrapeptase to be highly beneficial in cutting down the thickness of mucus and reducing recurring coughing compared to many of the common treatment methods (15). Similarly, patients with respiratory issues have also benefited from using Serrapeptase merely because it prevents the increased production of mucus and makes the mucus less thick.

Serrapeptase, unlike most medications, does not completely impede the product of mucus. Instead, it works on the elasticity and thickness of the mucus. By breaking down the dead tissues, Serrapeptase allows the body to restore healthy lung and tissue function.

Moreover, Serrapeptase has also proven to be very helpful for mucus buildup in the nose, throat, and ears. (34). However, it is recommended to consult a doctor before taking Serrapeptase for conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat. At times, these conditions have nothing to do with inflammation, in which case, the use of Serrapeptase would not help the patient overcome the infection.