Serrapeptase: an Enzyme That Treats Inflammation, Arthritis, Scar Tissue and More

By Dr. Michelle Kmiec

The use of enzymes therapeutically is not a new concept, and has been widely accepted for its healing properties in both traditional and modern medicine.

Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme, which means that it breaks down protein into smaller components (peptides and amino acids) that the body can re-use. It is derived from the digestive system of the silk worm, which regurgitates serrapeptase to break free from its cocoon.

Scientists in India first began to research the enzyme to see how it could be used therapeutically in the human body. From the start, they were astonished to realize that serrapeptase is a very powerful anti-fibrotic enzyme, with applications for the treatment of inflammation, arthritis, scar tissue and much more.

What Does Serrapeptase Do?

Realizing that serrapeptase is anti-fibrotic was an interesting discovery because many health conditions are the result of abnormal thickening or scarring of fibrous connective tissue, a condition known as fibrosis.

Fibrosis is any disease where excess fibrous growth is present. This includes a wide range of conditions and health issues, including the following:
•Plaquing of the arterial walls (atherosclerosis)
•Fibrocystic breasts
•Uterine fibroid tumors
•Scarring after injury
•Scarring after surgery
•Cystic Fibrosis; affecting the exocrine glands (secreting glands; mucus, hormones, etc.) of the lungs, liver, pancreas, and intestines.
•Blood clots; due to the fibrin in blood

The action of serrapeptase doesn’t stop there. It is an effective enzyme against inflammation in all its forms. In other words, inflammation of the joints, the digestive system as well as other organs.

This is because serrapeptase breaks down the dead tissues and excess fibrin, thus eliminating the body’s defense mechanism which is known as inflammation. The body is then able to clean out the burdensome dead tissues and fibrin growths, allowing for the healing process to begin more effectively.

Inflammatory health conditions that serrapeptase is effective against are:
•Ulcerative Colitis
•Crohn’s Disease
•Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Serrapeptase, by helping the body eliminate dead tissues and fibrin growths, is extremely beneficial to those suffering from autoimmune disorders such as:
•Multiple Sclerosis
•Rheumatoid Arthritis
•Psoriasis
•Allergies
•Cancer

Serrapeptase in these cases, not only breaks down the dead fibrin tissues, but also serve as a healthy alternative to NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen), and powerful steroids that are sometimes used for pain control.

Conditions That Have Been Helped by Serrapeptase

•Pain (of all kinds)
•Arthritis
•Arterial plaque
•Headaches caused by inflammation
•Multiple Sclerosis
•Lupus
•Rheumatoid Arthritis
•Psoriasis
•Emphysema
•Bronchitis
•Pulmonary Tuberculosis
•Asthma
•Sinusitis
•Eye conditions caused by inflammation
•Injuries and trauma
•Post operative scarring
•Inflammatory bowels diseases
•Cystitis
•Fibroid tumors
•Fibromyalgia
•Fibrocystic diseases
•Varicose Veins
•Cardiovascular diseases
•Subclinical chronic inflammation; premature aging

Dosages

Regarding the conversion of mg and IU for serrapeptase, the answer is not that easy. There appears to be a different standard of conversion depending on what company you choose to buy from. There is some research that has used the ratio of mg of serrapeptase which equals 20,000 units of activity, however not exclusively.

There has also been research done with 200 mg or 20,000 IU.

With this in mind, it would be best to not try to compare the two, but rather stick to one measurement or another.

The dosage varies depending on the condition you are trying to address or if you are simply using the enzyme for maintenance purposes.

Dosages range from:
•30 mg – 1000 mg
•10,000 IU – 100, 000 IU

In either case, taking 1 – 2 per day is typical for maintenance or for minor ailments. The therapeutic dosage can be as high as taking the max dosage (either 1000 mg or 100,000 IU. Keep in mind that this does not mean that they are equivalent) for up to 30 pills per day for the lower potency and dosages taken 1 -2 times per day for the higher range.

There doses seem to be the concern regarding the “blood thinning” properties of serrapeptase, so let’s clarify what is really meant by “blood thinners”.

Technically, the blood cannot get “thin”. What happens when you take something that acts to “thin the blood”, like an Aspirin or something stronger such as Coumadin, is that the blood becomes less sticky, so the blood can then flow more freely. The blood itself has not changed, but rather the mechanism that allows (or disallows) for free flow has. This is a subtle concept, but an important one.

There are many things that can impede blood flow such as:
•Platelets sticking together
•Clotting
•Plaquing
•Inflammation

With the use of serrapeptase, any of the above can be remedied and the research has proven it. However, the question is…will serrapeptase interfere with a drug therapy being used to “thin the blood”?

There appears to be no concerns with taking serrapeptase at the lower dosages. The really cool thing about this enzyme is that whether you take lower doses or higher doses, you will ultimately achieve the same effect. One just takes a bit longer than the other.

If you are concerned regarding any interactions, please consult a knowledgeable doctor. I say knowledgeable because this enzyme has a great deal of research supporting it, so if your current doctor dismisses the idea of trying serrapeptase, he/she is giving an opinion without having read the research. If that is the case, please seek out a healthcare professional who is open to all methods of healing — especially non-pharmaceutical methods that have been shown to be effective for your overall health!

Remember, there is only one you… it is your right to be in control of your health!