Serrapeptase
A proteolytic enzyme that breaks down dead and inflammatory tissue — used for sinus congestion, post-surgical recovery, and theoretically arterial plaque.
Strong evidence in Japan / Europe for sinusitis, post-tonsillectomy swelling, and fibrocystic breast disease. Anecdotal and small-trial support for general anti-inflammatory effects and scar-tissue softening. Arterial plaque claims are based on theory and animal data — clinical evidence is thin. Effects: 1–4 weeks for sinus / swelling.
Serrapeptase (serratiopeptidase) is a proteolytic enzyme originally isolated from a bacterium in the silkworm gut. It selectively digests non-living tissue — fibrin, mucus, dead cells, and inflammatory exudate — without affecting healthy tissue. Used widely in Japan and Europe (where it's been a registered drug for decades) for sinus congestion, ear/nose/throat infections, post-surgical swelling, fibrocystic breast disease, and theoretical arterial plaque dissolution. Evidence in the West is moderate; the European prescription history is reassuring.
- Form
- Enteric-coated serrapeptase — non-negotiable. Stomach acid destroys the enzyme; coating lets it survive to the small intestine. Measured in SU (serratiopeptidase units) — look for 80,000–120,000 SU per capsule.
- Dose
- 120,000 SU/day for general use. Up to 360,000 SU/day for acute inflammation or chronic sinusitis (split across the day).
- Timing
- Empty stomach (30–60 min before food, or 2 hours after) — food blunts systemic absorption.
- Schedule
- Daily for sinus / fibrocystic conditions. Pulsed (1–4 weeks) for acute swelling / scar tissue.
- Side effects
- Generally well-tolerated. GI upset, mild nausea, skin reactions. Rare cough or pneumonia reports (in Japanese surveillance data, very low frequency).
- Interactions
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelets — additive blood-thinning. Stop 7–14 days before surgery. NSAIDs — additive (bleeding risk).
- Contraindications
- Bleeding disorders. Pre-surgery (stop in advance). Active peptic ulcer. Pregnancy / lactation — limited safety data.
- Lab markers
- Not standard. CRP and fibrinogen for inflammation tracking.
- Food sources
- Not present in food — bacterial-derived enzyme.
Pairs with
Nattokinase, lumbrokinase — systemic enzyme stacks (additive fibrin breakdown). Bromelain. Curcumin (synergistic anti-inflammatory). The usual ready-made version of that stack is Neprinol AFD, which carries a real serrapeptase dose (45,000 SPU per capsule — around 135,000 SPU at its 3-a-day tier) alongside nattokinase and proteases. Note it isn't conventionally enteric-coated: it uses thick cellulose 'Acid Armor' capsules on the argument that microbial enzymes tolerate stomach acid, which is a manufacturer position rather than an independently verified one — see the caution on coating above.
Where to buy
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