The silkworm uses a proteolytic enzyme called serrapeptase that is found in its intestine when it is time to dissolve the chrysalis and allow the butterfly to escape. It also takes advantage of the high power of this enzyme to break down proteins and promote the digestion of mulberry leaves, the only food that allows life.
Thanks to research carried out in Japan, today we know that serrapeptase, compared to other proteolytic enzymes, is more effective in the treatment of inflammatory processes, equating its benefits to those of conventionally used drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, with the advantage that it is free of side effects.
Find out all about this curious enzyme and its potential benefits through the definitive guide to serrapeptase.
What is serrapeptase?
Serrapeptase, also called serratiopeptidase , is a proteolytic enzyme (it breaks down proteins into smaller components called amino acids), isolated in the 60s and marketed as a medicine in the period from 1968 to February 2011 by the Japanese laboratory Takeda. However, as a result of a clinical study, which was inconclusive in terms of its effectiveness, and as it is a natural product with a patent that is difficult to defend, Takeda stopped marketing it.
This enzyme helps the digestion of mulberry leaves, the main food of the silkworm, and dissolves the "dead" structure that persists in the mature cocoon, allowing the worms to break through and escape to the outside, without damaging the silk fibers .
In the medicinal field, it is used in various situations of pain and inflammation, and has very good tolerance. Researchers in Europe and Japan proposed that serrapeptase was the most effective proteolytic enzyme for reducing inflammation . Since then, it has been found to have several possible uses and promising health benefits.
3 benefits of serrapeptase
1. Reduces inflammation
In the same way that this enzyme digests the chrysalis, it can decompose those accumulations that are formed in the body, associated with inflammatory processes.
In the affected tissues, fluid retention is usually generated, where waste substances and pro-inflammatory compounds such as certain amines are deposited, responsible for the sensation of pain. In this sense, serrapeptase helps to dissolve this stagnation and block the release of said harmful substances, thus favoring a general decongestion.
A review of 5 studies aimed to identify and confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of serrapeptase compared to other drugs. The researchers concluded that serrapeptase was more effective in improving bowel blockage than ibuprofen and corticosteroids. They also concluded that it is safer than other drugs, suggesting that it could be an alternative in cases of intolerance to other drugs (Sivaramakrishnan and Sridharan, 2018).
2. Decrease pain
Serrapeptase has been shown to reduce pain , a common symptom of inflammation.
One study looked at the effects of serrapeptase in nearly 200 people with inflammatory conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. (Catalani et al., 1990). The researchers found that participants who received serrapeptase supplements had significant reductions in pain intensity and mucus production compared to those who took a placebo.
Similarly, another study found that serrapeptase significantly reduced pain intensity compared to placebo in 24 people after wisdom teeth were removed. (Al-Khateeb and Nusair, 2008)
Ultimately, more research is needed to confirm the possible pain-reducing effects of serrapeptase and to determine in what other conditions it may be helpful in treatment before it can be recommended.
3. It is useful for chronic respiratory diseases
Because serrapeptase can increase mucus clearance and reduce inflammation, for people with chronic respiratory diseases, applying it is quite helpful.
The most common respiratory diseases include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and pulmonary hypertension, and although these conditions are clearly incurable, various treatments can help to dilate the airways or increase mucus clearance, improving quality of life. .
For example, bronchitis causes coughing and shortness of breath due to overproduction of mucus; therefore a study was conducted and people who received serrapeptase had less mucus production compared to the placebo group and had a better ability to clear mucus from their lungs (Azuma et al., 2003). However, more studies are needed to support these findings.
Side effects of serrapeptase
Although very few studies have been done to discover the potential dangers of this enzyme, some side effects have been recorded from people who have consumed it:
- Muscle and joint pain
- Poor appetite
- Sickness.
- Stomachache.
- Cough.
- Blood clotting disorder
On the other hand, taking the enzyme with medications or supplements that thin the blood is not recommended either.
conclusion
Serrapeptase is an enzyme that has been used for decades in various parts of the world thanks to its effective results for pain and inflammation, not to mention that it is able to help people suffering from chronic respiratory diseases
The application of this enzyme is quite promising; however more research is still needed to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of this enzyme.
Buy the best serrapeptase supplements
References
- Al-Khateeb, T. and Nusair, Y. (2008). Effect of the proteolytic enzyme serrapeptase on swelling, pain and trismus after surgical extraction of mandibular third molars. International Journal of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. doi: 10.1016 / j.ijom.2007.11.011
- Azuma, A., Hashimoto, Y., Hino, M., Kudoh, S., Mikami, M., Nakamura, S., Soma, T. and Yamanaka, E. (2003). Effect of the proteolytic enzyme serrapeptase in patients with chronic airway disease. Respirology . doi: 10.1046 / j.1440-1843.2003.00482.x
- Catalani, M., Costanzo, M., Drusian, A., Guarini, E., Mandoli, A., Mazzone, A., Russo, S…, Vesperini, G. (1990). Evaluation of Serratia peptidase in acute or chronic inflammation of otorhinolaryngology pathology: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized trial versus placebo. Journal of International Medical Research. doi: 10.1177 / 030006059001800506
- Sivaramakrishnan, G. and Sridharan, K. (2018). Role of Serratiopeptidase After Surgical Removal of Impacted Molar: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery . doi: 10.1007 / s12663-017-0996-9
