Table of Contents
Serrapeptase: Introduction
Serrapeptase is called in different names by different people. Some of these are SER, Butterfly Enzyme, Silkworm Extract, Serratiopeptidase, Enzyme de Ver de Soie, Serrapeptidase, Silkworm Enzyme, and Extrait de Ver de Soie. So, what is it? It is a (proteolytic enzyme) that helps in the digestion of proteins. Being produced in silkworms (in their guts) by bacteria, it works in the digestion of cocoons (of silkworms). While some would like to regulate it as a chemical consumed as a drug throughout Europe and Japan, it is referred to as a supplement. We shall refer to it as a supplement as well.
Serrapeptase: Uses
The following are some of the health conditions for which Serrapeptase is being used:
Arthritis, headaches (migraine and tension), back pain, inflammation (swelling/pain), heart disease, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome), lumpy breasts (non-cancerous ones), breast pain arising from breast engorgement, asthma, empyema, and diabetes among others.
Serrapeptase: How It Works
The major function of Serrapeptase is to break down proteins in the body. And the major effect of this breakdown is a reduction of mucous as well as inflammation. Various studies have also found the supplement or drug to reduce/suppress coughing within a few weeks of application. It also clears off sinuses resulting from facial swelling in post-surgery situations. A few days’ treatments can also take care of laryngitis and pharyngitis (reducing pains due to inflammation and overexertion, fever, and swallowing difficulties in patients). While the safety of its long-term use has not been verified, it is safe for adults to take it orally within a few weeks (as short-term usage).
Serrapeptase: Warnings/Precautions
Since little or no information is known about how this drug works during pregnancy and after delivery for breastfeeding mothers, it is better to be on the safer side by avoiding it completely. Its use might increase the tendency to bleed as it interferes with the clotting of blood. It is advisable for those having bleeding challenges to find out from their doctors if they are safe to use it or not. In a similar vein, anyone taking this drug should stop its use before proceeding to any form of surgery since there can’t be surgery without bleeding.
Serrapeptase: Possible Interactions
Just like other supplements, this pain relief product has some interactions. Patients should be careful when using or combining it with the following drugs: Drugs that have the tendency of slowing down blood clotting function such as antiplatelet or anticoagulant, aspirin, warfarin, ibuprofen, and naproxen among others. Since Serrapeptase slows down the process of blood clotting, it will be dangerous to combine it with any of these as it might lead to further complications.
Serrapeptase: What Is the Right Dosage
You can check with your health provider to receive a prescription for the right dose compatible with your health condition. But for reduction of pain/swelling in the cheek post-surgery (sinus), Serrapeptase (10mg) can be taken three times prior to the day of surgery; then another one after the surgery, followed by 5 days post-surgery treatment to be taken in the morning, noon, and night. This dosage is for oral use only.