Benefits of Serrapeptase

Evidence-Based Benefits

• Post-surgical swelling — Al-Khateeb and Nusair (2008, n=24) found serrapeptase significantly reduced facial swelling and pain intensity after third molar extraction compared to placebo
• Fibrinolytic activity — serrapeptase degrades fibrin, reducing blood clot formation and tissue adhesions at sites of inflammation and surgical wounds
• Sinusitis — Mazzone et al. (1990, n=193) found serrapeptase significantly improved nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and facial pain in chronic sinusitis patients
• Carpal tunnel syndrome — a pilot study (Panagariya and Sharma, 1999) found serrapeptase improved clinical symptoms in 65% of carpal tunnel patients over 6 weeks
• Mucolytic effects — serrapeptase reduces mucus viscosity by cleaving glycoproteins, improving drainage in sinusitis and bronchitis

What the Research Says

Serrapeptase has been used clinically in Japan and Europe since the 1970s, primarily for post-surgical swelling and ENT conditions. The evidence base includes several small-to-moderate RCTs. Al-Khateeb and Nusair (2008) confirmed benefit for post-dental-surgery swelling. Mazzone et al. (1990) demonstrated significant improvements in chronic sinusitis symptoms. However, a 2017 systematic review (Bhagat et al.) noted that many studies are older, have small sample sizes, and variable methodology. The enzyme is absorbed intact from the GI tract when enteric-coated, reaching measurable serum levels. Its unique mechanism — degrading non-living protein debris while sparing living tissue — makes it theoretically useful for inflammation, but larger modern RCTs are needed to establish definitive efficacy.

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