Serrazimes Proteases
Also known as: Serrazol, Serrazimes, Serrapeptase, Serratia enzyme, Serratiopeptidase
Overview
Serratiopeptidase is a proteolytic enzyme originally isolated from the intestine of the silkworm (*Bombyx mori* L.*) and produced by the enterobacterium *Serratia marcescens* ATCC 21074 through fermentation. Its amino acid composition consists of approximately 470 amino acids, resulting in a molecular weight of around 50,000 kDa. Serratiopeptidase is utilized in various clinical fields including surgery, orthopedics, otorhinolaryngology, gynecology, and dentistry, leveraging its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-edemic properties. However, the breadth of scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited, characterized by low quality and methodological insufficiencies. Robust studies are essential to conclusively establish its efficacy and safety for definitive medical applications.
Benefits
Current evidence supports that serratiopeptidase may significantly reduce trismus (jaw stiffness) after third molar surgery, evidenced by a moderate effect size in systematic reviews (p = 0.04, MD = 4.82). Nonetheless, its effectiveness in mitigating pain and inflammation remains uncertain, with existing evidence categorized as very low. Moreover, while potential anti-atherosclerotic benefits have been proposed, they lack clinical validation. The most reliable application is observed in postoperative recovery, particularly in dentally-related surgery, indicating stronger efficacy compared to other indications.
How it works
Serratiopeptidase functions by hydrolyzing nonterminal peptide linkages in polypeptides, crucially contributing to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It interacts with various biological pathways, notably the kallikrein-kinin cascade, which regulates vascular permeability and inflammation. This enzyme aids in tissue degradation by disrupting fibronectin and collagen structures and may inhibit biofilm formation, thus enhancing the efficacy of specific antibiotics.
Side effects
Serratiopeptidase is generally regarded as safe for short-term use, although long-term safety data remains scarce. Common side effects (>5%) are not well-defined in rigorously controlled trials. Hypothetical gastrointestinal disturbances might occur due to its enzymatic activity. Documented uncommon or rare side effects are minimal, with no significant risks identified in the literature thus far. Interaction with medications, particularly antibiotics, may increase their therapeutic effects, while concurrent use with anticoagulants could elevate bleeding risk. Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as individuals with chronic health conditions, should exercise caution due to the limited safety information currently available.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for serratiopeptidase typically falls between 10,000 to 20,000 units per day (approximately 5 to 10 mg). However, definitive dosage guidelines are lacking, attributed to inconsistencies in study protocols. While a maximum safe dose is not clearly established, doses exceeding 20,000 units have not been widely analyzed. Administration timing is generally post-surgical or necessitated by inflammation, yet specific usage protocols remain unstandardized. Administered orally, the enzyme’s bioavailability and absorption rate are not thoroughly characterized. Moreover, serratiopeptidase is inactivated at temperatures above 55°C (131°F), exhibiting optimal enzymatic activity at 40°C (104°F) in a pH of 8.
FAQs
How often should it be taken?
The frequency of administration is not well-standardized and should be guided by clinical need.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Long-term safety data is lacking, so caution is advised.
Can it be used with other medications?
Potential interactions with antibiotics and anticoagulants should be considered.
What are the potential side effects?
Common side effects are not well-documented, but gastrointestinal disturbances could be a concern.
Is it safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
There is insufficient data to recommend its use in these populations.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19414627/ – This systematic review analyzed serratiopeptidase's efficacy in reducing postoperative pain and swelling. The study suggested a potential reduction in trismus following third molar surgery, although conclusions were limited by the overall quality of the included studies.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6212633/ – Investigating the role of serratiopeptidase in inflammation management, this article reviewed numerous trials. While some benefits in post-surgical settings were noted, the evidence for chronic use and broader applications remains inconclusive.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0196070915000699 – This study evaluated the analgesic properties of serratiopeptidase following dental procedures. The findings supported its role in reducing pain but indicated a need for more rigorous methodologies to confirm these effects reliably.
