Is There Any Serratiopeptidase Side Effect?

Serratiopeptidase is a proteolytic enzyme (protease) that is synthesized from an enterobacterium known as Serratia E15. This bacterium is found in the intestine of a silk worm.

There are numerous different types of Serratia bacteria. In fact, there is a Serratia bacteria that is pathogenic in humans. However, the E15 strain is not pathogenic.

Some argue that any enzymes synthesized from bacteria are not healthy and safe. Some believe that this type of bacteria produces too many negative effects.

The truth is, the purification process is extremely thorough. The process is so through that even enzymes synthesized from pathogenic bacteria are safe.

Uses of Serratiopeptidase

This enzyme has been used for medical purpose for many years in countries like Japan. Other parts of Asia as well as parts of Europe also use this enzyme as an alternative medicine.

Furthermore, recent studies on the effects of serratiopepidase offered evidence that this enzyme is highly effective in treating inflammation and pain. This substance has been studied in numerous conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, airway lung disease, edema, osteoarthritis, and jaw pain.

Although several studies have shown the clinical potentials this substance has, more long-term studies are required to discover its full potential. More research is needed to discover the full effectiveness and side effects of this substance.

Serratiopeptidase Side Effect

A rare side effect of pneumonitis has been documented by a study. You can find more about this documentation in a study by Nihon Kyobus Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi called “A Case of Pneumonitis due to Serratiopeptidase.”

There are other recorded negative effects of this substance, including allergic reactions. Minor pains and aches have also been recorded as side effects of serratiopeptidase, but there is insufficient evidence to prove these reports.

So, if you think you experienced any side effects from this substance, then it is advised to visit a doctor. In fact, it is strongly encouraged to consult a doctor before you try any type of serratiopeptidase supplement.

Research on Serratiopeptidase

In September 2008 a “Respriology” issue was published that stated the effects the proteolytic enzyme has on patients. Furthermore, this study found that this substance may have a significant beneficial role in clearing mucus.

This substance clears mucus by altering the viscoelasticity of sputum and by decreasing the numbers of neutrophil. The study has also found other benefits of this substance.

A preliminary trial of serratiopeptidase use in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome has shown that 65 percent of the treated patients showed clinical improvement with just four cases reporting a recurrence of the medical condition. Furthermore, there were no noted side effects in this study.

This trial can be found in the Journals of Associated Physicians of India. Published in December 1999.

The effects of this substance in treatment of experimental implant-related infections, as found in the American Journal of Joint and Bone Surgery, found that serratiopeptidase was effective in preventing infection.

The study has shown that serratiopeptidase has stopped infection caused by the biofilm-forming bacteria in the animal model. This study was published in June 2006.

Also, it is promising that this substance can make antibodies more effective. However, more long-term studies are needed to discover the full effectiveness of this substance.

Conclusion

Most researchers did not document any negative effects of this enzyme. The clinical studies that do document side effects did not provide sufficient data to determine if those side effects were really caused by serratiopeptidase. In fact, many believe that those side effects are only a coincidence.