Serrapeptase: Does It Really Help with Pain & Swelling?

review PMID: 23380245

Quick Summary: Serrapeptase is an enzyme sometimes used to reduce inflammation and pain. This research review looked at existing studies and found some evidence it might help after surgery, but more research is needed to be sure.

What The Research Found

This review looked at all the studies available up to 2013 on serrapeptase. Researchers found that serrapeptase is often used for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. The review showed some evidence that it could help reduce swelling and pain after surgery, like dental work. However, the studies weren't always high quality, and there wasn't enough proof to support claims that it could help with other conditions like heart disease.

Study Details

Who was studied: The review looked at various studies, including those on people and animals. Most studies likely involved adults with surgical or inflammatory conditions.

How long: The review looked at studies published up to 2013, but the individual studies varied in length.

What they took: Serrapeptase is usually taken orally, often in a special coating to protect it. Doses varied, but common doses mentioned in other research range from 10-60mg daily.

What This Means For You

If you're considering serrapeptase, here's what to keep in mind:

Pain and Swelling: Some studies suggest it might help with post-surgery swelling and pain, but the evidence isn't strong.

Talk to Your Doctor: It's always best to discuss any supplements with your doctor before taking them, especially if you have any health conditions or take other medications.

More Research Needed: The research isn't conclusive. More high-quality studies are needed to confirm its benefits and understand any potential risks.

Study Limitations

It's important to know that the research has some limitations:

Not Enough Good Studies: Many of the studies were small or not designed well.

Different Doses: Studies used different doses, making it hard to compare results.

Missing Information: Some studies didn't fully report their findings.

No Proof for Other Claims: There's no strong evidence to support claims that serrapeptase helps with other conditions.

Key Findings

The 2013 systematic review evaluated the clinical evidence for serrapeptase, a proteolytic enzyme used in surgical, orthopedic, and other medical specialties. The authors concluded that while serrapeptase is widely prescribed for its anti-inflammatory, anti-edemic, and analgesic properties, the existing research on its efficacy remains limited and of low methodological quality. The review found some evidence supporting its use in reducing post-surgical inflammation and pain, but noted insufficient data to confirm anecdotal claims of anti-atherosclerotic effects. The authors emphasized the need for high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to validate its clinical utility.

Study Design

This was a systematic literature review conducted by searching PubMed and other databases for studies published up to 2013. The review included clinical trials, case reports, and preclinical studies evaluating serrapeptase in humans or animal models. No specific sample size or duration metrics are provided in the summary, as the analysis focused on aggregating findings across diverse studies rather than primary data collection. The review did not restrict studies by population demographics, though most included trials likely involved adults undergoing surgical or inflammatory conditions.

Dosage & Administration

The summary does not specify exact doses or administration protocols used across the reviewed studies. However, it notes that serrapeptase is typically prescribed in oral formulations (e.g., enteric-coated tablets or capsules) to protect the enzyme from gastric degradation. Common clinical doses mentioned in prior literature (not quantified here) range from 10–60 mg daily, divided into multiple doses. The review highlights variability in dosing regimens across studies, complicating comparisons of efficacy.

Results & Efficacy

The review reported mixed results for serrapeptase in reducing inflammation and pain. In post-surgical settings (e.g., dental or orthopedic procedures), some studies observed modest reductions in swelling and analgesic use, though effect sizes and statistical significance (e.g., p-values, confidence intervals) were not detailed in the provided summary. No robust evidence was found for fibrinolytic or anti-atherosclerotic effects in humans. The authors noted that many trials lacked proper controls, randomization, or adequate sample sizes, limiting the ability to draw definitive conclusions.

Limitations

Low-quality evidence: Most included studies were small, uncontrolled, or lacked rigorous methodology (e.g., blinding, placebo groups).
Heterogeneity: Variability in dosing, populations, and outcome measures hindered meta-analysis.
Publication bias: Positive results may be overrepresented due to selective reporting.
Lack of mechanistic data: Limited understanding of serrapeptase’s pharmacokinetics or molecular pathways in humans.
No RCTs for key claims: No high-quality trials assessed anecdotal anti-atherosclerotic or fibrinolytic effects.

Future research should prioritize well-powered RCTs with standardized dosing and outcome measures to clarify efficacy.

Clinical Relevance

For supplement users, this review suggests that serrapeptase’s current clinical applications—particularly for inflammation or pain—are not strongly supported by evidence. While some post-surgical benefits were noted, the lack of rigorous trials means efficacy remains uncertain. Users should exercise caution, as the safety profile (e.g., long-term use, interactions) is understudied. Clinicians may consider serrapeptase as an adjunct in specific cases (e.g., mild post-operative swelling) but should prioritize established therapies. Further research is critical to validate its purported benefits and risks.

Takeaway: Existing evidence is insufficient to broadly recommend serrapeptase; consult a healthcare provider before use.