What is Serrapeptase?
Serrapeptase is a protelytic enzyme produced by serratia bacteria living in silkworms. Serrapeptase, like other proteolytic enzymes, helps break down proteins into smaller molecules. This can promote healing by reducing fluid and debris accumulation that can occur around tissue when an injury happens. Researchers have applied this unique characteristic to modern medicine, utilizing the enzyme for its potential anti-inflammatory activity.
What makes Serrapeptase interesting and distinct from other enzymes is that it affects only non-living tissues. This is due to Serrapeptase ability to target specific proteins. According to Health Canada, serrapeptase reduces swelling and pain from inflammation. Researchers think that enzymes like serrapeptase work to reduce inflammation by facilitating immune cell movement and regulating levels of lymphocytes at the site of inflammation. This enzyme seems to work in part by breaking down cyclooxygenase. Cyclooxygenase is an enzyme responsible for producing different inflammatory molecules. An additional property of serrapeptase is to decrease mucus production, which can be particularly helpful with certain ear, nose and throat conditions.
Reducing Pain
Pain is triggered by the presence of a protein called amine. When tissue is inflamed, an amine called bradykinin causes pain and soreness. Serrapeptase has been indicated to block the release of bradykinin, thus reducing pain.
Reducing Inflammation
Serrapeptase is known to break down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clotting. This helps to contain infection at the initial site. In prolonged inflammation, fibrin converts healthy tissue to a fibrous matrix, which maintains the inflammatory responses.
Infections and Wound Healing
Serrapeptase has been shown to help prevent infections, and assist with wound healing. This is thought to be due to the caseinolytic properties of serrapeptase. Thereby promoting recovery from infections and injuries because it’s been shown to:
• decrease swelling
• reduce formation of scar tissue
• reduce excess mucus
• break down excess proteins
• decrease permeability of capillaries (small blood vessels)
• control histamine responses
• control skin temperature
• facilitate the absorption of decomposed products through blood and the lymphatic system
• inhibit the formation of biofilm