Serrapeptase is
a proteolytic enzyme isolated from the non-pathogenic bacteria Serratia species
found in the digestive tract of the Japanese silkworm. Serrapeptase has been
used as a nutritional supplement in Europe and Asia for nearly three decades.
Each enteric-coated vegetarian capsule of Best Serrapeptase contains pure
serrapeptase designed for optimal absorption in the intestinal tract.
Note:
Doctor's Best Serrapeptase contains 40,000 Serratiopeptidase units, which refers
to the enzyme activity level. Enzymes, like Serrapeptase, are not measured in
mg, but in an unassociated measure of units. Doctor's Best Serrapeptase has
40,000 Serratiopeptidase (units) of activity per capsule. This is a very high
amount of activity.

Benefits
Serrapeptase has been used
widely in clinical practice in Japan
and Europe for over 30 years.
Dr. Hans Nieper, a legendary medical doctor known
for his extensive use of proteolytic enzymes, named it the "Miracle Enzyme"
because of its unique potency. Serrapeptase
is made by the bacteria Serratia E15 found in the digestive tract of silkworms,
which harness the serrapeptase enzyme to break down food and the walls of their
silk cocoons as they emerge in their moth state.
Proteolytic enzymes function
in the body to digest and break down proteins into their amino acid components.
When taken as supplements away from meals, these enzymes enter the bloodstream
and are available to facilitate chemical reactions throughout the body. They
work in part by helping to support a healthy
inflammatory response and by modulating the immune system.
*
Studies thus far suggest that
serrapeptase is a promising, safe and useful supplement to help support the
immune system and normalize mucus secretion.*
Research indicates Serrapeptase helps modulate molecules involved in both the
immune and blood clotting systems [1-5]. Double-blind studies have shown that
serrapeptase supports the body's immune response, thins mucus, and modulates the
body's immune response after surgery [3, 6].
Serrapeptase has been used
for years in Japan
for supporting healthy sinus function.* Several human studies have shown that
serrapeptase thins mucus in some individuals. An open-label study in 2003 looked
at the effects of 30 mg/day (equivalent to ~ 60,000 units of activity) of
serrapeptase in 29 individuals with problems expectorating their sputum. After 4
weeks of treatment, those taking serrapeptase had significantly less morning
sputum, and it was thinner and less elastic in nature compared to those taking
placebo. The serrapeptase group also had less inflammatory cells (neutrophils)
in their sputum, and they coughed significantly less than those in the control
group [7].
Potency
Doctor's Best discloses the
potency details of Serrapeptase so you know exactly what you're getting. Enzyme
strength is measured in terms of activity. Enzymes may be present, but unless
they are functional, they will not do any good.
Instead of weight (such as milligrams) the important measurement with enzymes is
the activity and potency of the enzyme. A product label should list enzyme
strength in standard activity units rather than by weight. Each enteric-coated
vegetarian capsule of Best Serrapeptase contains 40,000 Serratiopeptidase units
of pure serrapeptase.
Safety
As with any nutritional
supplementation program, it is best to consult your physician before beginning
an enzyme treatment program. Enzymes such as Serrapeptase are safe for most
people when used according to the recommended dosage. People prone to forming
blood clots, such as those with atrial fibrillation or with chronic venous
insufficiency, should consult their physician before using Serrapeptase. People
with other bleeding disorders, ulcers, those who've had neurosurgery or ischemic
stroke, or those taking blood thinning medications should also consult their
physician before taking any enzyme supplements.
Suggested Adult Use: Take 1 to 3 capsules daily, away from
food.
Does Not
Contain: milk, egg, wheat, corn, sugar, sweeteners, starch, salt, or
preservatives.
Scientific
References
1.
Majima, Y., et al., The effect of an orally administered
proteolytic enzyme on the elasticity and viscosity of nasal mucus. Arch
Otorhinolaryngol, 1988. 244(6): p. 355-9.
2.
Majima, Y., et al., Effects of orally administered drugs on
dynamic viscoelasticity of human nasal mucus. Am Rev Respir Dis, 1990.
141(1): p. 79-83.
3.
Mazzone, A., et al., Evaluation of Serratia peptidase in
acute or chronic inflammation of otorhinolaryngology pathology: a multicentre,
double-blind, randomized trial versus placebo. J Int Med Res, 1990.
18(5): p. 379-88.
4.
Mecikoglu, M., et al., The effect of proteolytic enzyme
serratiopeptidase in the treatment of experimental implant-related infection.
J Bone Joint Surg Am, 2006. 88(6): p. 1208-14.
5.
Kee, W.H., et al., The treatment of breast engorgement with
Serrapeptase (Danzen): a randomised double-blind controlled trial. Singapore
Med J, 1989. 30(1): p. 48-54.
6.
Tachibana, M., et al., A multi-centre, double-blind study of
serrapeptase versus placebo in post-antrotomy buccal swelling.
Pharmatherapeutica, 1984. 3(8): p. 526-30.
7.
Nakamura, S., et al., Effect of the proteolytic enzyme
serrapeptase in patients with chronic airway disease. Respirology, 2003.
8(3): p. 316-20.