Serrapeptase product - Interaction with prescription medications, Coumadin

Serrapeptase or Serratiopeptidase, an enzyme isolated from a microorganism in silkworm, is widely used in Japan for inflammatory conditions. Serrapeptase, isolated from the microorganism Serratia E15,  is naturally present in the silkworm intestine which allows the emerging moth to dissolve its cocoon. Clinical use of serrazyme as an anti-inflammatory in Europe and Asia spans over twenty five years. Some health care providers use serrapeptase for the treatment includes chronic sinusitis, reduction of bronchopulmonary secretions (the enzyme breaks down protein fibers, allowing mucous to thin), sprains and torn ligaments, and other traumatic injuries, idiopathic edema, as well as postoperative inflammation.

Serrapeptase enteric coated
Q. I bought a capsule form of serrapeptase and then I read on a web site that it would not be absorbed well unless it was enteric coated. I don't want to waste these capsules, so can I open the capsule and place it under my tongue and absorb it that way?
   A. The absorption potential of serrapeptase enzyme supplements that are enterically coated versus those that are not has not been studied to a great extent so it is difficult to say whether enteric coating is absolutely necessary.  In the same vein, we have not seen studies regarding the absorption of serrapeptase sublingually, therefore it is not easy to say how well this enzyme would be absorbed under the tongue. These are good questions but hardly any studies are available to shed light on them.

Serrapeptase product 20,000 units 
Manufactured by a FDA approved and GMP certified facility.

The silkworm has serrapeptase (also known as Serratio Peptidase or serratiopeptidase), a proteolytic enzyme. This enteric coated serrapeptase product by Physician Formulas is of the highest quality available. It is manufactured by a FDA approved facility. You can be sure you are getting exactly what you pay for.

Serrapeptase, isolated from the microorganism Serratia E15,  is naturally present in the silkworm intestine which allows the emerging moth to dissolve its cocoon. Clinical use in Europe and Asia spans over twenty five years.

 

Supplement Facts
Serrapeptase - 200mg
     SerratioPeptidase
     (20,000 units enteric coated granules -  120,000 units per gram)

Coumadin, warfarin interaction
I have peripheral artery disease and I see by research that serrapeptase supplement reduces vascular plaque. I have seen warnings about use of this product with blood thinners. I currently take Coumadin 5 mg and maintain an INR blood test  of 2 - 3, very constant. Can they be used in conjunction or as a substitution. Example: serrepeptase M - F and Coumadin Sat - Sun. What is the reduction to the INR of this product, and what is the duration of each dose. How can I discuss this with my physician.
   These are good questions but we have not seen any studies with serrapeptase and Coumadin to know what kind of interactions could occur. Warfarin is drug that has serious side effects and caution is advised mixing this medication with supplements that could potentially thin the blood.

Serrapeptase Research study
Effect of the proteolytic enzyme serrapeptase in patients with chronic airway disease.
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo General Hospital, Japan. Respirology. 2003.
The proteolytic enzyme serrapeptase  is widely used in clinical practice in Japan. We investigated the effect of serrapeptase on sputum properties and symptoms in patients with chronic airway diseases. This study was an open-labelled trial with a non-treatment control group. Patients were randomly assigned to oral treatment with (n = 15) and without (n = 14) SER 30 mg/day for 4 weeks. Patients collected sputum samples for about 4 h in the morning on the day the trial began and 4 weeks later. We measured the amount of sputum by weighing. Part of each sputum sample was weighed and then completely dried and reweighed. The percentage solid component, viscosity and elasticity of the sputum were measured. Mucociliary transportability index was measured using ciliated bovine trachea ex vivo. Sputum smears were also prepared to count sputum neutrophils. Patients' symptoms were assessed by a questionnaire that used a visual analogue scale. After 4 weeks of serrapeptase treatment, sputum weight in the morning, percentage solid component, viscosity and elasticity of sputum, sputum neutrophil count, frequency of coughing and frequency of expectoration significantly decreased. The mean mucociliary transportability index increased from 13 to 24. Serrapeptase may exert a beneficial effect on mucus clearance by reducing neutrophil numbers and altering the viscoelasticity of sputum in patients with chronic airway diseases.

Intestinal absorption of serrapeptase (TSP) in rats.
Moriya N, Nakata M, Nakamura M, Takaoka M, Iwasa S, Kato K, Kakinuma A.Biotechnology Research Laboratories, Takeda Chemical Industries Ltd., Osaka, Japan. Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 1994.
A sensitive sandwich enzyme immunoassay (e.i.a.) for serrapeptase (TSP), an orally available anti-inflammatory proteinase, was established using affinity-purified anti-TSP rabbit IgG and its Fab' fragment conjugated with horseradish peroxidase as the first and the second antibodies respectively. Serrapeptase in the plasma was determined by the e.i.a. after its oral administration (100 mg/kg) to rats. The peak concentration was observed between 30 min and 2 h after administration. TSP in the plasma samples was trapped on a microtitre plate coated with the affinity-purified anti-serrapeptase rabbit IgG, and the hydrolysis of a synthetic fluorogenic substrate, butoxycarbonyl-Glu(benzyloxy)-Ala-Arg-4-methylcoumaryl-7-amide, by the trapped TSP was fluorometrically measured (proteinase assay). The values obtained by the e.i.a. and those obtained by the proteinase assay correlated well for various plasma samples. These results indicate that orally administered serrapeptase was absorbed from the intestinal tract and transferred into the circulation in an enzymically active form.

Evaluation of Serratia peptidase in acute or chronic inflammation of otorhinolaryngology pathology: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized trial versus placebo.
Mazzone A, Catalani M, Costanzo M, Drusian A, Mandoli A, Russo S, Guarini E, Vesperini G. Institute of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology, University of Naples, Italy. J Int Med Res. 1990.
The efficacy and tolerability of serrapeptase were evaluated in a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 193 subjects suffering from acute or chronic ear, nose or throat disorders. Treatment lasted 7-8 days, with the drug or placebo being administered at a rate of two tablets three times a day. After 3-4 days' treatment, significant symptom regression was observed in peptidase-treated patients. There was also a significant reduction in symptoms after 7-8 days for patients in both treatment groups but the response was more marked in those patients receiving the active drug. Statistical comparison between the two groups confirmed the greater efficacy and rapid action of the peptidase against all the symptoms examined at both stages. Tolerance was found to be very good and similar for both groups. It is concluded that serrapeptase  has anti-inflammatory, anti-oedemic and fibrinolytic activity and acts rapidly on localized inflammation.

Serrapeptase 20,000 units , 60 Caps Serratio Peptidase SerraZyme. The silkworm holds a treasure beyond the luxury of exquisite textiles. It’s called serrapeptase Serratio Peptidase, Danzen, Aniflazym SerraZyme, a powerful proteolytic enzyme that often dissolves nonliving tissue, including blood clots, cysts, arterial plaque and inflammation in all forms.

Interactions with medications
Can I use it while I am taking Plavix (Coaprovel) and Kardegic (Acetylsalicycate 160) ?
   We are not aware of studies with these medications in combination so it is not easy to predict.

Questions
Q. Can I take serrapeptase pill with curcumin?
   A. We have not seen research with curcumin, but low dosages should be fine.

Q. I recently had a stent put in my heart and am on Plavix. I was also on Crestor, Altace and Toprol XL, but quit taking Crestor because it made me feel horrible, and the Altace and Toprol are just not affordable plus my body is very sensitive to all these drugs and I dislike the potential dangers. I also want to get off the Plavix and continue taking supplements that are natural blood thinners. I am already taking fish oil caps for Omega-3, Co-Q10, Red Yeast Rice for cholesterol (instead of Crestor) milk thistle for my liver support, multi vitamins, and chromium picolinate for blood sugar, plus calcium magnesium supplements. Can you recommend any other natural blood thinners I might take?
I also started taking Serrapeptase to remove plaque and scar tissues etc. in my heart and rest of body, and a couple days ago started taking EDTA for chelation therapy as it is being used to remove arterial plaque and heavy metal toxins that are said to be a leading cause of heart disease and clogged arteries. EDTA I am told is also an anticoagulant which is another reason why I want to get off of Plavix, so my blood is not over thinned. What I want to know is, Plavix is supposed to help prevent blood platelets from forming over the metal stent, and causing a blood clot by thinning the blood. Since Serrapeptase is found to remove scar and dead tissue, would it likely be helpful in
removing excess blood platelets before a clot could occur? Doctors are telling me the blood platelets themselves
are a danger in clotting before plaque is formed, if the metal stent is seen as a threat, so I need to know do supplements like Serrapeptase and or EDTA see these forming blood platelets as something to remove like scar or dead tissues, heavy metals, calcium deposits etc.
   A. We don't have enough research on serrapeptase to know the answer to your question.

Q. I'm almost 69, always around 80 lbs. and 5 feet tall until osteoporosis robbed me of three inches. Was health caretaker of both husband and mother for 13 years of which I neglected medical care for myself. End of May '03 I had lost them both and while doing some yard work broke the L-5 vertebrae in my back with separation. (I want to add that it was three days before I had to go to hospital because I have a high threshold to pain and didn't realize how badly I was hurt.) Afterwards found that my bones were like Swiss cheese. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, beginning cataracts, a hiatal hernia, sciatica, CFS and Emphysema. I was put on one pain drug after another, none of which gave me any real relief so they were discontinued. I have since refused to take drugs for any of my problems, use vitamins and supplements. My bones have gotten stronger but that's about it. When I read about Serrapeptase I hoped it wasn't another false claim and placed my order. At that time I could only stand up long enough to wash a couple dishes or put a few pieces of clothes in the washing machine or iron one item of clothing at a time before the pain in my back became unbearable. Washing my hair is torture because I have to lean over and is usually close to two weeks apart. Can you imagine how neglected my home is? I've put a "Do Not Resuscitate" order in my medical record. You know that's an action not taken lightly or without the feeling of hopelessness.
   5/1/07: Started taking Serrapeptase at different times on an empty stomach before breakfast. Found that eating 2 hours afterwards works best with me. I was astonished to feel some relief in the area of my sciatic nerve before the first day ended. By day 5 the extreme pain in lower and mid back was just a dull ache and I was feeling hope for the first time in four years. I was able to wash my hair without any real pain and fixed myself a pot-roast with all the veggies on day 5! I went off the Serrapeptase two days and boy that sure wasn't pleasant. By the end of the second day off, all my pain had returned with a vengeance, even worse than what I felt before taking Serrapeptase. Pain in joints that I hadn't felt before. Again bedridden. Since then I have taken the Serrapeptase every morning (no days off) and it was 25 days before I again felt some relief from the pain and now each day I feel a little less pain "but" nothing near as good as I felt when I first started it. I intend to continue using Serrapeptase and from time to time I will try to take a day off and hope I won't experience the return of pain as before but if I do , won't wait to return to it.
   This has honestly been the first thing that has helped me and I won't stop taking it without a real reason but must admit that I was really concerned when I took day 6 and 7 off with such a quick and bad reaction, also that serrapeptase has taken so long for it to again work. But to even be partly without pain is a blessing for which I'm grateful! I also realize that what works for one person doesn't always work the same for another so I'm willing to keep trying and hope.
   A. Interesting. Please keep us updated.

Q. I have a quick question regarding taking Serrapeptase 10mg daily, as well as vitamin E 400 iu, Garlic, and Flax seed supplementation. Will this be too much as far as blood cleansing and thinning? I also take Xalatan for elevated IOP.
I want to try the Serrapeptase for floaters due to vitreous syneresis and PVD.
   A. This is a personal question that is more appropriate for your health care provider. Xalatan is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Q. Is there an equine serrapeptase formula available? Can serrapeptase be absorbed through the skin? I have a horse with a swollen hock that has developed a lot of fibrin in the joint capsule.
   A. We are not familiar with an equine formula and have not seen any research regarding the effectiveness of serrapeptase enzyme for dermal transmission.

Q. I have been taking two capsules of Serrapeptase for about two weeks since I have cystic ovaries and breasts. I also have a lot of problems breathing and my research on both items led me to this enzyme. I'm almost 50, though no one guesses that I'm older than my 30s, in good health with the exception of severe monthly cramping during menses. Exercise 6 days a week, and have for years. Good attitude, non smoker with a healthy diet except for an almost daily lo fat mocha. This was the first month that my period lasted longer than 4 days, (7 days) and for the first time, I have had experienced cramps AFTER my period ended. I don't want to see a Gyno since they always tell me to stop most supplements, only because they don't know the supplements. Could the Serrapeptase be causing the (menstrual) cramps? I also realize it might just be getting near that time in my life when my cycles are becoming erratic.
   A. There's much that we still don't know about the clinical uses of serrapeptase and serrapeptase side effects. Little human research is available. After three years of sales, we have not had reports from anyone that serrapeptase caused menstrual cramps. It may have occurred in some women, but no one has sent us an email regarding this potential side effect. We normally suggest not using more than one capsule a day of the 20,000 unit product.

Q. i just had surgery on my left breast to remove capsular contracture. I wanted to know if taking serrapeptase for a few months will help prevent the capsular contracture from coming back. Can you recommend which brand is the best. i only had capsular contracture in one breast but would love to have the cc in my left breast never come back.
   A. Sorry but we have not seen any research with serrapeptase and capsular contracture.

Q. I would really like a serrapeptase that my children can swallow. Do you know of any REALLY small pills or some kind of liquid form or something that would be easier to swallow?
   A. Serrapeptase is a potent enzyme and should be used only under medical supervision. We are not aware of research in children and potential side effects and risks in children. We not not familiar with a liquid form or small pills since this product is meant for adults.

Q. Is the serrapeptase product you carry synthetic, made from a fungus, made from the actual silkworm enzyme or something else?
   A. The serrapeptase product is an enzyme isolated from a microorganism in silkworm.

Q. I took a serrapeptase supplement because I have arthritis in my fingers but it did not help with the finger arthritis.
   A. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and other nutrients are more appropriate for arthritis than serrapeptase enzyme.

Q. I would like to know if anyone has information about how long serrapeptase persists in the blood after it has been ingested. I am aware of the Japanese study in rats showing a peak level in the blood 30 mins to 2 hours after ingestion, but since I am not able to read the whole paper (just the abstract), I do not know if they have also established a time range for when the enzyme disappears or the effects of the serrapeptase enzyme disappear from the blood.
   A. We have not seen human studies that have looked into the half life of serrapeptase enzyme supplements so we are not sure.

Q. I was wondering whether serapeptase would help for the condition known as claudication? I have been informed that Padma basic is an option too? Is this correct? My father has had cardio issues too and poor circulation. He is of retired age and likes to walk and when he is active and going to the gym he is proficient at rowing. So exercising is an option for him if he is able. Would serapeptase enzyme help him?
   A. It is not possible for us to predict whether serrapeptase enzyme will help your father's claudication. We suggest his doctor review this page and also the page on claudication where information is available.

Q. I was taking serrapeptase 40,000 unit capsules, three capsules, three times a day. Very high dosage, as I was told there were no side effects. I was taking them for reducing scar tissue in my neck from spinal surgery. The scar tissue was entraping a nerve, causing tingling in my shoulder blade. The serrapeptase seemed to be working after about ten days, but my blood pressure went up to 155/96. Normally, it is about 130/80. Should I stop taking it entirely, or just reduce the serrapeptase dosage?
   A. It is up to you and your doctor to decide on the serrapeptase dosage that would be best for you, we can only provide general information and research on this supplement. When taking any supplement or medication, one has to balance the benefits versus the risks.

Q. I have been suffering from urethral stricture located toward the front portion of the urethra and have had the usual treatment consisting of cystoscopy and dilation of the urethra. It was caused by an injury several years ago, and the Urologist says it is scar tissue causing the stricture. I have read that serrapeptase and nattokinase "dissolve" internal scar tissue, might this treatment work for the scar tissue of an urethral stricture.
   A. As of January 2009, we have not seen any studies regarding the use of serrapeptase or nattokinase as a treatment for urethral strictures.

Does stevia no calorie sweetener as discussed in The Stevia Cookbook, influence serrapeptase activity?
   Stevia is a mild herb and we have no reason to suspect it would interfere with its actions and activity.

I tried a serrapeptase product, but because I cannot tolerate oral medication too well and have a very specific condition I am trying to treat, I am asking for information regarding international providers of serrapeptase injections. After having had three failed spine surgeries (this all started with a massive disc rupture at L5-S1 which caused nucleus pulposus to splatter all over the S1 nerve root), I have dense scar tissue (still) contiguous and covering the spinal nerves at L5-S1. I tried taking high oral doses of serrapeptase but all that succeeded in doing was to cause stomach pain (I have a healed ulcer which started to bother me, thanks to the fact that serrapeptase actually works!) I am trying to reach physicians who use serrapeptase in epidural format, in the hopes that the scar tissue can receive direct treatment with this miracle-working agent. (The scar tissue that fills the area of my spinal nerve roots can likely be measured in cubic millimeters, if the dimension of the disc rupture is any indication). Do you happen to have any information about any physicians in Europe or Asia who can provide me with this service?
   We are sorry but we don't know of any physicians who use an injectable form of this enzyme.

Well here is my experience with Serrapeptase 20,000 units: First day :took one tablet on empty stomach at 11:00 am . Second day : took one tablet on an empty stomach at 11:00 and that night when went to bed at 09:30; experienced stomach upset (cramps ) and kept tossing and rolling in bed and could not sleep at all.
Third day : took one tablet 11:00 on empty stomach disregarding what happened the previous night thinking it might be a coincidence. The night of the third day had had the same symptoms and could not sleep at all. Fourth day: decided not to take any but in spite of that symptoms persisted with slight headache ( as if it is a hangover/ although I do not drink) and this maybe due to the accumulated stuff in my system. I decided to discontinue for few days and try it on every two or three days after hearing from you and if any experienced same. Appreciate. your comments.
    If no other supplements or medications were taken the same day then it is possible that these were side effects from the enzyme supplement. Using every other day or every third day is a good option.

I'd like to know how the dosage serrapeptase 2000-unit relates to 2000 FU Fibrinolytic Unit.
    As far as we know, it is nattokinase that is measured in fibrinolytic units, not serrapeptase.

I'm a musician and severely strained muscles in my lower back moving a heavy object. The doc gave me Vicodin & Naprosyn. The Vicodin caused such violent vomiting that I further injured my back by dislocating a rib while heaving. The pain was intense for days & I could hardly sleep or do much of anything else. A friend recommended serrapeptase. I took two 5mg tablets (Serraflazyme) at bedtime. At 3 AM awakened to go to the bathroom feeling significant pain relief. By morning I felt well enough to do some light housework and practice my French horn. I continued to take about 10 mg serrapeptase 2 or three times a day for the next two days. I felt great, but I noticed swelling in my lips which interfered with my ability to play my French horn. I also noticed a runny nose while taking it. I had to stop the serrapeptase to prepare for a performance. To my disappointment, the pain in my back & ribs returned. I relied upon ibuprophen for the next 10 days to control the pain until the injury healed. I felt much better while I was taking the serrapeptase than I did taking the ibuprophen. If the hadn't interfered with my French horn playing, I would have continued taking it instead of ibuprophen.