Serrapeptase is a metalloprotease (zinc-containing enzyme) that cleaves peptide bonds in proteins, particularly in dead/damaged tissue and inflammatory exudates. Proposed mechanisms: (1) degradation of fibrin clots and inflammatory exudates at injury sites (reducing swelling); (2) thinning of mucus secretions (mucolytic — breaks disulfide bonds in mucin glycoproteins); (3) inhibition of bradykinin release (pain reduction); (4) facilitation of antibiotic penetration into tissues by degrading biofilms (shown in vitro for some infections). The enzyme does NOT distinguish between types of protein — it's a non-specific protease that works on accessible damaged tissue and secretions.
Independently graded against 173,636 indexed supplements with 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.