| Food & Diet
Does Serrapeptase Dissolve Scar Tissue
By Tyler Woodward
Serrapeptase, also known as serratiopeptidase, is a type of enzyme produced by silkworms in order to dissolve their cocoon upon metamorphosis when they become moths. Serrapeptase specifically is a type of protease enzyme, meaning that its function is to facilitate the breaking apart of proteins. Interestingly, this unique enzyme has risen in popularity due to its potential effects on alleviating pain and inflammation and its antibacterial properties.
Contents:
Benefits Of Serrapeptase:
Current research on serrapeptase is lacking due to poorly run studies or too small of a sample size , but the enzyme itself shows a lot of promise.
- May Help Fight Bacteria - Serrapeptase seems to have a number of potent antibacterial properties, one of which being the ability to destroy biofilms. Biofilms are a substance that certain types of bacteria secrete in order to protect themselves, serving as a sort of protective coating. Biofilms can make bacteria up to 100X more resistant compared to bacterial colonies that do not produce biofilm, making them resistant to antibacterials or antibiotics. Multiple studies have found that serrapeptase works synergistically with antibiotics to increase the effectiveness of the antibiotics, destroy the biofilms and modulate the phenotypic expression of a protein. Serrapeptase may also be able to inhibit the entry of certain types of bacteria onto human tissues and to prevent bacteria from binding to medical implants.
- May Help Reduce Inflammation - A number of studies in-vitro have been performed on serrapeptase’s ability to combat inflammation in comparison with other NSAIDs and proteolytic enzymes. Although the data is conflicting as to serrapeptase’s effectiveness in reducing inflammation compared to more commonly used treatments, one study found that serrapeptase was able to decrease a number of inflammatory biomarkers including:
- C-reactive protein
- Myeloperoxidase
- Glutathione
- Nitric Oxide
- May Reduce Mucus Production - A few studies have found that serrapeptase had a significant effect on decreasing mucus production in both the nasal cavity and in the lungs. Learn More: The Real Cause Of Your Runny Nose
- May Reduce Fibrosis - Fibrosis is basically a type of internal scarring that forms over time, resulting in the formation of permanent scar tissue. This is believed to be a major factor in many diseases like the beta-amyloid plaque found in Alzheimer's or the clotting of arteries in atherosclerosis. In a similar fashion to how serrapeptase is responsible for dissolving the cocoon of the silk worms, it may be able to dissolve scar tissue among other damaged tissues including atherosclerotic plaques and fatty deposits.
- May Accelerate Wound Healing - Serrapeptase may help to accelerate wound healing by reducing inflammation and removing dead tissue from the area, allowing more blood to flow through and reducing edema. Additionally, serrapeptase helps to break down serotonin, histamine and bradykinin which may further promote wound healing.
Read More: 10 Benefits Of A Digestive Enzyme Supplement
How To Supplement With Serrapeptase:
Because there are not many human studies on serrapeptase, the dosing required to administer its effects are not widely acknowledged. The standard dosing equivalent in humans is estimated to be between 10-60 mg which should be taken a minimum of 30 minutes prior to a meal. Additionally, it's important to make sure the brand which you purchases utilizes an enteric coating on the capsule to ensure the supplement makes it through the stomach intact into the small intestine where it can be absorbed.
Looking to alleviate your digestive issues and increase the amount of vitamins and minerals you absorb from your food? Look no further than zuEnzymes our #1 digestive support supplement! zuEnzymes supplies your body with additional enzymes that your body naturally produces which help to facilitate easier digestion and increased nutrient absorption.
