Serrapeptase Serious Side Effects
WARNING!
Natto and Serrapeptase enzymes are often closely compared and sometimes combined in remedies. BUT I URGE CAUTION TO READERS OUT THERE.
See my earlier comment about how Serrapeptase may actually damage joints further.
Using Serrapeptase to dissolve internal scar tissue can normally be a good thing, (ie endometriosis) unless that kind of scarring is also what patches-up joint damage (ie, splits in synovial tissue layers). Then it can cause more problems. A friend and I both found this out the hard way, repeatedly.
Another thing I am now very surprised to read is that Serrapeptase helps produce more Tumor Necrosis Factor - Alpha (TNF-A).
TNF-A has benefits in normal, youthful balance. BUT, it often gets overproduced with age and really contributes to autoimmune disorders and joint damage.
This may have been another reason why Serrapeptase, (for all its good benefits), was so awful to me and my friend's finger joints. This was in spite of my friend, at first calling it a "natural Ibuprofen." The damage soon followed.
I personally suspect the same, potential joint problems with other, inflammatory-reducing proteolytic enzymes I tried since then. It's just they are not as strong as Serrapeptase.
I would also be very wary of trying Serrapeptase to treat Rheumatoid inflammatory symptoms, because these are often treated with anti TNF-A drugs instead.
But so far, I've not noticed any of these concerns from using Nattokinase alone.
Natto seems to have noticeably improved my leg circulation, which is great news, but that's about it
It still doesn't help my allergies and sinuses like Serrapeptase miraculously did - (but at least it's not further injuring my hands.)
I hate throwing cold water on all the good things about Serrapeptase because it really benefited me too. But it also can have a pretty severe Dark Side for some conditions. So, you've been warned...
Abdominal Surgery Scars
★★★★★
I have seen great results with serrapeptase on abdominal surgery scars (30 yr old).
Blocked Arteries
★☆☆☆☆
Used high doses of serrapeptase for almost 2 years to try and clear blocked carotid arteries, combining this with careful diet and exercise but with no apparent effect as checked with ultra sound.
(New York)
09/04/2018
★☆☆☆☆
Absolutely useless, I would not give it even one star. I thought I am protected with 120000 units, together with double dose of nattokinase, 200 mg), twice a day ( quite aggressive dosages) from clots, etc. My walking distance due to intermittent claudication would not improve, if not getting worse, which suggests that my PAD is progressing. After realizing that my headaches are caused with narrowing blood vessels I started again baby aspirin (which I previously thought I didn't need thanks to the above supplements) and my headaches miraculously stopped. I appreciate that serrap. helped rats, but it helped me like a poultice to dead body. I also tried citrus pectin, which was short of miraculous for swains' arteries (that research was also funded by NIH), but where are those swains, who saw them?
To be fair, not only these oral enzymes and pectin are useless; same results, if not worse, I got from NIH TACT study of IV EDTA, in which I participated in 2005, after which my 90% open artery successfully closed.
Eventually (for leg arteries) I had to turn for revascularization (no matter how much I wanted to avoid it), and now, three years later, my surgeon is quietly waiting for my return, because he knows damn well that despite all this hoopla about miracle supplements I will come back by the simple reason - I still cannot walk, nor I can spend all my life to develop sufficient collateral circulation.
I also hoped to get rid from sinus infection at the same time, so I stopped washing my nose with antibiotic solution. Regardless of that, and twice a day wash with saline solution after several months of getting nowhere, I realized that I again should start Wilson wash.
So it is not all gold which shines. Keep your hope, but at the same time keep looking for more established remedy.
(Maryland)
08/16/2021
High dose Serrapeptase seemed an absolute miracle for my sinusitis, allergies and stuffy nose, and I was hoping it'd eventually help my PAD.
But I, and a friend I turned-on to it, both had synovial knuckle "blow outs" and subsequent cysts / bone-spurs while using it. This seems odd, since Serrapeptase is widely touted for join problems, but my friend recalled reading others online confirming this nasty side-effect.
I later learned from a hand specialist that it is the joint scar tissue that keeps the joints sealed and prevents cysts from returning. Seeing how Serrapeptase is also said to digest internal scarring, this is likely how it is bad for those with this joint condition. I wish Serapeptase was still available as a nasal spray formula so I could localize it's positive effects.
(Crescent City, CA)
09/14/2021
I so hope this helps me. I just discovered the Serrapeptase on a video of Dr. Berg's. I have had awful post nasal drip for a couple of years at the least, maybe longer. I had to go with a Type 2 diabetic diet which made it better, way better, but still there and I worry about that constant drainage causing worse issues later on.
So I'm going to try it, but would you be kind enough to let me know about the enzyme and a good brand since I notice with many supplements, you have to get the "right" type, the real deal. I accidentally bought synthetic Vitamin C for example, then had to buy the whole foods type, again, the real deal ;)
Thanks much!!
(NJ)
10/31/2021
Lad S. I have this sinus and joint condition you mention. I hadn't considered the joint thing was due to the serrapeptase though. Have you found any resolution? I've had surgery on a hand cyst only for it to return. My sinuses are some better. I'd like to find a natural cure for the synovial joint cyst though.
(Crescent City, CA)
11/01/2021
I am on 120,000 spu's a day of Serrapeptase by Carlyle. I really have not noticed a difference in my sinus issue but am wondering if I am taking enough. I thought I had read somewhere (but can't find it now) that it does not absorb good, or not water soluble. So I think that means it should be taken with food. But I thought I also saw it should be taken on an empty stomach. Guess I need to do my homework much better. I'd like to hear feedback on how much others are taking, those that are getting results using it as an anti-inflammatory?
I'll keep taking mine but double the dosage and see if that sets well. I've been taking in after my breakfast as I don't do well taking "any" of my supplements on an empty stomach. Thanks in advance for any help at all on this :)
(Crescent City, CA)
11/01/2021
I did have horrible sinus infection, over and over, and in 2010, I got one so bad I was in and out of emergency 3 times and they kept giving me antibiotics. I was so sick it finally effected my equilibrium, and I felt like I was in another world my brain was so clogged, I made it to my sisters house and used her computer and did a search for "alternative remedies for sinus infections" an ACV popped up. I knew my sis must have that in her cupboard so I went for it, drank a tbsp in very, little water, didn't care, was willing to try anything at that point. I went and laid on the couch and didn't feel well enough to read, or watch tv even. I'd been sick with this 3 solid months. All of a sudden I felt my head doing something, something inside my head. It was like the dam broke, or the cement must have just started melting, can't describe it. I began feeling normal that day, that night, and by the next day I was on the mend. I could fully tell. My cupboard is never without ACV, but I don't use it for every, little thing. And, I can say with all honesty, to this day I have NEVER had another sinus infection. I don't take it as a preventitive either so I don't know how it all worked, it just did. I will use ACV for upset stomach, or cramping from something I ate too much of maybe and it always works for that too.
(Crescent City, CA)
11/21/2021
So far, since Nov. 1st, so just 21 days, I am not seeing a huge improvement in my post, nasal drip. Although, I haven't been kept awake gagging from it, and that is an improvement. I think it is loosening, not as thick. I know this sounds so gross, but I know there might be others out there suffering from this, so I want them to know if they come here and read. It feels as if I've been on the Serrapeptase much longer, but since I haven't, I will keep up the dosage I am on which is usually just one a day. I think I will try and up that to two, if I can just remember to take one at bedtime as well. I am hoping for a lower cholesterol # on my next labs as well, possible due to the addition of the serrapeptase as well. So if I take 2 a day, am taking 2 X 120,000 spu. I had to look up what that spu means, but it's a safe dosage from what I read. I'll be back after the labs are done in another month or so :)
(Miami)
08/13/2022
Exactly. this is called pharmacogenomics. Pharmacogenomics is the study of the role of the genome in drug response. Its name reflects its combining of pharmacology and genomics. Pharmacogenomics analyzes how the genetic makeup of an individual affects their response to drugs. Steroids for example save lives to millions. It nearly killed me and my child. Should I badmouth Prednisone?
There is a familial type of heart issues that are genetic and does not respond well the natural cures.... perhaps you are one of these types of people? I can see your frustration and I am so sorry. Keep up with good diet practices and supplements but take your meds, buddy. Virtual hugs.
(W Yorks)
07/30/2020
Have you considered Nattokinase?
https://www.health4youonline.com/blog/what-is-serrapeptase-questions-and-answers.html
I did find a naturopath answering your question that you missed.
Monday, 19 July 2021 | 8:25
We have not had any negative feedback in the last 21 years and millions of doses.
(Crescent City, CA)
11/02/2021
Can anyone tell me what the difference is between Nattokinase and Serrapeptase? They sound the same to me when I look them up but I would love to hear from someone that has had success with either, or both?
Cataracts
★★★★★
I listen to a holistic radio show hosted by naturopaths in Massachusetts and they recommend taking serrapeptase supplements if you are in the beginning stage of cataracts. They also said you can take it to prevent cataracts.
Cysts
★★★★★
Serrapatese. I started taking about 7 months ago to help clear arteries. Interestingly I had a golf ball size cyst or lump just above my hip bone about the same time. I decided to try my own thing which involved rubbing it with castor oil every night and morning limiting my progress to a 5 week check if no progress I would go to the doctors.
To my amazement cyst was half the size. Nose polyps are gone too. In July I kept forgetting to take it and the cyst laid stagnant. I tried to remember what I was doing and realized it was the serrapatese. 1 month later almost gone. Funny thing with home remedies is that sometimes one doesn't know that they are working until you stop taking it. Lobellia and Muellein for respiratory same story. Stopped my drops woke up congested..hadnt't done my muellein and lobelia routine. Hope this helps.
Ear Fluid
★★★★★
My doctor recommended serrapeptase for drying the fluid in our ears. It worked!
Endometriosis
★★★★★
I have only used serrapeptase for two cycles of 4 months each but have found really good results for my endometriosis. I found that it dissolved the cysts or clotting that was or had occurred. My first menstrual cycle was painful as the cysts were actually leaving my body, however every cycle after that was less and less painful until there was no pain. My cycle was also shorter. The first week I initially felt flu like symptoms which I was told to expect -dull headache, just slightly unwell feeling- I pushed through. Glad I did. I took one tablet x two times a day. I started on the 40,000. I am about to try the higher dose soon. I believe it did work well. I would recommend it to women suffering from endometriosis for sure. I will update my review after a few months on the higher dose. Make sure you take it away from any protein foods on an empty stomach.
Gastro Issues, Weight Loss
★★★★★
Okwukwe,
Serrapeptase (enzyme) takes care of fibroid, blocked fallopian tubes, I cant confirm IBS but it did help with my gastro issues. My tummy went down 3-4 inches just in a month of taking it.
Hemorrhoids
★★★★★
For hemorrhoids - you can take serrapeptase --an enzyme that digests tissue such as scars, hemi's, etc. I take one first thing in the morning, no hemi's since then. Also, no knee pain from old injury.
(Houston tx)
08/30/2023
(USA)
12/23/2023
Balance your Zinc and Copper levels for hemorrhoids. I read on Earth clinic to take 5 peppercorns a day for 3 days for them.
Knee Pain
★★★★★
I agree serrapeptase is amazing. I have stiff and painful knees from decades old meniscus tears in both knees. I started taking serrapeptase two months ago. One capsule (120,00 SPU) once a day on an empty stomach. Within a few days my knee pain disappeared. Whereas a couple of months ago I couldn't get up from a movie theatre or airplane seat without limping down the aisle from stiffness, I now had zero pain. I couldn't sit kneel and pull weeds from the garden. This summer I could. I ran out of capsules and didn't replenish my supply about two weeks ago and the knee pain and stiffness returned after about 10 days. So I will resume taking this supplement asap.
Mucus
★★★★★
I have used Serrapeptase to reduce mucus. It definitely has an effect, noticeable if I stop taking it or forget to take in on holiday with me. It does clear the mucus from my lungs and I feel less chesty. Useful for COPD patients.
Cutting out dairy also helps too.
PS I take Natures Best 250mg​
Nerve Pain and Scarring
★★★★★
Serrapeptase is a miracle I stumbled upon when faced with a very painful double nerve surgery at elbow and wrist attempting to find a holistic pain relief and no drugs after surgery plus eliminate scar tissue, when it was difficult to find in US. In Europe and Great Britain - prescription only.
Serrapeptase.info has a lot of info on this natural enzyme.
Dr Hans Nieper, a famous German heart Dr and researcher, made this discovery - he gave large doses to these blocked heart patients that normally he would have done bypass surgeries. These large doses were to eat the plaque and he did not perform the surgeries. Dr Nieper and parents were all Drs - now deceased, made a lot of other discoveries I suspect it could be possible people with side effects might have ordered an off brand (maybe Chinese-or possibly the ingredients are from China) that caused their issues. I have several of Dr Niepers books. He was a blessed genius.
An example of eating scar tissue: My appendix was removed in 1951…..ugly raised fat scar until 2010 when I discovered this miracle for my hand/elbow surgery. All my scars are now thin white lines. One day I scratched my stomach and huh??? If scar crosses nerves or lays along side - common sense is scar tissue grows and presses on nerves causing pain. The elbow took a year for the pain to diminish and for the pain to go, but they moved the nerve.
I never have had an issue with serrapeptase, but maybe it is me that handles it well or the brand. Wish you well!
Pain
★★★★★
Take serrapeptase 1-2 x daily on an empty stomach. It literally was amazing. When you are in pain, you will search for instant relief and this was it for me. Also take B complex and turmeric daily, message with magnesium oil or take Epsom salt baths or foot soaks. Plus add a cushion to your shoes. This really works!
Serrapeptase and Surgical Implants
I read the information provided by earth clinic on natural remedies for abdominal adhesions. I was hoping that you could help me understand and perhaps make a few suggestions for two of my relatives.
In the article, it said that serrapeptase should NOT be used for people who have implants. Can you explain this in more detail to me? After surgery, my relative had a titanium surgical steel implant put in her neck. Lymph nodes began to swell on both sides of her neck and they cannot figure out why this is happening. She does take serrapeptase. My theory is the serrapeptase is affecting the surgical steel and her lymph nodes are trying to filter something that has become dissolved from the steel. I am wondering if this is possible. The surgery caused scar tissue for another of my relatives. He also has implants.
What can he use to try to prevent the growth of new scar tissue which results from the surgery to remove the old scar tissue. If you can suggest something that could be used, would it still be effective even after a period of time that the body has had to heal after his recent surgery? At this time, no natural remedies have been given, therefore scar tissue has probably begun to form.
If you have some suggestions, I would be very grateful. Thank you
03/18/2021
Hi Elaine,
That is a great question, thank you. We reached out to the author of EC's article on Abdominal Adhesions as we couldn't find the source for that warning. Here is her reply:
I wrote that as an "err on the side of caution/first do no harm" warning.
It is perhaps too broad a caution and was not based on a particular source that I recall. I think I put the caution in bc I couldn't confirm that serrapeptase would be safe with implants. It was based on inference. i.e - if serrapeptase dissolves non-living tissue and most implants are made of non-living tissue, then it seems prudent to avoid substances that dissolve non-living tissue. Of course, serrapeptase doesn't dissolve all non-living tissue, but most people don't know what their implants are made of...and do we know everything that serrapeptase dissolves?
For example, I would be concerned about using it in conjunction with certain types of hernia mesh -
"Animal-derived mesh are made of animal tissue, such as intestine or skin, that has been processed and disinfected to be suitable for use as an implanted device. These animal-derived mesh are absorbable. The majority of tissue used to produce these mesh implants are from a pig (porcine) or cow (bovine) source."
(TN)
03/18/2021
Dear Elaine,
From what I have read, I don't think that serrapeptase would break down metal, but I haven't done an exhaustive study on it. There are plenty of other possible causes of the pain.
Castor oil can be used to reduce scar tissue. As can comfrey. You may be able to find a salve that contains both or make your own. Many people take comfrey internally to reduce pain and promote healthy cell growth. I grow comfrey and put the leaves in smoothies all summer long.
Other anti-inflammatory/pain remedies would include turmeric, cayenne, and ginger.
I have recently found that baking soda in water once or twice a day is good for pain. Pain seems to thrive in an acidic environment.
Low water intake and sugar intake can also provoke pain.
Castor oil is also helpful for swollen lymph nodes, as is peppermint essential oil. (Be careful not to get this in the eyes! )
I hope you find some things to help your relatives!
~Mama to Many~
(Calgary)
03/27/2021
For scarring, it is important to keep the area moist as this increases cellular turnover. I have used Castor Oil to remove many a scar, both old and new - though if you use manuka honey while the skin is knitting, there won't be much scarring. Any moisturizing oil is good, but Castor is the best. It takes at least 6 months to see a difference in colour. Remember also, that there is alot of action going on behind the scenes at a wound site, for up to a year! So if you start applying the Castor Oil 2x a day right away, that should mitigate scarring, as well.
(MA)
03/29/2021
I had surgery in 2018 and later was having pain from adhesions. A friend who was well-versed in the use of essential oils suggested massaging castor oil (organic) into the spots that were hurting. Worked very quickly. You also can use frankincense oil
(France)
01/30/2024
Serrapeptase and Surgical Implants
I never found a proper answer to this question. I have a titanium steel in my neck due to a cervical fusion from a 5 years ago s surgery. After having read tones of reviews regarding Serrapeptase, I have noticed that some people say “not to take if you have a non living tissue”. In another hand, many studies have been made showing the efficiency of Serrapeptase in the treatment of dental implant infection … Thank you in advance for your reply! Ps do not pay attention at my English as I am a poor Frenchy :)
@Elodie - hi! Your English is great, don't worry about that. Complaining about other people's English is often the only exercise and/or fun American grammar police get out of life so - just ignore them. They seem mean but they're not - they're just stuffy. Like grumpy teachers.
For inflammation, with an implant, I would go with castor oil packs and NO heat. Or even just massaging castor oil into the chest and over the liver area 2 or 3 times per week for a few weeks.And definitely check with your doctor first.
Should feel some relaxation around the area of inflammation and other good results with just one or two applications but I would stay with it, when it comes to inflammation. 2 or 3 times per week for a few of weeks and then taper off to 2 to 3 times per month. I'd start with simply rubbing it on the chest and over the liver a few times to ease into an outward flow of inflammation before I did an all night castor oil pack.
I would definitely check with the doctor, first, but I would NOT apply it directly onto the implant area no matter what he said as its too close to the surface and castor oil penetrates too deeply and I'm an old school mechanical engineer and have no idea if there's any such thing as "Loctite" for surgical screws. It's possible it wouldn't hurt anything but I just wouldn't risk it because I, personally, wouldn't want to know the specifications I would need to know before considering such an application nor would I ever want to go back for some sort of maintenance surgery - and applying it atop the area isn't necessary when it comes to castor oil.
If you wanted to be SUPER safe, you could apply it to your feet. Not sure how the body uses castor oil but I assume it disassembles it to get at its "magical" components and to a degree where it isn't actually used AS oil - like it would be used in an internal combustion engine. In other words, it's not going to be circulated around the body in its original form - I.e. as oil. The body doesn't do that - at least, not outside the digestive tract but I wouldn't take it internally so...
@Elodie (again)
On a side note, rest assured that you're not being ignored. It's just that things like surgical implants - and other things that require ties to the medical establishment - are often quite frightening to those who prefer a more natural, common sense approach to health.
I'm answering because I'm weird and just happen to think of surgeons as mechanics, rather than doctors. Which THEY don't like but, when surgery is required, it definitely makes ME feel a whole lot better about it as I share a lot of common ground with mechanics whereas I share nearly zero common ground with other types of doctors.
(Arizona)
01/31/2024
Hi Cindy I don't have a comment on this post. However, you responded to someone regarding water intake, and I believe it was related to lymphatic drainage. Anyway I can't find that post if you can recall it could you please send it to me or tell me which category you put it in? Thanks so much when you speak up attention to it I just have not been able to locate that particular post.
Hi Claudia!
I'm not sure and can't seem to find it but dehydration is pretty common, apparently. Some think that 3/4 of the population is chronically dehydrated. Not only can it create edema, it can also create and aggravate incontinence, which is interesting. And that's on top of all of the other problems it causes and to which it contributes.
I was pretty zealous about hydration after I nearly died from both dehydration and malnutrition so the post could have been in just about any category, LOL!
I still get dehydrated as I drink way too much coffee but when I tackle it, I set my computer timer to go off every waking hour and drink a half cup to a cup of water when it goes off because I tend to just sip water throughout the day, rather than actually drink it. And I put a little course grain of sea salt under the tongue with each cup, for electrolytes. And I"m actually doing it today, to make up for WAY too much coffee!
Serrapeptase Contraindications
Serrapeptase and Thyroid Medication
For years I've been taking serrapeptase for arthritis. I just started taking thyroid medication (Armour) for hypothyroidism due to the removal of 1/2 my thyroid gland a few years ago. Since I have to take both serrapeptase and Armour on an empty stomach, I asked my MD if I could take them at the same time first thing in the morning (as I've been taking serrapeptase this way for years). She's not familiar with serrapeptase, so I'm hoping someone here on earthclinic has some experience taking these together?
(Seattle)
08/06/2023
★★★★★
Hello,
Serrapeptase and Armour, both, must be taken on a completely empty stomach and can not be taken together. The enzyme will interact with the thyroid medication. An empty stomach means a minimum 1 hour before meals and 2-3 hours after meals.