Some substances currently used to support health are of natural origin, and their discovery was not primarily the result of targeted pharmaceutical research. Serrapeptase is one of the enzymes that were identified through the observation of natural biological processes. This enzyme was isolated from the symbiotic bacterium Serratia marcescens, which is found in the digestive tract of the silkworm. In this environment, it helps break down the cocoon, which points to its ability to act on protein structures. Serrapeptase has been in use for several decades, particularly in Japan and Europe, where it has found a place in both medicine and the field of complementary healthcare.
Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme, i.e. a substance capable of breaking down proteins into smaller components. In the context of the human body, its effects are being studied primarily in relation to inflammation and tissue regeneration. According to a study published in the journal Biotechnology Research International¹, serrapeptase may act on dysfunctional or damaged protein structures that accumulate at the site of inflammation. Its effect therefore does not lie in directly suppressing pain, but rather in influencing the environment in which the inflammation occurs.
As soon as pain or inflammation sets in, it is natural to look for a quick fix. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs are effective and provide relief in a short time. This approach has its place, particularly in acute conditions. At the same time, however, it can lead to us treating the symptom without paying attention to the processes that caused it. I would argue that immediate suppression is not always the best course of action. In some cases, it may be just as important to support the mechanisms that lead to the natural resolution of inflammation.
Inflammation is often perceived as something negative, but from a biological point of view, it is a controlled defensive response by the body. Its aim is to remove damaged tissue and trigger regeneration. According to a study published in the journal Nature Medicine², proper regulation of inflammation is key to maintaining a balance between tissue damage and repair. The problem arises when inflammation is excessive or prolonged. In such cases, it can place a strain on the body rather than helping it. It is precisely at this point that supplements such as serrapeptase can be of significance; they do not act to suppress the pain signal itself, but rather to support the processes leading to the gradual resolution of inflammation and tissue regeneration.
If the body is provided with the right conditions, it has the ability to regulate inflammatory processes naturally. In practical terms, this means that in certain situations, rather than immediately suppressing symptoms, we can opt for an approach that respects the body’s natural dynamics. Serapeptaza EXTRA fits into this approach as a supplement designed to support physiological processes in the body, as reflected in a study published in the International Journal of General Medicine³, where Serrapeptaza is discussed in the context of supporting inflammatory processes and reducing swelling.
With serrapeptase, we often come across the designation 250,000 SPU. This refers to a unit of enzyme activity, not its weight. SPU stands for SerraPeptase Units and indicates the enzyme’s ability to break down proteins. The higher the number, the higher the enzymatic activity, and thus the greater the potential effect. According to expert sources, the biological efficacy of serrapeptase depends primarily on its enzymatic activity and stability as it passes through the digestive tract⁴. It is therefore encapsulated in a gastro-resistant coating, which protects the enzyme from degradation in the stomach. An advantage is the standardised enzyme activity, which allows for more precise dosing and a predictable effect.
A natural alternative does not mean a weaker alternative. It means a different mechanism that needs to be understood within the broader context of how the body functions. It is not always necessary to reach for painkillers at the first sign of discomfort. In some cases, it may be more effective to support the processes leading to the natural resolution of inflammation. Such an approach can represent a less burdensome and sustainable long-term approach to healthcare.
Mária Zajičková, PhD,
organic chemist and science communicator
1. Bhagat, S., Agarwal, M., & Roy, V. (2013). Serratiopeptidase: insights into therapeutic applications. Biotechnology Research International, 2013, 1–6.
2. Medzhitov, R. (2008). Origin and physiological roles of inflammation. Nature Medicine, 14(4), 428–435.
3. Mazzone, A., Catalani, M., Costanzo, M., Drusian, A., Mandoli, A., Russo, S., Guarini, E., & Vesperini, G. (1990). Evaluation of Serratia peptidase in acute or chronic inflammation of otorhinolaryngological pathology: a multicentre, double-blind, randomised trial versus placebo. Journal of International Medical Research, 18(5), 379–388.
4. Klein, G., Kullich, W., Schnitker, J., & Schwann, H. (2014). Enzyme stability and oral bioavailability: pharmacokinetic considerations. Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 53(10), 943–954.
5. Kee, W. H., Tan, S. E., Lee, V. K., & Lee, Y. P. (1989). Serrapeptase in postoperative swelling: a double-blind study. Journal of International Medical Research, 17(5), 454–460.
Explanatory notes:
Proteolytic enzyme – an enzyme that breaks down proteins
Analgesics – painkillers
Regeneration – the process of tissue repair
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