Serrapeptase
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Serrapeptase (Serratiopeptidase (bacterial metalloprotease)) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,180 participants, researched for Anti-inflammatory Effects, Surgical Recovery, Sinusitis and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Anti-inflammatory Effects
ModerateSurgical Recovery
StrongSinusitis
ModerateCardiovascular Support
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
To evaluate serrapeptase on post-operative swelling and pain after orthopaedic surgery.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate serrapeptase on post-operative swelling and pain after orthopaedic surgery.
Dose
10 mg/day serrapeptase
Participants
164 patients post total knee replacement
Duration
10 days
Results
Serrapeptase significantly reduced post-operative swelling and pain compared to placebo. Analgesic consumption was lower in the serrapeptase group. Improvement in range of motion was also greater.
How They Measured It
Oedema measurement (leg circumference), pain VAS, analgesic use
To systematically evaluate serrapeptase for anti-inflammatory and analgesic indications.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To systematically evaluate serrapeptase for anti-inflammatory and analgesic indications.
Dose
Various (5-30 mg/day)
Participants
Multiple RCT populations
Duration
Various
Results
Serrapeptase showed consistent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in surgical, dental, and ENT settings. Quality of evidence is moderate. The mechanism involves fibrin degradation and bradykinin reduction.
How They Measured It
Review of RCTs: oedema, pain, CRP across conditions
Surgical Recovery
To assess serrapeptase on oedema and pain after third molar extraction.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess serrapeptase on oedema and pain after third molar extraction.
Dose
10 mg/day serrapeptase
Participants
121 patients undergoing third molar extraction
Duration
7 days
Results
Serrapeptase significantly reduced post-extraction facial oedema, trismus (jaw stiffness), and pain compared to placebo. Recovery was faster in the serrapeptase group, supporting its use as a perioperative anti-oedema agent.
How They Measured It
Cheek oedema (trismus), pain VAS, analgesic intake
To compare serrapeptase versus ibuprofen for post-operative pain management.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, controlled
Purpose
To compare serrapeptase versus ibuprofen for post-operative pain management.
Dose
10 mg serrapeptase vs 400 mg ibuprofen 3 times daily
Participants
80 patients after foot surgery
Duration
5 days
Results
Serrapeptase was comparable to ibuprofen in pain relief at 24 and 48 hours post-surgery. Gastrointestinal side effects were significantly lower with serrapeptase, suggesting it as a safer alternative to NSAIDs post-operatively.
How They Measured It
Pain VAS at 6, 24, and 48 hours, NSAIDs required
Sinusitis
To evaluate serrapeptase for chronic sinusitis symptoms.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate serrapeptase for chronic sinusitis symptoms.
Dose
30 mg/day serrapeptase
Participants
120 patients with chronic sinusitis
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Serrapeptase significantly reduced nasal secretion viscosity and sinusitis symptom scores compared to placebo. The mucolytic and anti-inflammatory properties of serrapeptase were responsible for symptomatic improvement.
How They Measured It
Sinusitis symptom score, nasal secretion viscosity, endoscopic findings
Cardiovascular Support
To investigate the fibrinolytic and atherosclerotic plaque-degrading properties of serrapeptase.
Study Type
In-vitro study
Purpose
To investigate the fibrinolytic and atherosclerotic plaque-degrading properties of serrapeptase.
Dose
Varying serrapeptase concentrations
Participants
Human arterial tissue and plasma samples
Duration
N/A
Results
Serrapeptase demonstrated potent fibrinolytic activity and degraded atherosclerotic plaque components in vitro without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. These findings suggest potential for vascular maintenance.
How They Measured It
Fibrin clot lysis assays, plaque degradation in arterial tissue samples
To evaluate serrapeptase on arterial plaque in an atherosclerosis model.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To evaluate serrapeptase on arterial plaque in an atherosclerosis model.
Dose
1 mg/kg serrapeptase orally
Participants
High-fat-fed rabbits
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Serrapeptase significantly reduced aortic plaque area and fibrin deposits compared to control. Inflammatory cell infiltration within plaques was also reduced. Results support potential cardiovascular protective effects.
How They Measured It
Aortic plaque area, fibrin content, inflammatory infiltrates
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Serrapeptase research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on Serrapeptase (Serratiopeptidase (bacterial metalloprotease)), involving 1,180 total participants. Research covers Anti-inflammatory effects, Surgical recovery, Sinusitis and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (4 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Serrapeptase has been researched for: Anti-inflammatory effects, Surgical recovery, Sinusitis, Cardiovascular support. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 4 out of 9 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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