Speaking of Serrapeptase, a widely known natural protein-digesting enzyme, many questions are often raised about its impact on overall health.
One of them is "Can Serrapeptase Cause Liver Damage?" to which the answer in most studies is "no"; however, this is not yet entirely certain. Follow the specific answer in the article below.
Before exploring further, please read the disclaimer located at the end of this webpage.
Key Takeaways
- The potential harm of Serrapeptase to the liver remains uncertain.
- Numerous studies have proven Serrapeptase's ability to remove biofilm, supporting the liver's function of detoxifying blood. Yet, studies indicate the enzyme's contribution to granulomatous hepatitis.
- The effective dosage of Serrapeptase consumption is 10 mg daily, taken on an empty stomach or 2 hours after eating.
- Serrapeptase could cause side effects such as vomiting, nausea, redness, rash, muscle pain, joint pain, etc. if used incorrectly and in overdose.
Can Serrapeptase Cause Liver Damage?
It can't be stated with certainty about Serrapeptase's ability to destroy the liver.
A study proved that granulomatous hepatitis symptoms occur due to Serrapeptase use, resulting in a nationwide rash and liver dysfunction.
This study is considered to be the first case report concerning granulomatous hepatitis related to the use of Serrapeptase [1].
However, Serrapeptase is an excellent protein-digesting enzyme produced by Serratia bacteria in the intestines of silkworms, exceptionally effective in breaking down biofilm [2], eliminating shelters for viruses, bacteria causing diseases, beneficial for cardiovascular health, immune system, intestines, especially liver function.
There are many studies on the benefits of Serrapeptase for liver health. However, the most recent has noted a case of granulomatous hepatitis, as mentioned above, so it can't conclude Serrapeptase is truly beneficial for the liver.
Remember to consult a specialist about your health condition for more accurate information and to find the best usage for the liver.
How Does Serrapeptase Impact the Liver? What Science Says
As mentioned above, Serrapeptase protects the body through the biofilm.
Biofilm is a community of bacteria attached to complex surfaces, interconnected by a self-produced polymer matrix [3]. Biofilms can be either beneficial or harmful to the body; bacterial biofilms can cause chronic infections, as a refuge for harmful viruses, bacteria, candida fungi, and heavy metals in the intestine [4].
Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme derived from the bacterium Serratia found in the intestines of silkworms.
This bacterium allows the silkworm to digest its cocoon without affecting or damaging the sensitive tissues. This mechanism is similarly applied to Serrapeptase and liver health.
A study in 2024 demonstrated that varying levels of the Bacillus subtilis monoculture enzyme and the proteolytic enzyme Serrapeptase can stimulate antibiotic growth in broilers [5], improving antibody efficacy and liver function tests.
This is due to antigenic fragments of the enzyme exceeding the intestinal epithelial barrier, leading to an adjustment in the immune response within the immune system.
On the other hand, Serrapeptase has anti-inflammatory, anti-edema activity in some tissues [6].
This enzyme can increase the bioavailability of antibiotics at infection sites, reduce liver inflammation, and balance liver enzyme indices in the body.
The proteolytic enzyme Serrapeptase also supports improved blood circulation by breaking down excess fibrin in the blood, facilitating immediate liver detoxification, and limiting sediment accumulation in the liver.
Thus preventing the liver from lacking the space to work freely and the shortage of enzymes to remove "waste" from the body [7].
Another study also showed that Serrapeptase can minimize fibrosis in the body.
When the liver is damaged, it will stimulate the production and replacement of healthy cells with fibrous tissue, simultaneously removing scar tissue to protect liver health [2].
Are There Any Side Effects of Serrapeptase on the Liver?
The latest report regarding the functional liver disorder and a non-itchy whole-body red rash of a 28-year-old Japanese woman with no history of liver damage after using Serrapeptase [1].
The patient was diagnosed with granulomatous hepatitis caused by a medicine containing Serrapeptase, and the situation improved after stopping the supplements. Signs of this side effect are high fever, continuous coughing, and sore throat; 2 days later, extremities appear red, non-itchy rash.
Experts point out the important process for the formation of granulomas in the liver is the transformation of activated macrophages into epithelial cells through cell-mediated immune response and the release of cytokines.
Other Serrapeptase Side Effects You Need to Know
Serrapeptase is safe when used continuously in short-term clinical trials. However, its safety is not guaranteed over a long period. Drug interactions, misuse of dosage, Serrapeptase can cause some side effects such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Blood hemorrhage (rare)
- Diarrhea
- Skin irritation or inflammation
- Cough
- Blood clotting disorders
- Muscle joint pain
- Red rash, redness
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Eosinophilic pneumonia
- Bullous pemphigoid
Be cautious when consuming any dietary supplements. Especially if the body shows the above symptoms after consuming Serrapeptase, stop using it and immediately visit a doctor or reputable expert for quick recovery.
How to Use Serrapeptase Safely and Effectively?
The effective dosage of Serrapeptase is 10 mg (equivalent to 20,000 enzyme activity units), taken on an empty stomach 30 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after completing a meal.
This dosage is summarized from various studies. Among them, the study by Yamaguchi 2009 showed the minimum Serrapeptase dosage is 5-10 mg (equivalent to 10,000-20,000 Serrapeptase units) per day [8].
Health Canada 2018 study showed the maximum dosage humans could consume Serrapeptase orally is 60 mg (equivalent to 120,000 Serrapeptase units) a day [9].
For clinical trial cases for specific diseases, Serrapeptase is recommended to consume 10 mg divided into 3 times daily to reduce swelling and pain after surgery [10]. The dosage of 10 mg 3 times a day is continuously used for 1-2 weeks for patients with problems related to ENT disorders or chronic bronchitis [11].
Conclusion
In summary, the most accurate answer to the question "Can Serrapeptase Cause Liver Damage?" depends on the health condition, the dosage used, and its interaction with the drugs you use. Serrapeptase has been studied for many effects on the body, especially its anti-inflammatory activity; however, regarding liver function, whether this type of enzyme causes harm or support is still a conservation.
References
- [1] Dohmen, K. “Granulomatous Hepatitis Induced by Saridon and Serrapeptase.” Hepatology Research, vol. 11, no. 2, June 1998, pp. 133–137, https://doi.org/10.1016/s1386-6346(98)00016-3. Accessed 9 Feb. 2023.
- [2] websites. “Serrapeptase (New).” Agri-Growth International Inc., 19 July 2018, www.agriorganics.com/serrapeptase-new/. Accessed 11 May 2024.
- [3] Muhammad, Musa Hassan. "Beyond Risk: Bacterial Biofilms and Their Regulating Approaches." Frontiersin, 21 May 2020, www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.00928/full. Accessed 11 May 2024.
- [4] Yan, Jing , and Bonnie L. Bassler. "Surviving as a Community: Antibiotic Tolerance and Persistence in Bacterial Biofilms." Cell Host & Microbe Minireview, 10 July 2019, www.cell.com/cell-host-microbe/pdf/S1931-3128(19)30291-4.pdf. Accessed 11 May 2024.
- [5] Mushtaq, Muhammad, et al. "Different Levels of Single-Strain Probiotic (Bacillus Subtilis) with Proteolytic Enzyme (Serratiopeptidase) Can Be Used as an Alternative to Antibiotic Growth Promoters in Broiler." Poultry Science, vol. 103, no. 3, 1 Mar. 2024, p. 103400, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579123009203, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2023.103400. Accessed 11 May 2024.
- [6] H.S., Abd El-Hamid, and Ahmed H.A. "Impact of Serratiopeptidase Treatment on Performance and Health Parameters in Broiler Chickens." Researchgate, May 2014, www.researchgate.net/profile/Hamada-Ahmed-3/publication/263170976_Impact_of_Serratiopeptidase_Treatment_on_Performance_and_Health_Parameters_in_Broiler_Chickens/links/02e7e53a1ce9d67bfd000000/Impact-of-Serratiopeptidase-Treatment-on-Performance-and-Health-Parameters-in-Broiler-Chickens.pdf. Accessed 11 May 2024.
- [7] "Enhance Blood Cleansing with Systemic Enzymes." RidgeCrest Herbals, 26 Apr. 2023, rcherbals.com/blogs/herb-nerds/enhance-blood-cleansing-with-systemic-enzymes. Accessed 11 May 2024.
- [8] Yamaguchi T. Perspectives on enzyme products in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia. Presented at: USP Enzyme Workshop Meeting; July 8, 2009; Rockville, MD.
- [9] Government of Canada, Health Canada. "Natural Health Products Ingredients Database." Webprod.hc-Sc.gc.ca, 26 July 2004, webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=serrapeptase&lang=eng. Accessed 11 May 2024.
- [10] Tachibana M, Mizukoshi O, Harada Y, Kawamoto K, Nakai Y. A multi-centre, double-blind study of serrapeptase versus placebo in post-antrectomy buccal swelling. Pharmacotherapeutic. 1984;3(8):526-530.6366808
- [11] Mazzone A, Catalani M, Costanzo M, et al. Evaluation of Serratia peptidase in acute or chronic inflammation of otorhinolaryngology pathology: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized trial versus placebo. J Int Med Res. 1990;18(5):379-388.2257960
