Can Serrapeptase Cause Liver Damage?

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.

Can Serrapeptase Cause Liver Damage?

The potential of Serrapeptase to cause liver damage is not definitively known. A documented case reported symptoms of granulomatous hepatitis, a type of liver inflammation, after the use of Serrapeptase  [1]. This condition manifested as a widespread rash and liver dysfunction, making it the first reported case linking Serrapeptase to granulomatous hepatitis.

While Serrapeptase is often highlighted for its anti-oxidant and pain-relief benefits, it's crucial to be aware of possible side effects. Reported adverse effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, joint and muscle pain, skin reactions, and cough.

Moreover, Serrapeptase can interfere with blood clotting mechanisms, posing a risk for individuals with clotting disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications such as warfarin or aspirin. Long-term use might also put stress on the liver, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions such as cirrhosis or fatty liver disease.

As a enzyme supplement, Serrapeptase is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or efficacy, meaning it does not adhere to the same stringent standards as prescription drugs. Therefore, it is imperative to approach Serrapeptase with caution and consult with a healthcare professional before beginning its use, especially if there are any underlying health conditions.

Certain groups should avoid Serrapeptase unless advised by a doctor. These include pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals on blood thinners, or those with liver conditions like hepatitis or cirrhosis. The enzyme’s impact on blood clotting and liver function could be particularly concerning for these groups, potentially exacerbating their conditions.

How Does Serrapeptase Impact the Liver? What Science Says

Serrapeptase, a proteolytic enzyme derived from the bacterium Serratia, is found in the intestines of silkworms. This enzyme helps silkworms digest their cocoons without damaging sensitive tissues, a property that may have implications for human health, particularly liver health.

What is Biofilm?

Biofilm refers to a community of bacteria that attach to complex surfaces and are interconnected by a self-produced polymer matrix [3]. Biofilms can be either beneficial or harmful. Harmful bacterial biofilms, for example, can cause chronic infections and act as shelters for viruses, bacteria, fungi, and heavy metals in the intestine [4]. Serrapeptase helps break down these harmful biofilms, which can be beneficial for overall health, including liver function.

Impact on Liver Health

A 2024 study demonstrated that Serrapeptase and other proteolytic enzymes like Bacillus subtilis monoculture enzyme can stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in broilers, which in turn improves antibody efficacy and liver function tests [5]. This is because the enzyme’s antigenic fragments can cross the intestinal epithelial barrier, influencing the immune response and improving liver health.

Anti-inflammatory and Detoxification Properties

Serrapeptase is known for its anti-edema effects in some tissues [6]. It enhances the effectiveness of antibiotics at infection sites, reduces liver inflammation, and balances liver enzyme levels. Moreover, by breaking down excess fibrin in the blood, Serrapeptase supports improved blood circulation, promotes liver detoxification, and prevents sediment accumulation in the liver. This helps maintain liver function by ensuring it has enough space to operate effectively and the necessary enzymes to remove waste from the body [7].

Reducing Fibrosis

Research has also shown that Serrapeptase can help reduce fibrosis in the body. When the liver is damaged, it tends to replace healthy cells with fibrous tissue, leading to scarring. Serrapeptase can minimize this fibrosis, aiding in the removal of scar tissue and supporting liver health [2].

You may be interested: Does Serrapeptase Cause Hair Loss?

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), which should be taken on an empty stomach, either 30 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after eating.

This dosage is based on various studies. For example, a study by Yamaguchi in 2009 found that the minimum effective dosage of Serrapeptase is between 5 and 10 mg per day (equivalent to 10,000-20,000 enzyme activity units) [8].

Another study conducted by Health Canada in 2018 showed that the maximum safe oral dosage for humans is 60 mg per day (equivalent to 120,000 enzyme activity units) [9].

For specific medical conditions, such as post-surgery recovery, it is recommended to take 10 mg of Serrapeptase three times daily to help reduce swelling and pain [10]. For patients with ENT (ear, nose, and throat) disorders or chronic bronchitis, the same dosage of 10 mg, three times a day, is advised for 1-2 weeks [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 antioxidant properties; however, regarding liver function, whether this type of enzyme causes harm or support is still a conservation.

Related article:

• Benefits Of Serrapeptase For Heart Disease & Arterial Plaque
• Can You Take Serrapeptase With Coffee?
• Can You Take Serrapeptase And NAC Together?