Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Serratiopeptidase is a proteolytic enzyme originally isolated from bacteria in the intestine of silkworms. It has been used for decades in Japan and Europe as an anti-inflammatory agent. Its proposed mechanism in treating edema, particularly post-traumatic or post-surgical swelling, is related to its ability to break down fibrin and other protein-based byproducts of inflammation. This action is thought to facilitate the resorption of inflammatory exudates, thereby reducing swelling and promoting healing.

Several small-scale clinical trials and observational studies have investigated the efficacy of serratiopeptidase for edema. For example, research published in the 1980s and 1990s reported that serratiopeptidase reduced swelling and improved recovery times in patients following dental and orthopedic surgeries. A meta-analysis published in 2017 (International Journal of Surgery) reviewed these studies and noted a trend toward reduced postoperative swelling with serratiopeptidase compared to placebo, but also highlighted limitations such as small sample sizes, methodological weaknesses, and lack of large, well-designed randomized controlled trials.

Overall, while there is some scientific evidence supporting the use of serratiopeptidase for edema, the quality and quantity of evidence are limited. The enzyme is widely used in some countries based on this modest evidence base, but it is not universally accepted in mainstream medical practice, especially in the United States and Western Europe, where regulatory bodies have called for more robust clinical data.

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Designs For Health Inflammatone™
Designs For Health Inflammatone™
Designs For Health Inflammatone™