Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceJoints & skin

Systemic Enzyme Formulas

Enteric-coated proteases — serrapeptase, bromelain, trypsin — taken on an empty stomach for swelling and inflammation. Most of the human data comes from dental and post-surgical settings and is of poor methodological quality.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Swelling and trismus after dental surgery Limited evidence

    A systematic review and meta-analysis of five randomized studies after impacted third molar removal found serratiopeptidase improved jaw opening compared with corticosteroids, with no significant difference for swelling. Five small trials in one narrow surgical setting is a thin base for general anti-inflammatory claims.

  • General anti-inflammatory use Limited evidence

    A systematic review of 24 clinical studies concluded that the evidence supporting serratiopeptidase as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic rests on studies of poor methodology — few randomized trials, small samples, and dose, duration and outcomes often left undefined.

  • Systemic absorption Limited evidence

    The claim that swallowed proteases circulate intact and dissolve inflammatory proteins or scar tissue throughout the body is not established by controlled human pharmacokinetic data.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseSerrapeptase is typically labelled 10–60 mg/day (roughly 20,000–120,000 SPU), split into 2–3 doses taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food, since the enteric coating is what allows it past the stomach.
SafetyReported adverse effects include gastrointestinal upset, skin reactions, and rare case reports of eosinophilic pneumonitis with serratiopeptidase. Proteolytic enzymes may add to the effect of anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs and should be stopped before surgery. Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and active bleeding disorders. Bromelain-containing blends can trigger reactions in people allergic to pineapple or latex.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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