Although many people have hostile attitudes towards bacteria, they can often yield valuable health benefits. A good example is serratiopeptidase, a useful enzyme derived from an enterobacterium. Available as a nutritional supplement, it is said to possess significant painkiller and anti-inflammatory properties. For over twenty five years, it has helped several patients from Europe, Japan and Asia. While clinical research about serratiopeptidase is still in progress, it is currently being prescribed by many doctors and healthcare professionals. Unlike many other medications it has no known adverse side effects, and is generally considered an effective and safe drug.

Serratia E15, the source of serratiopeptidase, is found in the silkworm intestine. In fact, it’s the enzyme that helps the moth to emerge from its cocoon. While many bacteria of the Serratia family are pathogenic, the E15 is not. Moreover, thorough purification during extraction guarantees the purity and safety of serratiopeptidase despite its bacterial origin. Being a protein digestive enzyme, serratiopeptidase can break down dead matter like cysts, scar tissue and blood clots in the body, thereby facilitating blood flow and eliminating dead tissue. It is also an anti-inflammatory and anti-edemic, which can prevent fluid retention and swelling of tissues.

Serratiopeptidase is often a better alternative to aspirin and NSAIDs as it doesn’t irritate the digestive system. It is known to be effective against a variety of diseases including rheumatism, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and fibromyaliga. Patients suffering from carpel tunnel syndrome, jaw pain, chronic airway lung diseases and ear-nose-throat disorders have also found relief through drugs containing serratiopeptidase. Having treated fibrocystic breast ailments, it is also said to be capable of combating fibrin build-up in muscles and the vascular system. Researchers are also trying to implement the enzyme for treating implant-related infections, where they have gained considerable success using experimental animal models. Being a cancer and tumor preventative, it’s also a good opportunity for those who like to stay on the safe side.

Good news about serratiopeptidase is that it involves minimal side effects. A study in India revealed 65 percent positive results on carpel tunnel syndrome, with no known side effects. A rare side effect of pneumonitis was reported in 1989. Blood-thinning effects of serratiopeptidase may hinder its use together with other blood thinners like warfarin, aspirin and clopidogrel. Combined with herbal supplements containing garlic, fish oil or turmeric, the enzyme is also known to increase the risk of bleeding. Apart from such issues, major side effects include allergic reactions demanding medical advice, and minor aches and pains which usually disappear with continued use of the drug.

While extensive details of clinical research are still unavailable, serratiopeptidase has yielded satisfactory results in most trials. Just as with other drugs, medical advice is essential in deciding to use serratiopeptidase. Typically, three daily doses of 10 milligrams each were used in clinical studies. While many enzymes from bacteria are known to cause various side effects, the relative inertness of serratiopeptidase is obviously a good sign, suggesting that future studies would probably guarantee its safety and effectiveness.