Synopsis

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

Serralysin (also known as serrapeptase) is a proteolytic enzyme originally isolated from the bacterium Serratia marcescens. It has been used in some countries, particularly in Asia and Europe, as an oral supplement to support the healing of injuries, including soft tissue trauma, sprains, and post-surgical swelling. The proposed mechanism involves the enzyme's ability to break down fibrin and other protein-based debris at sites of inflammation, potentially reducing swelling, pain, and promoting tissue repair.

Scientific evidence supporting the use of serralysin for injuries is limited and mixed. Several small-scale clinical trials and animal studies have suggested that serralysin may help reduce swelling and pain after surgery or trauma, possibly comparable to some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, these studies often suffer from methodological weaknesses, such as small sample sizes, lack of proper blinding, and short follow-up periods. Systematic reviews have concluded that while there is some evidence to suggest benefit, it is of low quality and insufficient to make firm recommendations. Regulatory agencies like the FDA have not approved serralysin for medical use in injury recovery, and it is sold as a dietary supplement rather than a medication in most countries.

Overall, while there are mechanistic reasons and some low-quality scientific studies indicating potential benefit, robust, high-quality evidence is lacking. Thus, the scientific support for serralysin's use in treating injuries rates as modest.

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