Synopsis

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

Serratiopeptidase, a proteolytic enzyme originally isolated from the bacterium Serratia marcescens, is used in some countries as an anti-inflammatory agent, particularly to support conditions involving soft tissue inflammation, such as tendonitis. The justification for its use is primarily based on its ability to break down inflammatory mediators and protein byproducts that accumulate in inflamed tissues. Several small clinical studies and animal research suggest serratiopeptidase may reduce pain, swelling, and improve mobility in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and post-surgical swelling. For example, a double-blind study published in the Journal of International Medical Research (1984) found that serratiopeptidase reduced swelling in patients following trauma, which provides indirect support for its use in tendonitis.

However, evidence specific to tendonitis is limited, and most studies are of moderate to low quality, with small sample sizes, lack of robust controls, or unclear methodology. Large, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) directly investigating serratiopeptidase for tendonitis are lacking. As a result, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence supporting its use for tendon inflammation, the overall evidence is weak to moderate (rating: 2 out of 5). Its use is more common in Japan, India, and parts of Europe, but it is not widely adopted in mainstream Western medicine due to insufficient robust clinical data.

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Nature's Sunshine AIVIA Performance Probiotic