Doctor's Best - Serrapeptase - 270 capsules (120,000 SPU)

What is Doctor's Best Serrapeptase?

The following information has been taken from the Doctor's Best website:

Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme first isolated from the non­pathogenic Serratia bacteria species strain E15 by Japanese researchers in 1966 (Refs: 1). Proteolytic enzymes, as the term implies, break down proteins. Serratia E15 was discovered in the Japanese silkworm, which harnesses serrapeptase enzyme activity to break down its cocoon walls (Refs: 1, 2). Each vegetarian capsule of Doctor's Best Serrapeptase and High Potency Serrapeptase contains pure serrapeptase designed for optimal absorption in the intestinal tract.

Doctor's Best Serrapeptase promotes and maintains healthy sinus and airway function as well as a healthy immune response. It helps dissolve hard particles made of protein that cause unwanted side effects from toxins, scar tissue, blood clots and cysts. Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme that comes from the Serraitia bacteria species strain E15 and has been studied for over 40 years. As serrapeptase can be destroyed by stomach acids, Doctor's Best Serrapeptase uses Serrateric™, a coating that protects the enzyme until it reaches the intestines and therefore optimizes absorption.

Are any silkworms harmed in the production of Doctor's Best Serrapeptase?

No. Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme isolated from the non-pathogenic bacteria Serratia species found in the digestive tract of the Japanese silkworm. The bacteria from which the enzyme is isolated was first found in the digestive tract of the Japanese silkworm however, the enzyme is produced through a fermentation process. No silkworms are harmed in the process.

Does the Doctor's Best Serrapeptase product contain corn?

This product does contain non-GMO Maltodextrin from corn which is found in the Serrateric™ ingredient.

What is Serrateric?

Serrateric™ is a non-GMO natural coating-free acid protection system. Serrateric™ is a combination of approved food additives (self-affirmed GRAS) that work to provide gastric protection for pH sensitive enzymes without the need for additional coating.

What is the country of origin for Doctor's Best products?

Doctor’s Best products are quality tested and manufactured in the United States using highly qualified cGMP manufacturers and raw material ingredients. Doctor’s Best sources raw materials from around the world and ingredients are subject to the intense testing and verification regardless of geography of origin.

Key health aspects of serrapeptase

The following information has been extracted from the official Doctor's Best website:

Promotes and Maintains Healthy Sinus and Airway Function* Supports Healthy Immune Response*

The mucous membranes are a thin tissue layer or epithelium that lines the body's hollow structures (cavities) opening to the exterior, such as the upper respiratory system. They secrete a slightly viscous fluid called mucus, which is actually a complex viscoelastic gel that lubricates and moistens the cavity surfaces. As a part of normal, healthy physiology, mucus is the first line of defense in the nose and lungs to trap and filter inhaled dust, pollutants, and other potentially damaging agents. Proteolytic enzymes such as serrapeptase can break down inappropriate protein complexes in the mucus, thereby favorably influencing its properties and helping to support the healthy balance between adequate mucous viscosity/elasticity and airway comfort levels associated with the mucous membranes of the respiratory system (Refs: 3, 5)

Research with serrapeptase for maintenance of healthy sinus function began decades ago in Japan. Studies thus far indicate that serrapeptase is a safe and useful supplement to promote favorable viscosity of nasal and bronchial mucus. Two of the earliest human trials found that serrapeptase had favorable effects on upper airway viscosity (Refs: 3,4). In these assessments,mucus was collected from participants after a 4-week supplementation period and evaluated using an rheometer to determine its viscoelastic properties. The enzyme's action most likely involves the breakdown of mucus protein structures, consequently allowing the cilia (microscopic hairlike projections in the mucosa[ epithelium of the upper respiratory tract) to helpfully transport mucus in the airway.

Serrapeptase can also significantly affect sputum viscoelasticity (Refs: 5,6). In an investigation of forty individuals who were randomly assigned to one of five groups, six participants were given serrapeptase for one week. Sputum viscoelasticity was analyzed using a rheometer and researchers concluded that serrapeptase altered the "relaxation behavior" of sputum-meaning that serrapeptase helped support airway clearance (Refs: 5).

In a subsequent larger double-blind trial. 193 participants were randomized into two groups and were instructed to take either serrapeptase or placebo 3 times daily after meals for one week.7 After 4 days and at the end of the 7-8 day period, mucus secretion, airway freedom, and measures of immune response were significantly favorable in the serrapeptase group compared with the placebo group.

A recent study in which the immune system of rats was challenged further confirms human data that serrapeptase can be used for supporting the immune system.8 In a controlled and randomized open-label study of 29 subjects, researchers again observed the effects of serrapeptase supplementation on sputum. After 4 weeks, subjects taking serrapeptase had significantly less morning sputum with favorable viscoelasticity; furthermore, the serrapeptase group had fewer neutrophils in their sputum, signifying a more balanced immune response to maintain airway health (Refs: 9)