Item Code: SN1949 | UPC: 021078019497 | Potency: 30,000 Serrapeptase Units (SPU) per Capsule / 60,000 SPU per Serving
Source Naturals Serrapeptase 500mg is a high-potency, vegetarian systemic proteolytic enzyme formulated to support healthy cardiovascular function, normal inflammatory response, respiratory mucus clearance, and natural tissue repair. Originally discovered in the digestive tract of the Japanese silkworm (Bombyx mori), this specialized enzyme is biosynthesized via controlled fermentation of the non-pathogenic bacterium Serratia marcescens strain E-15.
Unlike conventional digestive enzymes taken with food to break down mealtime proteins in the stomach, Serrapeptase is a systemic enzyme designed to be absorbed intact through the small intestine into the bloodstream. Once circulating, it actively breaks down extraneous, non-living protein structures—including cellular debris, dead tissue, arterial plaque components, and excess fibrin deposits—without affecting healthy, living cells.
Clinically Supported Benefits & Mechanism of Action
Fibrinolytic & Cardiovascular Support: Serrapeptase exhibits targeted fibrinolytic activity, hydrolyzing non-living fibrous matrices and cellular protein by-products that can accumulate in vascular walls and connective tissues.
Balanced Inflammatory Response: The enzyme hydrolyzes peptide bonds in bradykinin, histamine, and serotonin—endogenous signaling molecules directly involved in pain receptor sensitization and inflammatory fluid accumulation (edema).
Mucus Thinning & Sinus Drainage: Serrapeptase functions as a proven mucolytic agent, altering the viscoelastic properties of thick mucus secretions in the sinuses, bronchus, and nasal passages to promote natural airway clearance.
Post-Exertional Joint & Muscle Recovery: Facilitates drainage of post-injury or post-workout metabolic exudates, assisting the body’s lymphatic and structural recovery after physical strain.
Scientific Evidence & Clinical Literature
Serrapeptase (serratiopeptidase) has been evaluated in multiple clinical trials across ear-nose-throat (ENT) care, post-surgical recovery, and respiratory medicine:
1. Mucus Clearance & Otorhinolaryngological Health
In a landmark multicenter, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial involving 193 patients with acute and chronic ENT conditions, researchers demonstrated that serratiopeptidase treatment led to statistically significant reductions in nasal inflammation, pain intensity, and secretions within 3 to 4 days compared to placebo (P < 0.001).
Citation: Mazzone A, Catalani M, Costanzo M, et al. Evaluation of Serratia peptidase in acute or chronic inflammation of otorhinolaryngology pathology: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized trial versus placebo. J Int Med Res. 1990;18(5):379-388.
2. Post-Surgical Swelling, Edema, and Induration
In a randomized, double-blind clinical investigation evaluating the management of post-surgical tissue trauma, subjects administered oral serrapeptase demonstrated a significant reduction in cheek swelling and postoperative pain scores on days 2, 3, and 7 compared with the control cohort (P < 0.05). A parallel trial evaluating postpartum breast engorgement confirmed marked reduction in swelling, pain, and tissue induration without adverse events.
Citations:
Al-Khateeb TH, Nusair Y. Effect of the proteolytic enzyme serrapeptase on swelling, pain and trismus after surgical extraction of mandibular third molars. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008;37(3):264-268.
Kee WH, Tan SL, Lee JM, Salmon YM. The treatment of breast engorgement with Serrapeptase (Danzen): a randomised double-blind controlled trial. Singapore Med J. 1989;30(1):48-54.
3. Respiratory Secretion Viscoelasticity
A controlled clinical study investigated the effects of oral serratiopeptidase on sputum viscosity in patients with chronic airway limitations. After 4 weeks of therapy, the dry weight, total solid percentage, and viscoelasticity of sputum secretions decreased significantly, facilitating productive expectoration and improved airway clearance.
Citation: Nakamura S, Hashimoto Y, Mikami M, et al. Effect of the proteolytic enzyme serrapeptase in patients with chronic airway disease. Respirology. 2003;8(3):316-320.
Why Delayed-Release Technology Matters
Serrapeptase is extremely acid-labile: exposure to gastric hydrochloric acid (pH 1.5–2.5) and the stomach’s digestive protease pepsin permanently deactivates the enzyme protein structure. To ensure therapeutic bioavailability, Source Naturals SN1949 utilizes advanced delayed-release vegetarian capsules formulated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate.
This protective polymer barrier resists gastric fluid degradation, shielding the enzyme until it transitions into the neutral-to-alkaline milieu of the duodenum and upper jejunum (pH 6.5–7.5). Intact enzymes are then absorbed across the intestinal epithelium into the systemic lymph and blood circulation.
Complete Supplement Facts & Ingredient Breakdown
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Vegetarian Capsules | Servings Per Container: 30
Active Ingredient
Amount Per Serving (2 Caps)
Amount Per 1 Cap
Serrapeptase (yielding a minimum of 60,000 Serrapeptase Units [SPU] per serving / 30,000 SPU per cap)
1,000 mg (1 g)
500 mg
* Daily Value (% DV) not established.
Other Ingredients
Rice flour, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and purified water (capsule shell), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, and polyethylene glycol (delayed-release coating components).
Allergen & Dietary Information
Suitable for vegetarians. Free from gluten, wheat, yeast, egg, dairy/milk, sugar, starch, salt, artificial preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, or added chemical fragrances. Non-GMO.
Suggested Use & Critical Administration Guidelines
Recommended Adult Dose: Take 1 to 2 capsules twice daily as needed.
Crucial Rule for Systemic Absorption: Must be taken on an empty stomach with at least 8 ounces of water. Consume at least 45 to 60 minutes before a meal, or at least 2 hours after eating. Taking this product with food will cause the enzyme to bind to dietary proteins in the digestive tract, depleting its systemic circulatory activity.
Precautions, Contraindications & Drug Interactions
Blood-Thinning Medications: Do not use if you are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs (e.g., Warfarin/Coumadin, Heparin, Plavix, Aspirin, or high-dose Vitamin K) without direct medical oversight, as serrapeptase has natural fibrinolytic properties.
Surgery: Discontinue use at least two weeks prior to scheduled dental or general surgical procedures to avoid prolonged bleeding time.
Gastrointestinal Ulcers: Do not take if you have active gastric ulcers, erosive gastritis, or severe gastrointestinal inflammatory lesions.
Pregnancy & Nursing: Do not take if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or lactating.
Discontinue Use: Stop taking immediately if intestinal discomfort, mild nausea, diarrhea, or rash occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Source Naturals Serrapeptase 500mg
What is the difference between Serrapeptase 500mg and 30,000 SPU?
Milligrams (500 mg) represent the physical weight of the serrapeptase enzyme preparation per capsule, whereas SPU (Serrapeptase Units) measures its biological enzymatic activity. Quality enzymes are always standardized by active enzymatic potency: each 500 mg capsule of Source Naturals SN1949 delivers 30,000 active fibrin-cleaving units (60,000 SPU per 2-capsule serving).
Why must Source Naturals Serrapeptase be taken on an empty stomach?
Serrapeptase is a systemic proteolytic enzyme, not a digestive aid. If consumed with or near meals, the enzyme will expend its catalytic activity digesting food proteins in the gastrointestinal lumen. Taking it on an empty stomach (45–60 minutes before meals or 2 hours after) allows it to pass quickly into the small intestine to be absorbed into systemic circulation.
Why are delayed-release capsules necessary for Serrapeptase?
Serrapeptase is unstable in acidic environments and is rapidly degraded by stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) and gastric pepsin. Source Naturals uses an enteric-protected, delayed-release vegetarian capsule that bypasses stomach acid intact and dissolves only once it reaches the neutral pH of the small intestine for optimal absorption.
How does Serrapeptase support cardiovascular and arterial health?
Serrapeptase exhibits targeted fibrinolytic action. It assists the body in naturally cleaving and dissolving excess fibrin—a tough, insoluble mesh-like protein involved in blood coagulation, fibrous scar tissue, and arterial plaque deposition—without harming healthy vascular tissue.
Can I take Serrapeptase with prescription blood thinners or before surgery?
No. Because serrapeptase exerts natural fibrinolytic and anti-clotting effects, combining it with blood thinners (such as Warfarin, Heparin, or Aspirin) may increase the risk of bleeding. You should always consult your physician prior to use and stop taking serrapeptase at least 14 days before any scheduled surgical or dental procedure.
How quickly does Serrapeptase take effect?
For acute sinus congestion, respiratory drainage, or post-exercise soreness, many individuals report noticeable support within 3 to 7 days of consistent use on an empty stomach. For long-term cardiovascular cleansing and dense fibrous tissue support, clinicians generally evaluate progress over 4 to 12 weeks of sustained supplementation.
