What Can I Take Instead of Serrapeptase? Exploring Alternatives

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Originally derived from the intestinal bacteria of silkworms, serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme with a history of use as an anti-inflammatory in some countries. However, individuals may seek alternatives to serrapeptase due to limited human research, concerns over side effects, or drug interactions.

Quick Summary

Several alternatives to serrapeptase are available, including other proteolytic enzymes like bromelain and nattokinase, natural anti-inflammatory supplements such as curcumin and omega-3s, or over-the-counter NSAIDs. The best choice depends on your specific health goals.

Key Points

Proteolytic Enzymes: Bromelain (from pineapple) and nattokinase (from fermented soybeans) are common proteolytic enzyme alternatives to serrapeptase.
Bleeding Risk: All proteolytic enzymes and omega-3s can increase the risk of bleeding and should not be combined with blood thinners without a doctor's supervision.
Anti-Inflammatory Supplements: Herbal options like curcumin (turmeric) and ginger offer natural anti-inflammatory effects supported by research.
Cardiovascular Benefits: Nattokinase and lumbrokinase are particularly noted for their fibrinolytic activity, which supports healthy circulation.
Medical Supervision: Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, as they can cause side effects or interact with other medications.
Acute Relief: Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen are effective for treating short-term pain and swelling.
Dietary Sources: Incorporating enzyme-rich foods like pineapple, papaya, and fermented products can provide natural anti-inflammatory benefits.

Understanding Serrapeptase and the Need for Alternatives

Serrapeptase, also known as serratiopeptidase, is a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down proteins. Proponents claim it helps reduce pain and inflammation by dissolving non-living tissue, clearing mucus, and potentially reducing arterial plaque. However, some key factors prompt a search for alternatives:

Limited Research: While used for decades in some parts of the world, human clinical trials on serrapeptase are often poorly structured or limited in scope, leading to unreliable results and uncertainty about its effectiveness for many conditions.
Safety and Side Effects: Serrapeptase is not recommended for everyone. It can increase the risk of bleeding, particularly when combined with blood-thinning medications or supplements like fish oil, garlic, and turmeric. Reported side effects include gastrointestinal upset, joint pain, and skin reactions.
Regulatory Concerns: In the U.S., serrapeptase is sold as a dietary supplement and is not subject to the same strict federal safety and efficacy standards as prescription medications.

Proteolytic Enzyme Alternatives

For those seeking a different enzyme with similar proteolytic properties, several options are available, derived from both plant and animal sources.

Bromelain (from Pineapple)

Bromelain is a group of proteolytic enzymes extracted from pineapple stems and fruit. It is well-regarded for its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to reduce swelling. Bromelain can also assist in protein digestion, and some studies suggest it may help with pain relief associated with conditions like osteoarthritis. It is generally considered safe, but individuals with pineapple allergies or on blood-thinning medication should exercise caution.

Nattokinase (from Fermented Soybeans)

Nattokinase is an enzyme derived from natto, a traditional Japanese dish of fermented soybeans. Its primary claim to fame is its potent fibrinolytic (fibrin-degrading) activity, making it a popular supplement for cardiovascular health. It may help support healthy circulation and blood pressure. However, as with serrapeptase, it carries a risk of bleeding and should not be used with blood thinners.

Papain (from Papaya)

Papain is a proteolytic enzyme found in the papaya plant. Like bromelain, it has been used for centuries to tenderize meat and is available as a digestive supplement. Some research suggests that papain may help ease digestive symptoms, including bloating and constipation. It can be taken alongside or as an alternative to serrapeptase for its potential anti-inflammatory effects.

Lumbrokinase (from Earthworms)

Lumbrokinase is an enzyme complex derived from earthworms. Research indicates it is a powerful fibrinolytic agent and may be significantly more potent than serrapeptase in dissolving fibrin. This makes it a potential alternative for supporting circulatory wellness, though it is less common than other enzymes.

Herbal and Natural Anti-Inflammatory Alternatives

For individuals whose goal is to manage inflammation, several herbal and natural options with more extensive research are available.

Curcumin (from Turmeric)

Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric and is a well-researched anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It has been studied for its potential to help with conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Curcumin's bioavailability is naturally low, so it is often formulated with piperine (from black pepper) to enhance absorption.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Found in fatty fish and fish oil supplements, omega-3 fatty acids are potent anti-inflammatory compounds that play a crucial role in cellular function. They can help reduce markers of inflammation and may support cardiovascular health. As with serrapeptase, caution is needed when taking omega-3s with blood-thinning medications.

Ginger

The root of the ginger plant contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is also known for its ability to help relieve nausea and aid digestion. Some studies suggest ginger may help reduce inflammation in certain conditions, including arthritis and diabetes.

Over-the-Counter Medications

In cases of short-term pain and swelling from injury, over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be an effective and medically approved option.

Ibuprofen: A common NSAID that effectively reduces pain, inflammation, and fever. It is suitable for acute pain and swelling.
Naproxen: A longer-acting NSAID than ibuprofen, often taken for conditions requiring sustained relief from pain and inflammation.
Aspirin: An anti-inflammatory that also acts as a blood thinner. It is essential to consult a doctor before use, especially for chronic conditions or if other medications are taken.

Comparison Table: Serrapeptase Alternatives


Feature	Bromelain	Nattokinase	Curcumin	OTC NSAIDs	Lumbrokinase
Source	Pineapple	Fermented Soybeans	Turmeric	Synthetic Chemical	Earthworms
Primary Action	Protein breakdown, anti-inflammatory	Fibrin breakdown, cardiovascular support	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant	Pain and inflammation relief	Fibrin breakdown, cardiovascular support
Common Uses	Swelling, pain, digestion	Cardiovascular health, circulation	Arthritis, inflammation, joint health	Acute pain, swelling, fever	Cardiovascular health, circulation
Risks/Concerns	Allergy to pineapple, bleeding risk	Bleeding risk, interaction with blood thinners	Low bioavailability, bleeding risk	Stomach irritation, bleeding risk, long-term side effects	Bleeding risk, potency varies

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Alternative

When seeking alternatives to serrapeptase, a wide range of options exist, each with a different primary function. For those interested in a different proteolytic enzyme, bromelain or nattokinase are common choices. If anti-inflammatory benefits are the main goal, curcumin, omega-3s, or ginger offer well-researched options. For acute pain and swelling, OTC NSAIDs are a standard medical treatment. Ultimately, the choice should be guided by specific health needs and goals. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider to determine the safest and most effective option, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

For more information on anti-inflammatory supplements, an authoritative resource is the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Effective alternatives for inflammation include proteolytic enzymes like bromelain, herbal supplements such as curcumin and ginger, and omega-3 fatty acids. The best option depends on your specific health needs and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Yes, nattokinase is an alternative to serrapeptase, particularly for cardiovascular health, as it is a potent fibrin-dissolving enzyme. However, both carry a bleeding risk and should not be taken with other blood-thinning agents without medical advice.

Both bromelain and serrapeptase are proteolytic enzymes with anti-inflammatory effects. Bromelain is derived from pineapple and has a more established safety profile, though it is still important to consult a doctor before use, especially regarding bleeding risk.

Herbal options include curcumin (turmeric), ginger, and boswellia (frankincense), all of which have known anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin is often recommended with piperine to improve absorption.

For acute pain and swelling, OTC NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin are standard medical options for reducing inflammation. Always consult a doctor before use to ensure they are safe for your condition.

Yes, certain foods contain natural digestive enzymes. Pineapple contains bromelain, and papaya contains papain, both of which are proteolytic enzymes. Fermented foods like kefir and sauerkraut also contain beneficial enzymes.

Reasons to avoid serrapeptase include its potential to increase the risk of bleeding, especially with blood thinners, and a lack of robust human research confirming its effectiveness and safety for many conditions. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.