Serrapeptase
Serrapeptase is a zinc metalloprotease made by fermenting the bacterium Serratia marcescens strain E-15. The enzyme is recovered from the culture broth, purified, and dried to a powder, which is then usually granulated and enteric-coated so it passes through stomach acid intact. Supplement brands buy it as a powder or coated granule standardized to serratiopeptidase units (SU) per gram.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Uncoated serrapeptase at a stated activity, commonly 2,000,000 SU/g or similar, for brands that coat the finished capsule or tablet themselves.
Granules or pellets with an acid-resistant coat, sold at a lower activity per gram because of the coating weight.
Serrapeptase cut with a carrier such as maltodextrin or microcrystalline cellulose to a lower stated activity for easier dosing.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Enzyme powders lose activity with heat and moisture, so keep them sealed in the original lined container in a cool, dry place, and refrigerate liquid preparations if the supplier says to. Shelf life is set by each supplier's specification, usually as a guaranteed minimum activity to a stated date, and older stock is retested for activity before use. Supplier safety data sheets for enzyme powders call for dust control and respiratory protection when weighing and blending.
Activity varies by lot and is often given as a nominal grade, so record the measured SU per gram and set capsule fill from it. Note whether each lot is coated or uncoated and the carrier used, and rotate stock first-expired, first-out.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Serrapeptase natural health product monograph lists Serratia marcescens E-15 whole cell as the source material.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)The same monograph accepts only enteric-coated capsules, tablets, granules or similar preparations as dosage forms, and states that no traces of antibiotics or their residues should be detectable in the finished product.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)The EU novel food catalogue entry for serratiopeptidase records a member state note that the enzyme had no history of consumption in the EU before May 15, 1997, as a food supplement or food ingredient.
Source: ec.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Thane, India
Indian maker of enzymes and probiotics produced by fermentation, with a human nutrition range of digestive and systemic enzymes plus Saccharomyces boulardii for supplement makers.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include standardized powder, enteric-coated granules and diluted grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect enzyme activity, enteric coat performance, antibiotic residues and production organism, loss on drying, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Enzyme powders lose activity with heat and moisture, so keep them sealed in the original lined container in a cool, dry place, and refrigerate liquid preparations if the supplier says to. Shelf life is set by each supplier's specification, usually as a guaranteed minimum activity to a stated date, and older stock is retested for activity before use. Supplier safety data sheets for enzyme powders call for dust control and respiratory protection when weighing and blending.
Health Canada's Serrapeptase natural health product monograph lists Serratia marcescens E-15 whole cell as the source material. The same monograph accepts only enteric-coated capsules, tablets, granules or similar preparations as dosage forms, and states that no traces of antibiotics or their residues should be detectable in the finished product. The EU novel food catalogue entry for serratiopeptidase records a member state note that the enzyme had no history of consumption in the EU before May 15, 1997, as a food supplement or food ingredient.
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