Serratiopeptidase is a proteolytic enzyme isolated from the bacterial organism Serratia sp. E‑15, which inhabits the gut wall of the silk worm. Its natural purpose is to help the silkworm break free from its cocoon. It has been found useful to humans for the breakdown of nonliving tissue.

The enzyme causes proteolysis of all nonvital tissues including blood clots, cysts, tissue plaques, and cellular debris, and reduces the inflammatory response. Serratiopeptidase reduces inflammation by thinning the fluids formed from injury, thus facilitating the fluid’s removal from the site; this action helps speed up the healing process. It also helps alleviate pain by inhibiting the release of pain-inducing amines called bradykinin, and it enhances cardiovascular health by breaking down the protein byproducts of blood coagulation, fibrin.