Serrapeptase vs Indigo Naturalis

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Serrapeptase

Serratia marcescens derived

Anti-inflammatory

Strobilanthes cusia

Anti-inflammatory

Serrapeptase

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Indigo Naturalis

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Proteolytic enzyme originally derived from silk worm intestinal bacteria, used for inflammation and pain.

Tropical shrub of Southeast Asia; processed leaves yield indigo dye also used medicinally in TCM for anti-inflammatory and antitumor conditions.

Active Compounds

serine protease, serrapeptidase enzyme

indirubin, indigo, tryptanthrin, beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol glucoside

Traditional Uses

Japanese pain management, post-surgical healing, sinus congestion

Inflammatory skin conditions in TCM, Oral mucosal conditions, Liver heat in TCM, Anti-inflammatory for IBD in Asian medicine

Modern Uses

anti-inflammatory, pain relief, fibrinolytic, sinus health

Anti-inflammatory (indirubin for ulcerative colitis), Antitumor research, Antimicrobial, Antiviral

Adult Dosage

10,000-60,000 IU daily

1.5–3 g powder 3x daily for IBD; topical for skin conditions

Contraindications

blood thinners, aspirin, NSAIDs, surgery within 2 weeks

Pregnancy, Pulmonary arterial hypertension with prolonged high-dose use, Autoimmune conditions

Side Effects

nausea, skin reactions, muscle aches, joint pain

GI upset, Pulmonary hypertension with prolonged use, Blue discoloration of stool

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E