Serrapeptase for Cough Relief

Research suggests that serrapeptase may support mucus clearance and reduce cough-related symptoms in people with chronic airway diseases, with multiple studies reporting reductions in sputum viscosity, volume, and neutrophil counts alongside improvements in mucociliary transportability. The evidence base includes two small randomized controlled trials and several supporting studies conducted in human patients with chronic sinusitis or lung disease, as well as animal studies, with findings generally pointing in a consistent direction across different research designs. Studies indicate that serrapeptase's effects on mucus appear to work through a different mechanism than conventional expectorants like bromhexine, as it seems to alter the structural properties of mucus rather than its overall volume alone, though one animal study found bromelain to be more potent in direct comparisons. Important limitations apply throughout this body of evidence, including small sample sizes, lack of blinding in key trials, reliance on animal models in some cases, and the absence of large-scale independent replication, meaning these findings should be interpreted cautiously and more rigorous clinical research is needed to draw firm conclusions.