Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effects of Serratiopeptidase in Chicks

Abstract Serratiopeptidase is a zinc-containing metalloprotease primarily obtained from Serratia marcescens isolated from the silkworm guts. This study aimed to assess the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects of serratiopeptidase in hen chicks. It included 104 hen chicks weighing 70-90 g. The antinociception efficacy was assessed by electrical-stimulation and hot-water test. Anti-inflammatory efficacy was assessed by formalin test. Assessment of therapeutic and antipyretic efficacy was determined by Baker’s yeast-induced pyrexia test. In the electrical-stimulation test, 20 and 40 mg/kg of serratiopeptidase induced an antinociceptive effect in 15% and 18%, respectively. In the hot-water test, this effect was observed in 31 and 82%, respectively. In the first phase of the formalin test, an antinociceptive effect was observed for both doses, whereas in the second stage, an anti-inflammatory effect was observed in 56% and 62%, respectively. Serratiopeptidase produced a novel antipyretic effect for both doses on the Baker’s-yeast test, pre- and post-injection of the yeast. It was concluded that serratiopeptidase had good activity against pain and acute inflammation, and for the first time, it was demonstrated that serratiopeptidase ameliorated and prevented hyperthermia.