Serrapeptase is a silkworm enzyme. It is produced in nature by a friendly bacterium found within the silkworm. The enzyme is used by the silkworm to dissolve the protective cocoon, without having a detrimental effect on the emerging silk moth. The enzyme was discovered in the early 1970’s and is now produced commercially through a fermentation process ensuring that the silkworm population is not affected. Serrapeptase supplements should be enteric coated to protect the enzymes from being denatured by the acidic environment of the stomach.