Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) | Serrapeptase | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Supplements | Supplements |
| Standard Dose | 25-50mg daily (men); 10-25mg daily (women) | 120,000-240,000 SPU (serratiopeptidase units) daily |
| Timing | Morning (mimics natural circadian peak). With food. | On empty stomach (critical — food proteins will be digested instead of systemic absorption). 30+ minutes before meals or 2 hours after. |
| Cycle Duration | Ongoing under supervision with regular blood monitoring (DHEA-S, testosterone, estradiol, PSA in men) | Cycle 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | moderate_human |
DHEA is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone, produced primarily by the adrenal zona reticularis. It serves as a precursor for both androgens (testosterone, DHT via 3beta-HSD and 17beta-HSD) and estrogens (estradiol, estrone via aromatase). DHEA-S (sulfated form) acts as a neurosteroid, positively modulating NMDA receptors and antagonizing GABA-A receptors (cognitive enhancement/alertness). It also modulates immune function (enhances Th1 immunity, IL-2 production), supports bone mineral density via estrogenic metabolites, enhances insulin sensitivity via PPAR-alpha activation, and opposes cortisol's catabolic effects (DHEA:cortisol ratio is a stress/aging biomarker).
25-50mg daily (men); 10-25mg daily (women)
Morning (mimics natural circadian peak). With food.
Ongoing under supervision with regular blood monitoring (DHEA-S, testosterone, estradiol, PSA in men)
Serrapeptase (serratiopeptidase) is a proteolytic enzyme originally isolated from the gut of the silkworm (Serratia marcescens). It hydrolyzes non-living tissue including fibrin, blood clots, cysts, and arterial plaque while sparing living tissue. It reduces bradykinin and other pain-mediating amines, provides anti-inflammatory effects by reducing neutrophil infiltration, and thins mucus by cleaving glycoprotein structures. It may also enhance antibiotic penetration into biofilms.
120,000-240,000 SPU (serratiopeptidase units) daily
On empty stomach (critical — food proteins will be digested instead of systemic absorption). 30+ minutes before meals or 2 hours after.
Cycle 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off
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