Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Melatonin | Serrapeptase | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Supplements | Supplements |
| Standard Dose | 0.3-1mg for sleep onset (physiological); 3-5mg for jet lag; 10-20mg for oncological adjunct (under supervision) | 120,000-240,000 SPU (serratiopeptidase units) daily |
| Timing | 30-60 minutes before desired sleep onset. For circadian phase advance: 4-6 hours before desired bedtime. Sublingual for faster onset. Dim lights 1-2 hours before taking. | On empty stomach (critical — food proteins will be digested instead of systemic absorption). 30+ minutes before meals or 2 hours after. |
| Cycle Duration | Short-term for jet lag (3-5 days); ongoing at low dose for circadian support if needed; extended for oncological use under supervision | Cycle 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off |
| Evidence Level | strong_human | moderate_human |
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is synthesized from serotonin in the pineal gland, regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) via the retinohypothalamic tract. It binds MT1 and MT2 G-protein coupled receptors: MT1 activation suppresses neuronal firing in the SCN (sleep onset), while MT2 modulates circadian phase shifting. Beyond sleep, melatonin is a potent antioxidant that scavenges hydroxyl radicals, peroxynitrite, and singlet oxygen, and upregulates antioxidant enzymes (GPx, SOD, catalase) via Nrf2. It has anti-inflammatory properties (NF-kB suppression), immunomodulatory effects, oncostatic activity (anti-proliferative in several cancer types), and mitochondrial protective functions.
0.3-1mg for sleep onset (physiological); 3-5mg for jet lag; 10-20mg for oncological adjunct (under supervision)
30-60 minutes before desired sleep onset. For circadian phase advance: 4-6 hours before desired bedtime. Sublingual for faster onset. Dim lights 1-2 hours before taking.
Short-term for jet lag (3-5 days); ongoing at low dose for circadian support if needed; extended for oncological use under supervision
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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