What is nattokinase?
Nattokinase is a serine protease enzyme extracted from natto, a traditional Japanese food made by fermenting soybeans with the bacterium Bacillus subtilis var. natto. While natto has been a dietary staple in Japan for centuries, the specific enzyme responsible for many of its health benefits, nattokinase, was only discovered in 1987. The fermentation process is critical for producing this powerful enzyme, which is why nattokinase is not found in other soy products. It is a potent fibrinolytic enzyme, meaning it can dissolve fibrin, a protein that forms the mesh-like structure of blood clots.
How does nattokinase support cardiovascular health?
The primary and most well-documented function of nattokinase is its ability to support cardiovascular health by promoting healthy blood circulation and breaking down clots. Its benefits are multi-faceted, addressing several key risk factors for heart disease.
- Directly dissolves fibrin: Nattokinase directly cleaves and degrades fibrin, the main component of blood clots. This helps to break down existing clots and prevent new ones from forming, acting as a natural thrombolytic agent. Studies have shown that nattokinase has more potent fibrinolytic activity than plasmin in animal models.
- Enhances natural clot-busting activity: The enzyme also works indirectly by activating the body's own clot-dissolving mechanisms. It increases the production of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), which converts plasminogen into plasmin, another enzyme that dissolves fibrin. Nattokinase also cleaves and inactivates plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a protein that can inhibit this process, thereby boosting the body’s natural fibrinolytic system.
- Reduces blood pressure: Clinical studies have demonstrated that nattokinase supplementation can lead to a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals with prehypertension and hypertension. One mechanism for this effect is the enzyme’s ability to inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.
- Inhibits platelet aggregation: Nattokinase has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation, a key step in clot formation. This antiplatelet activity is another way it promotes smoother blood flow and reduces the risk of thrombosis.
Anti-atherosclerotic and lipid-lowering effects
Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, a major cause of heart disease and stroke. Emerging research suggests that nattokinase may play a role in managing atherosclerosis and blood lipid levels:
- Reduces plaque progression: Some studies indicate that daily nattokinase supplementation can reduce the size of atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries.
- Modulates lipid levels: While results are sometimes inconsistent depending on the dosage, some clinical data shows that nattokinase may help improve overall lipid profiles by decreasing total and LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol.
Other potential health benefits
Beyond its well-researched cardiovascular effects, nattokinase is being investigated for other potential applications:
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Chronic inflammation is an underlying factor in many diseases. Some studies suggest nattokinase possesses anti-inflammatory properties by regulating the overactivation of immune cells and inhibiting inflammatory pathways.
- Improved sinus health: Nattokinase has been shown to reduce nasal polyp tissue and decrease the viscosity of nasal discharge and sputum, suggesting its use in managing symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma.
- Neuroprotection: The enzyme's ability to degrade amyloid fibrils has led to research into its potential role in treating amyloid-related diseases like Alzheimer's.
Comparison of nattokinase and conventional blood thinners
Nattokinase offers an alternative mechanism to many conventional medications. This table highlights some key differences.
| Feature | Nattokinase (Enzyme) | Conventional Blood Thinners (e.g., Warfarin, Aspirin) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Directly degrades fibrin and enhances natural fibrinolysis. | Inhibit clotting factors (Warfarin) or platelet aggregation (Aspirin). |
| Side Effects | Generally low side effect profile, though can increase bleeding risk when combined with other anticoagulants. | Can cause serious bleeding and gastrointestinal issues, especially with long-term use. |
| Drug Interactions | Potential interaction with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, requiring medical supervision. | Well-known interactions with many foods, drugs, and other supplements, requiring careful monitoring. |
| Source | Natural enzyme from fermented soybeans. | Synthetically produced pharmaceutical drugs. |
Conclusion
In summary, nattokinase is a potent, naturally-derived enzyme with significant potential for supporting cardiovascular health. Its ability to act as a fibrinolytic, reduce blood pressure, and suppress plaque formation makes it a promising dietary supplement for promoting healthy circulation and reducing cardiovascular risk factors. While generally considered safe, it is important to remember that it is a powerful supplement that requires caution, especially for individuals already on blood-thinning medication or those with existing health conditions. Extensive research is ongoing to fully understand all its mechanisms and potential benefits, solidifying its place as a unique natural compound in the management of cardiovascular health. As with any dietary supplement, consultation with a healthcare professional is strongly recommended before starting a nattokinase regimen.
How Nattokinase Works: A Deeper Look at Its Action
Nattokinase's action on the body's clotting and circulatory systems is complex and involves several pathways that support healthy blood flow. It works by addressing the delicate balance between clot formation and dissolution within the body, offering a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular support.
- Systemic enzyme activity: As a systemic enzyme, nattokinase is capable of surviving the digestive process to be absorbed into the bloodstream in an active form. Once in circulation, it can exert its effects throughout the body, not just at the site of absorption. This makes it a broad-acting agent for vascular health.
- Viscosity reduction: Besides its fibrinolytic action, nattokinase may also reduce overall blood viscosity. By breaking down fibrin, it effectively thins the blood, allowing it to flow more smoothly through the vessels. This reduces the workload on the heart and can have a positive impact on overall circulation.
- Support for healthy inflammation: The anti-inflammatory effects observed in various studies are believed to be linked to its protease activity. By modulating inflammatory pathways and regulating the activity of immune cells like macrophages, nattokinase can help mitigate chronic inflammation, which is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and conditions like atherosclerosis.
Nattokinase represents a natural intervention for promoting cardiovascular wellness, but it's not a magic bullet. Its full potential is best realized as part of a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise. The safety and efficacy of nattokinase continue to be areas of active research, which is why professional medical advice is essential, particularly for those with underlying health conditions or those taking other medications. Always read the label and follow dosage recommendations from trusted brands or a qualified healthcare provider.
Important Considerations for Nattokinase Use
While nattokinase is a natural enzyme with a good safety profile, it is not suitable for everyone. Potential risks and interactions need to be understood before beginning a supplementation routine.
- Bleeding risk: Because it thins the blood, nattokinase increases the risk of excessive bleeding, especially if taken concurrently with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. Combining nattokinase with drugs like Warfarin or aspirin can potentiate their effects, leading to dangerous bleeding events.
- Pre-surgical precautions: Due to its blood-thinning effect, it is recommended to discontinue nattokinase at least two weeks before any scheduled surgical procedure, including dental surgery, to minimize bleeding risks.
- Allergies: Individuals with a soy allergy should not consume natto or nattokinase supplements, as it is derived from fermented soybeans and could cause an allergic reaction.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is a lack of reliable safety information regarding nattokinase use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and therefore it should be avoided by this population.
Always discuss any new supplement with a healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
