What Supplements Lower Fibrinogen? A Comprehensive Guide

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2009 clinical trial, oral administration of nattokinase capsules led to a significant and continuous decline in plasma fibrinogen levels over a two-month period. This guide explores what supplements lower fibrinogen by detailing some of the most researched options available today, covering their mechanisms of action and considerations for use.

Quick Summary

This article discusses several supplements, including nattokinase, lumbrokinase, omega-3 fatty acids, and turmeric, that have shown promise in reducing elevated fibrinogen levels and promoting healthy blood circulation. It explores their unique effects on the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, helping readers understand how these natural agents may support cardiovascular wellness.

Key Points

Enzymes like Nattokinase and Lumbrokinase: Potent fibrinolytic enzymes that directly break down fibrin strands, potentially reducing the risk associated with high fibrinogen levels.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: EPA and DHA from fish oil can help reduce inflammation and may temper increases in fibrinogen, particularly in those with lower baseline levels.
Curcumin (Turmeric): Shows anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties that may help lower fibrinogen levels by affecting clotting factors.
Garlic and Green Tea: Aged garlic extract and green tea consumption have been linked to potential fibrinogen-lowering effects; garlic may also impact platelet aggregation.
Antioxidant Vitamin Synergy: Animal studies suggest a combination of vitamins C and E may reduce inflammation and potentially lower fibrinogen, though human data on dietary vitamin E alone is inconsistent.
Interaction with Medication: Supplements affecting coagulation, such as turmeric, can interact with blood-thinning medications and may require discontinuation before surgery, necessitating professional medical consultation. {Link: droracle.ai https://www.droracle.ai/articles/283309/is-it-possible-to-fibrinogen-level-and-thrombine-time-to-decrease-from-turmeric-ginger-artichoke-itopride-rabeprazole-udca-use}

Understanding Fibrinogen

Fibrinogen is a crucial protein produced by the liver, essential for blood clotting and wound healing by forming fibrin strands. However, high fibrinogen can signal inflammation and increase cardiovascular risks like heart attack and stroke. This leads many to seek natural methods, including supplements, to manage levels.

Natural Enzymes: The Fibrinolytic Agents

Enzyme supplements can support fibrinolysis, the breakdown of fibrin clots.

Nattokinase

From fermented soybeans (natto), nattokinase is an enzyme that directly breaks down fibrin and plasmin. Studies indicate it can lower plasma fibrinogen and clotting factors.

Key Benefits: Direct fibrin breakdown, improved circulation, potential blood pressure regulation.
Considerations: May enhance blood thinners; requires medical consultation, especially before surgery or with bleeding disorders.

Lumbrokinase

Sourced from earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus), lumbrokinase comprises proteolytic enzymes effective at dissolving fibrin. Some research suggests it might be more potent than nattokinase for managing fibrin levels and blood thickness.

Key Benefits: Dissolves fibrin, lowers fibrinogen, reduces platelet aggregation.
Considerations: Only available as a supplement and requires medical oversight due to anticoagulant properties.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

Omega-3 PUFAs (EPA and DHA) from fish oil are known for cardiovascular benefits, including reducing triglycerides and inflammation. Some evidence also points to their role in moderating fibrinogen levels, especially against inflammation-driven increases.

Key Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, triglyceride reduction, potential moderation of fibrinogen increases.
Considerations: High doses can thin blood; consult a doctor if on anticoagulants. Effects might be stronger in those with low baseline omega-3s.

Herbal and Plant-Based Supplements

Turmeric (Curcumin)

Curcumin, turmeric's active compound, offers significant anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects. A study observed significant fibrinogen reduction with just 20mg of Curcuma longa extract daily. It works by inhibiting key clotting factors.

Key Benefits: Strong anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant action can reduce fibrinogen.
Considerations: Can interact with blood thinners; discontinue two weeks before surgery.

Aged Garlic Extract

Aged garlic extract has a history in cardiovascular health, showing effects on reducing plasma fibrinogen and inhibiting platelet clumping. It acts through multiple mechanisms, affecting platelet function.

Key Benefits: Lowers fibrinogen and cholesterol, inhibits platelet aggregation.
Considerations: Some studies showed no fibrinogen effect. Caution with blood thinners due to antiplatelet effects.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea, particularly its polyphenols like EGCG, may help reduce fibrinogen. Drinking green tea was linked to significantly lower fibrinogen in one study. It might work by affecting platelet activity and thrombin.

Key Benefits: Polyphenols may lower fibrinogen and inhibit clotting.
Considerations: Effects can vary by individual factors. Caution with blood thinners.

Vitamins and Antioxidants

Vitamin C and Vitamin E

These vitamins have antioxidant properties. An animal study suggested that combining C and E reduced fibrinogen. However, a human study on dietary vitamin E alone found only a small, non-significant link with fibrinogen.

Key Benefits: Antioxidant effects may reduce inflammation and potentially lower fibrinogen.
Considerations: High-dose vitamin E can thin blood, but dietary intake effects on fibrinogen in humans are inconsistent.

Comparison of Supplements to Lower Fibrinogen


Supplement	Primary Mechanism	Evidence Strength	Compatibility with Blood Thinners	Key Takeaway
Nattokinase	Direct fibrinolysis, breaks down clots.	Strong (human trials).	High risk; requires medical supervision.	Potent, direct action on fibrin, but significant interaction risk.
Lumbrokinase	Proteolytic enzymes, dissolves fibrin.	Strong (human trials).	High risk; requires medical supervision.	Also a powerful enzymatic option, may be more effective than nattokinase.
Omega-3s	Anti-inflammatory, blunts fibrinogen increase.	Moderate to Strong (human and animal studies).	Caution; may increase bleeding risk.	Supports cardiovascular health, less direct but safer action.
Turmeric (Curcumin)	Inhibits thrombin and factor Xa.	Strong (human trials).	High risk; requires caution.	Effective for inflammation and fibrinogen, but strong anticoagulant effects.
Aged Garlic Extract	Inhibits platelet aggregation, reduces fibrinogen.	Moderate (human trials).	High risk; requires caution.	Mild anti-clotting effects, also beneficial for lipids.
Green Tea Extract	Polyphenols deactivate platelets, inhibit thrombin.	Moderate (human studies).	High risk; requires caution.	Good for general vascular health, but significant interaction risk.
Vitamin C & E	Antioxidant synergy to reduce inflammation.	Mixed (animal and human studies).	Moderate risk with high-dose vitamin E.	Supportive antioxidant approach, generally safer than enzymes.

Conclusion

Managing elevated fibrinogen with supplements requires medical guidance. Nattokinase and lumbrokinase are potent enzymatic options, while others like omega-3s, turmeric, garlic, and green tea offer anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet effects. Vitamins C and E may provide antioxidant support. Always consult a doctor due to potential interactions, especially with blood thinners. A healthy lifestyle combined with appropriate, medically guided supplement use is important for cardiovascular health.

For more in-depth scientific research on nattokinase and its effects on coagulation factors, readers can refer to the study published in Nutrition Research: {Link: ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0271531709000220}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme that helps dissolve excess fibrin, a component of blood clots. While it is not a conventional anticoagulant medication, it does affect the coagulation process and can enhance the effects of traditional blood-thinning drugs.

While certain supplements may help reduce fibrinogen, they should not be considered a standalone treatment. Medical supervision is vital, and a holistic approach including diet and exercise is crucial for managing high fibrinogen.

The main risk, particularly with powerful or combined supplements, is an increased risk of bleeding. Turmeric, nattokinase, and high-dose omega-3s, for instance, can affect blood clotting. It's essential to consult a doctor before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you are on medication.

EPA and DHA found in fish oil may help reduce systemic inflammation, which is often a contributing factor to high fibrinogen. Research suggests higher omega-3 levels might temper increases in fibrinogen linked to inflammation.

Yes. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has anticoagulant effects and can potentially interfere with blood-thinning medications like warfarin. The Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement suggests stopping turmeric use two weeks before surgery.

The timeframe for supplements to impact fibrinogen levels can differ. Clinical studies on nattokinase have shown notable reductions in plasma levels after two months of daily use. Results depend on the specific supplement, dosage, and individual health factors.

Combining several supplements that influence blood clotting can significantly increase the risk of bleeding. It is highly advisable to consult a healthcare provider before combining any supplements, particularly if you are also taking prescription medications.

Yes, diets like the Mediterranean pattern, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fatty fish, have been shown to help reduce inflammation and potentially lower fibrinogen levels. Including foods high in omega-3s and reducing saturated fats can be beneficial.

Both are powerful fibrinolytic enzymes but come from different sources—nattokinase from fermented soybeans and lumbrokinase from earthworms. Some research indicates lumbrokinase might be slightly more potent, though both require careful medical oversight due to their effects on clotting.