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Science-Backed Health Benefits of Nattokinase

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Nattokinase is a potent fibrinolytic enzyme extracted from natto, a traditional Japanese fermented soybean food, and has garnered significant attention for its cardiovascular benefits. Research indicates that nattokinase can effectively degrade fibrin, a protein involved in blood clot formation, thereby potentially reducing the risk of thrombosis and improving blood circulation. 1 Studies have also demonstrated its ability to lower blood pressure by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), offering a natural approach to hypertension management. 2 Furthermore, nattokinase exhibits anti-atherosclerotic properties by reducing LDL oxidation and arterial plaque buildup. 3 With its strong safety profile and oral bioavailability, nattokinase represents a promising nutraceutical for supporting cardiovascular health, though individuals on anticoagulant medications should consult healthcare providers before use.

1. Beneficial for Cholesterol Health

Nattokinase may also help lower your cholesterol levels. This enzyme, which comes from fermented soybeans, actively helps improve your body’s fat profile by reducing harmful types of cholesterol and increasing the beneficial kind. 4 One way it does this is by lowering your total cholesterol, your “bad” LDL cholesterol, and your triglycerides, while at the same time boosting your levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. 4 5 By keeping these fats in your blood under control, nattokinase helps stop the buildup of sticky plaque in your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This, in turn, lowers your risk for serious problems like heart disease and stroke. 5 6 It also has the added benefit of improving blood flow and helping to break down fibrin, which offers extra protection against dangerous blood clots. 5 For anyone dealing with high cholesterol or just looking to keep their heart healthy, adding nattokinase as a supplement offers a natural way to manage these key risks. 6

What Research Says:

2. Have Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammation Properties

Nattokinase is an enzyme that helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body (202). 10 These factors can damage cells and increase the risk of problems like heart disease and high blood pressure. It works by breaking a harmful cycle where inflammation and oxidative stress lead to blood clotting and stiff arteries. 11 By lowering these stressors, the enzyme helps keep blood pressure healthy and supports blood vessel function, which may help prevent the buildup of plaque in arteries. 10 For example, research indicates that Nattokinase’s anti-inflammatory action can protect the brain by reducing inflammation in nerve tissue after a stroke. 12 While most of this evidence comes from lab studies, it suggests that for people worried about heart health, Nattokinase supplements might offer a natural way to help manage these internal risks. 13

What Research Says:

3. Good for Blood Pressure Health

A typical 100 mg dose of nattokinase, an enzyme from fermented soybeans, provides natural compounds that help manage blood pressure. 1 This enzyme works by thinning the blood to improve flow, blocking the enzyme that narrows blood vessels, and breaking down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clots. 1 Studies show that nattokinase can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. 14 However, taking too much nattokinase may raise the risk of bleeding, so experts suggest sticking to the standard dose of 100 mg per day.

What Research Says:

4. Beneficial for Dental Health

Because of its ability to target harmful oral bacteria, consuming nattokinase – whether through fermented foods like natto or in supplement form – may offer significant protection against dental issues. Research shows that this enzyme can inhibit the harmful effects of Streptococcus mutans, the main bacterium responsible for tooth decay, without killing it or disturbing the good bacteria in your mouth. It does this by reducing the bacteria’s ability to form biofilms and produce substances that help it outcompete other microbes and establish itself in the mouth. 16 Additionally, applying a crude extract of nattokinase topically has been found to speed up the healing of oral mucositis, repairing damaged soft tissue and reducing pain. 17 This means nattokinase not only helps prevent cavities but also aids in healing existing mouth sores.

What Research Says:

5. Protects Cardiovascular health

Nattokinase has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death around the globe. According to one review, supplementing with nattokinase, a natural enzyme from fermented soy, helps break down fibrin, the protein responsible for blood clots. 19 This process supports healthy blood flow and may lower the risk of thrombus formation, which is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes. 19 {%  %} Another review observed that nattokinase can help manage blood pressure by acting as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, which relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation. 20 19 Regular intake of nattokinase may also support healthy cholesterol levels and reduce arterial stiffness, helping to prevent atherosclerosis and other heart diseases. 19 21 Together, these benefits could reduce your risk of heart disease, without the side effects commonly linked to synthetic medications.

What Research Says:

Health Risks and Precautions of Nattokinase

Side Effects

Overall, nattokinase is reported to be safe and well-tolerated, with a low risk of adverse effects. A large-scale study involving 1,062 participants who took a high dose of 10,800 FU daily for 12 months recorded no noticeable adverse effects associated with its use. 4 A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials also confirmed that no notable adverse events were reported in any of the included studies due to the intake of nattokinase. 9 Another clinical trial using a nattokinase-monascus supplement for 120 days reported no intervention-related adverse events such as mouth ulcers, stomach pain, or other discomforts. In rare cases, minor gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating or belching, has been observed, which typically resolves on its own after adjusting the intake method or dose. 7 Its safety profile is considered favorable, with a standard safety margin for hemorrhagic effects that is three times that of tissue plasminogen activators. 9 Animal studies have shown no toxic effects even at doses significantly higher than those recommended for humans. 4

While nattokinase is generally described as having a robust safety profile, one specific case report documents a serious adverse event potentially linked to its use. A patient experienced an acute cerebellar hemorrhage, with multiple microbleeds demonstrated on brain magnetic resonance images, while concurrently using aspirin and nattokinase. This suggests that NK may increase the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage in patients who have bleeding-prone cerebral microangiopathy and are taking aspirin concurrently. 1 No other adverse effects or side effects are detailed in the provided documents.

In a 14-day acute toxicity study, no signs of adverse effects or mortality were observed in rats given 2000 mg/kg of NK, and a 90-day study also showed no abnormalities. 21 Similarly, a 28-day human trial with daily oral NK (10 mg/kg) reported no adverse effects. A systematic review and meta-analysis also confirmed that no notable adverse events were reported in the studies they analyzed. 20 The North American clinical trial similarly stated that the active product was well tolerated, and no adverse events were associated with its consumption. 14

The primary documented adverse effect of nattokinase is an increased risk of bleeding and hemorrhage, particularly in specific populations. A case report describes a patient with cerebral microbleeds who experienced an acute cerebellar hemorrhage after taking nattokinase (400 mg daily for seven days) in combination with aspirin. 4 In an animal study, nattokinase was shown to cause pulmonary hemorrhage at very high doses (300 mg/kg), demonstrating its potential to induce bleeding. 23 Conversely, a clinical study involving 1,062 participants taking 10,800 FU daily for 12 months reported no noticeable adverse effects. 24 Another study on patients with vascular diseases treated with 100 mg/day also documented no adverse drug reactions or drug interactions. 25 It is important to note that using nattokinase as a substitute for prescribed anticoagulants like warfarin can lead to therapeutic failure, as evidenced by a case where a patient developed a life-threatening thrombus on a mechanical heart valve. 26

Food Incompatibilities

N/A

Timing & Conditions

A key condition for NK’s efficacy is its stability in the stomach. Free NK is sensitive to highly acidic pH and can be completely inactivated after one hour in a gastric environment at pH 1.2. While the documents discuss various delivery systems (like tablets and encapsulation) to protect NK and ensure its absorption through the intestinal tract, they do not provide specific instructions for consumers on whether to take it on an empty stomach or at a particular time of day or season. 20

Contraindications

Nattokinase should be avoided or used with caution by individuals with certain medical conditions.

The documents indicate that NK should be avoided or used with caution in specific medical conditions.

Nattokinase should be avoided in specific medical conditions due to a heightened risk of serious adverse events.

Drug Interactions

1. Nattokinase has been shown to interact with certain medications, which can enhance their effects and potentially increase health risks.

2. Based on the available information, Nattokinase may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.

3. One study excluded participants who were on blood pressure medication, indicating a potential for interaction or a need for medical supervision in such cases. 14 It is also noted that NK is not FDA-approved and cannot replace treatment with prescribed anticoagulants like NOACs. 19 

4. Nattokinase has documented interactions with several medications, primarily increasing the risk of bleeding.

External Pesticides and Mold

N/A

Comments

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This article is based on Scientific Research Conducted by following Research Organization:

  1. Nattokinase: A Promising Alternative in Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases–Sun Yat-Sen University, China, University of Technology Sydney, Australia, Guangdong No. 2 Provincial People’s Hospital, China
  2. Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial–Yonsei University, Korea
  3. Integrating Orthographic Information Across Time and Space
  4. Effective management of atherosclerosis progress and hyperlipidemia with nattokinase: A clinical study with 1,062 participants–Sun Yat-sen University, China, Sungen Bioscience Co. Ltd., Shantou, China, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
  5. Nattokinase: An Oral Antithrombotic Agent for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease–The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, China, Northeastern State University, USA
  6. Research Progress of Nattokinase in Reducing Blood Lipid–University of Jinan, China
  7. Nattokinase Supplementation and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials–Henan University of Chinese Medicine, China
  8. Combined nattokinase with red yeast rice but not nattokinase alone has potent effects on blood lipids in human subjects with hyperlipidemia–Chungchou Institute of Technology, Taiwan
  9. The Effect of Nattokinase-Monascus Supplements on Dyslipidemia: A Four-Month Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial–Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
  10. Antioxidation, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition activity, nattokinase, and antihypertension of Bacillus subtilis (natto)-fermented pigeon pea–National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
  11. Breaking the vicious loop between inflammation, oxidative stress and coagulation, a novel anti-thrombus insight of nattokinase by inhibiting LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress–Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China, Sungen Biotech Co., Ltd., Shantou, Guangdong, China
  12. Nattokinase's Neuroprotective Mechanisms in Ischemic Stroke: Targeting Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Coagulation–Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
  13. Nattokinase attenuates endothelial inflammation through the activation of SRF and THBS1–Taipei Medical University, Taiwan, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
  14. Consumption of nattokinase is associated with reduced blood pressure and von Willebrand factor, a cardiovascular risk marker: results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter North American clinical trial–NIS Labs, Klamath Falls, USA, Machaon Diagnostics, Inc., USA
  15. Antihypertensive effects of continuous oral administration of nattokinase and its fragments in spontaneously hypertensive rats–Hiroshima International University, Japan
  16. Nattokinase, a Subtilisin-like Alkaline-Serine Protease, Reduces Mutacin Activity by Inactivating the Competence-Stimulating Peptide in Streptococcus mutans–Nihon University Graduate School of Bioresource Sciences, Japan
  17. Nattokinase crude extract enhances oral mucositis healing–Jiangsu University, China
  18. Nattokinase: An Oral Antithrombotic Agent for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease–University of Technology Sydney, Australia
  19. Comparative Cardioprotective Effectiveness: NOACs vs. Nattokinase—Bridging Basic Research to Clinical Findings–University of Kragujevac, Serbia, General Hospital Ćuprija, Serbia, First Moscow State Medical University, Russia, University of Kragujevac, Serbia
  20. Recent Advances in Nattokinase-Enriched Fermented Soybean Foods: A Review–Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
  21. Nattokinase Supplementation and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials–Henan University of Chinese Medicine, China
  22. Nattokinase atherothrombotic prevention study: A randomized controlled trial–University of Southern California, USA
  23. Data Recorded in Real Life Support the Safety of Nattokinase in Patients with Vascular Diseases–Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy, University of Catania, Italy
  24. Comparative anti-thrombotic activity and haemorrhagic adverse effect of nattokinase and tissue-type plasminogen activator–Chungbuk National University, South Korea, Korea National University of Education, South Korea
  25. Cerebellar hemorrhage provoked by combined use of nattokinase and aspirin in a patient with cerebral microbleeds–Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan
  26. Consequence of patient substitution of nattokinase for warfarin after aortic valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis–Baylor University Medical Center, USA.
  27. Navigating the Effects of Anti-Atherosclerotic Supplements and Acknowledging Associated Bleeding Risks–Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Romania
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