Nattokinase has caught the interest of medical experts and researchers for its impressive benefits on heart health. Aside from cardiovascular support, it also comes with other benefits.
How does Nattokinase help cardiovascular health? What are its other health benefits, and are there any side effects? Continue reading this article as we explore the answers to these questions.
Table of Contents
What Is Nattokinase?
Nattokinase is an enzyme derived from natto extracts. Natto is a traditional Japanese food produced from fermented soybeans with the bacterium called Bacillus subtilis. The said bacteria is not harmful to humans, thus this enzyme is being studied for human consumption. [1]
Natto was regarded as fibrinolytic miracle food before. Previous research has found that it can dissolve artificial fibrin. Fibrin is often a contributing factor in blood clot formulation. Thus, Nattokinase is said to help break down blood clots. [2][3]
Nowadays, this enzyme is known to be one of the natural treatments for heart and cardiovascular diseases. Its other health benefits are also being investigated. In the following sections, we will tackle its benefits, side effects, and the right dosage.
Nattokinase Benefits
Understanding the potential impact of Nattokinase on our overall health can provide valuable insights into incorporating this supplement into a balanced and wellness-focused lifestyle.
The following are the health benefits of this enzyme.
Lowering Blood Pressure
There was a study among people with pre-hypertension or stage 1 hypertension, in whom researchers let some participants take a certain amount of Nattokinase. The study was conducted in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
After the 8-week intervention, a significant improvement in blood pressure was observed from the Nattokinase group compared to the controlled group or placebo. This suggests that taking this enzyme as a treatment for and prevention of high blood pressure is effective. [4]
There is also a similar study conducted among North Americans. Similar results have been found, except that there was a difference between the sexes. Specifically, it had been more effective in males than the opposite sex. [5]
Support for Cardiovascular Health and Against Diseases
In one study, researchers found out that taking Nattokinase has a great association with a reduced mortality rate among people with cardiovascular diseases, most especially with ischaemic heart diseases.
According to the National Institutes of Health, such cardiovascular health benefits are possible because of the following properties found in this enzyme:
- Fibrinolytic/antithrombotic effects- Its ability to dissolve blood clots that were already formed.
- Anti-atherosclerotic and lipid-lowering effects- Capability to prevent or counteract atherosclerosis.
- Antihypertensive effects-Lowering blood pressure
- Antiplatelet/anticoagulant effects- Its ability to prevent platelets from sticking together before they could form blood clots.
- Neuroprotective actions-Other effects that affect neurons (part of the nervous system of the body)
The overall combination of the said effects all contributes to a supportive mechanism for cardiovascular health. [6][7]
Helps Fighting Against Stroke
A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was participated by sixty-one (61) people with subacute stage ischemic stroke. Two months after the trial, researchers found out that those who took Nattokinase had a good prognosis. It meant that their stroke-related symptoms were lessened. [8]
Fights against Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a condition that does not have a cure yet. The only way to manage it is by reducing the symptoms. For medical professionals to do that, they may prescribe something that may help relieve symptoms.
In a study among people who experienced COVID-19-induced fatigue, researchers found out that those who took Nattokinase and other related and helpful enzymes experienced some improvement in symptoms. [9][10]
As such, both physical and emotional fatigue got decreased. Thus, researchers concluded that this also has potential health benefits when it comes to chronic fatigue syndrome. [11]
Side Effects of Nattokinase
According to research, this enzyme is generally safe to use. In their laboratory assessment, they have not found any toxic or lethal substances present. As long as you follow the right dosage and do not take it in certain conditions, it will not result in any harm.
What Is The Correct Dosage Of Nattokinase?
The National Institutes of Health sets 10-100mg of Nattokinase as the recommended dose for humans. Even though it is generally safe to use, it is still better to follow such recommendations since medical health experts are still studying this enzyme.
Who Should Not Take Nattokinase?
Some groups of people should avoid taking Nattokinase. This is to help them avoid unexpected or unpleasant complications. If one would like to try despite an awareness of the existing condition, consulting with your health provider is strongly advised.
People Undergoing a Surgery
One of Nattokinase’s contributions is dissolving or preventing blood clots. Therefore, taking it along with one’s surgery, especially the major one, will slow down the healing process of wounds. Increased bleeding is also possible.
With Bleeding Disorders
Similar to those having surgery, those with bleeding disorders may increase their risk of additional bleeding problems. Specifically, frequent excessive bleeding may occur.
Pregnant and Breastfeeding
Like other natural medicines and food supplements, it is not often advisable to take such while a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding. There has been no sufficient research regarding its safety in human babies. Thus, it’s better to keep the baby’s safety first.
Ages below Eighteen (18) Years Old
Similar to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, no research had been done to investigate its safety for teens and children. If you have health concerns involving children below 18 years old, seeing a health professional is the best step to do.
Taking Other Medication or Treatment
Like most other food supplements and natural products, Nattokinase may also interact with other drugs. For instance, taking this enzyme and medicines for maintaining healthy blood pressure may result in extremely low blood pressure.
Bottomline
Nattokinase is one of the oldest natural medicine used in Asian countries that spread globally. Support for cardiovascular health and prevention and dissolving of blood clots are just two of its health benefits.
Of course, the research regarding such is still ongoing, especially the ones concerning dosage and its complete mechanisms. Thus, consulting with a health professional is still encouraged.
FAQs
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Chan, L. W., Wang, X., Wei, H., Pozzo, L. D., White, N. J., & Pun, S. H. (2015). A synthetic fibrin cross-linking polymer for modulating clot properties and inducing hemostasis. Science Translational Medicine, 7(277). https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.3010383
- Chen, H., Chen, J., Zhang, F., Li, Y., Wang, R., Zheng, Q., Zhang, X., Zeng, J., Xu, F., & Lin, Y. (2022). Effective management of atherosclerosis progress and hyperlipidemia with nattokinase: A clinical study with 1,062 participants. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2022.964977
- Chen, H., McGowan, E. M., Ren, N., Lal, S., Nassif, N., Shad-Kaneez, F., Qu, X., & Lin, Y. (2018). Nattokinase: A promising alternative in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Biomarker Insights, 13, 117727191878513. https://doi.org/10.1177/1177271918785130
- Illinois Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Chronic fatigue syndrome. Illinois Department of Public Health. https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/chronic-fatigue-syndrome.html
- Jensen, G., Lenninger, M., Ero, M. P., & Benson, K. (2016). 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. Integrated Blood Pressure Control, Volume 9, 95–104. https://doi.org/10.2147/ibpc.s99553
- Johnson, C. (2022, September 10). Ischemia-reperfusion hypothesis opens new treatment options for long COVID, fibromyalgia and ME/CFS. Health Rising. https://www.healthrising.org/blog/2022/09/09/ischemia-reperfusion-treatment-long-covid-chronic-fatigue-fibromyalgia/
- KIM, J. Y., GUM, S. N., PAIK, J. K., LIM, H. H., KIM, K.-C., OGASAWARA, K., INOUE, K., PARK, S., JANG, Y., & LEE, J. H. (2008). Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: A randomized, controlled trial. Hypertension Research, 31(8), 1583–1588. https://doi.org/10.1291/hypres.31.1583
- Pham, P. T., Han, B., & Hoang, B. X. (2020). Nattospes as effective and safe functional supplements in management of stroke. Journal of Medicinal Food, 23(8), 879–885. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2019.0183
- Rathi, A., Jadhav, S. B., & Shah, N. (2021). A randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of systemic enzymes and probiotics in the resolution of Post-COVID Fatigue. Medicines, 8(9), 47. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines8090047
- Weisel, J. W., & Litvinov, R. I. (2017). Fibrin Formation, structure and properties. Subcellular Biochemistry, 405–456. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49674-0_13
- Weng, Y., Yao, J., Sparks, S., & Wang, K. (2017). Nattokinase: An oral antithrombotic agent for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(3), 523. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18030523