Nattokinase dissolves blood clots by directly hydrolyzing the fibrin and plasmin substrate. It converts endogenous prourokinase to urokinase (uPA). It also degrades the plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-) and increases the level of the tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Nattokinase can help prevent blood clots and lower blood pressure, and it plays a role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Nattokinase has been shown to improve blood flow and circulation. This helps our body's lymphatic systems to eliminate toxins and waste more effectively. Especially with regard to the use of an agent as a prophylactic, aspirin is much more researched, and there is currently no comparative evidence comparing nattokinase with such a reference drug. In addition to reducing stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure and blood clots, nattokinase is associated with a decrease in von Willebrand factor (vWF) in people assigned as women at birth.
There is not enough research to indicate that nattokinase is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, long-term nattokinase supplementation had no effect on the subclinical progression of atherosclerosis and associated biomarkers in a study conducted on healthy people with a low risk of cardiovascular disease (20). Natto is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, but most of the health benefits of food are related to its potent enzyme nattokinase. In theory, nattokinase may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and fibrinolytic drugs.
Nattokinase has also been shown to reduce acetylcholinesterase activity and inflammatory markers associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Nattokinase, which is also sold as a dietary supplement to promote heart health, the side effects of nattokinase are generally mild but may increase the risk of bleeding. Nattokinase can be metabolized into bioactive peptides that also induce a factor (tissue plasminogen activator) that can subsequently also have fibrinolytic effects, so that, although the overall effect (fibrinolysis causes less clotting potential) seems to exist, the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Studies show that nattokinase dissolves blood clots, helping to maintain good blood vessel structure, improving blood flow, and reducing the risk of heart disease. While nattokinase's ability to fight blood clots can prevent deep vein thrombosis, it should not be used as a treatment without a doctor's supervision.
When soy undergoes fermentation, the bacteria used activates nattokinase, giving the food its cheese-like flavor and a range of scientifically backed health benefits. In general, although the enzymatic activity and pharmacodynamics of nattokinase are novel, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of nattokinase over other pharmacological or complementary options. In vitro studies show that nattokinase reduces clot formation by cleaving and inactivating the plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) through proteolysis in the P1-P1 peptide bond. Nattokinase may work in a similar way to the ginkgo supplement, which is also touted for its heart health benefits.
