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.
Especially with regard to the use of an agent as a prophylactic, aspirin is much more researched. There is no comparative evidence at this time comparing nattokinase with such a reference drug. To safely take natural medicines, including nattokinase, inform your healthcare providers and pharmacists of any changes in medication. The probiotic properties of nattokinase can also stimulate metabolism and reduce body fat, regulating and potentially preventing metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. In vitro experiments (experiments performed outside a living organism) suggest that nattokinase directly digests fibrin, and some interventions indicate that oral ingestion of nattokinase reduces thrombus formation.
With regard to the effect on triglycerides and cholesterol, nattokinase and its bioactive peptides all appear to be totally inactive. Although research is still ongoing, animal studies show that nattokinase can degrade amyloid fibrils, fibrous proteins that bind together and participate in the progression of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. There is not enough research to indicate that nattokinase is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Nattokinase is generally safe, but the enzyme's powerful effects can cause complications in people with certain health problems.
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. If you have low blood pressure or are taking medicines to lower it, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking nattokinase. More high-quality research is needed with larger, well-designed clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nattokinase. In addition to reducing stroke risk factors, such as hypertension and blood clots, nattokinase is associated with a decrease in von Willebrand factor (vWF) in people assigned as women at birth.
Nattokinase is an enzyme (protein) found in natto, a traditional Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans. In a small clinical trial on nattokinase in people without cardiovascular disease, no significant benefit was found in preventing heart disease.
