Nattokinase is a very potent enzyme that has a fibrinolytic action or the ability to dissolve clots. Nattokinase enzyme is found in the famous Japanese cheese, Natto. This traditional food is created from soybeans that have undergone fermentation process. During this process, Bacillus subtilis natto, a beneficial bacteria is added to the soybeans giving way for the production of this clot-dissolving nattokinase enzyme. Although there are other soy products which can undergo the same process as the soybeans, only this preparation where the bacilli acts on the soybeans produce nattokinase. Nattokinase’s ability to digest fibrin directly and indirectly is very beneficial to people with cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and other disorders related to clot formation.
Today, Natto is a common breakfast food in Japan and nattokinase supplements are available all over the world. However, Nattokinase benefits on cardiovascular diseases have been known to native Japanese more than 1000 years now. The formal discovery of the fibrinolytic effect of Nattokinase was made by Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi in 1980. It was when Sumi accidentally dropped Natto in a petri dish containing fibrin that its thrombolytic action showed after the clot was continuously dissolved after 18 hours. Sumi isolated the enzyme and named his discovery Nattokinase which means “enzyme in natto”. After this event, people from all over the world believed that Nattokinase is the secret of the Japanese why they have few cases of stroke and other cardiovascular problems.
How does Nattokinase work?
Of all systemic enzymes in the body, only one has the ability to break down clot—plasmin. Nattokinase resemble the properties of this enzyme found in the blood. In disorders where there is increased blood viscosity and increased risk of clot formation, Nattokinase prevents the formation of blood clots. In heart attacks, stroke, thrombosis, and embolism, nattokinase destroys existing blood clots in the blood vessels. Nattokinase works the same way as the anti-coagulants injected intravenously, but it is longer acting and does not wear off after the intravenous infusion is discontinued.
Nattokinase Benefits
- Its potent thrombolytic action is very beneficial to people with age 40 and above. During this age, natural plasmin production starts to decrease and thereby increasing their risk to develop clots and its corresponding disabilities. Nattokinase supplements are good replacements for the plasmin production gap.
- People with diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and obesity are at risk of developing increased blood viscosity or thicker blood. Nattokinase helps them by making blood thinner and improving blood circulation.
- Nattokinase improves the symptoms of phlebitis, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.
- Nattokinase has the ability to lower blood pressure levels and improve overall blood circulation.
- Other studies suggest that the best Nattokinase products even improve bone density, alleviate joint pain, treat migraine headaches, and ease exercise induced muscle and joint pain.
Nattokinase Side Effects
Natural nattokinase or nattokinase supplements are generally safe for use. For more than 20 years of being in the market to act like Warfarin, Heparin, and other t-PA activators, nattokinase produced no side effects. There is no allergic reaction or toxicity symptoms related to nattokinase use.
