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Nattokinase Nsk

Also known as: Nattokinase, NSK, fibrinolytic enzyme

Overview

Nattokinase is a serine protease enzyme derived from natto, a traditional Japanese fermented soybean food. It is primarily utilized as a dietary supplement for its cardiovascular health benefits, particularly its potent fibrinolytic (clot-dissolving) properties. Key applications include its ability to reduce blood pressure, enhance blood flow, and offer potential neurovascular protection. Research on nattokinase is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses supporting its efficacy. While large-scale clinical trials are still limited, the overall quality of evidence is considered moderate, with well-conducted studies and a recent meta-analysis affirming its cardiovascular advantages. It is typically consumed orally in capsule form.

Benefits

Nattokinase offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in cardiovascular health. Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a meta-analysis consistently demonstrate its ability to significantly reduce blood pressure. Specifically, it has been shown to decrease systolic blood pressure (SBP) by approximately 3.4 to 9.5 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by about 2.3 to 6.3 mmHg, with effects typically observed within 8 to 90 days of supplementation. This makes it a promising adjunctive therapy for individuals with hypertension. The evidence for its impact on cholesterol is mixed and inconsistent; some analyses, particularly with low-dose nattokinase, have noted increases in total and LDL cholesterol, suggesting no consistent beneficial lipid profile changes. An observational study in ischemic stroke and TIA patients suggested improved cognitive function in men and vascular prevention, but this finding requires confirmation from controlled trials due to its observational nature. Overall, the strongest evidence supports its blood pressure-lowering effects.

How it works

Nattokinase exerts its primary effects through direct fibrinolytic activity, meaning it directly degrades fibrin, a crucial protein component of blood clots. This action promotes the dissolution of existing clots and helps improve overall blood flow. Beyond its direct clot-dissolving properties, nattokinase may also contribute to blood pressure regulation by modulating the renin-angiotensin system and enhancing endothelial function. This is supported by observed reductions in plasma renin activity and markers of platelet activation. The enzyme or its active peptides are believed to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, although its precise bioavailability can vary.

Side effects

Nattokinase is generally well-tolerated, with high-quality randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses reporting no serious adverse events. Common side effects are rare or not extensively documented. While nattokinase possesses fibrinolytic properties, no significant bleeding risks have been consistently reported in clinical studies. However, due to its mechanism of action, caution is advised for patients concurrently taking anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) due to a theoretical increased risk of bleeding, although this has not been firmly established in clinical trials. No major drug interactions or contraindications have been definitively identified, but clinical prudence is recommended for individuals on any blood-thinning agents. Patients should consult their healthcare provider before combining nattokinase with such medications.

Dosage

Effective doses of nattokinase in clinical trials typically range from approximately 100 mg per day, with some studies using higher doses, administered over periods ranging from 8 weeks to 12 months. For blood pressure reduction, an optimal daily dose appears to be around 100 mg, although further research is needed to fully establish precise dose-response relationships. Nattokinase is almost always taken orally, commonly in capsule form. The timing of administration and specific formulation details are not yet standardized across all studies. It is important to note that while generally safe, individuals should adhere to recommended dosages and consult a healthcare professional, especially when considering higher doses or combining with other medications.

FAQs

Is nattokinase safe for hypertensive patients?

Yes, nattokinase has been shown to safely reduce blood pressure in hypertensive individuals in multiple studies without significant adverse effects, making it a suitable adjunctive therapy.

How quickly does nattokinase work?

Blood pressure reductions have been observed within 8 weeks of supplementation, with some studies noting effects as early as 30 days and continuing to improve over 90 days or longer.

Can nattokinase replace blood pressure medications?

No, nattokinase is considered an adjunctive therapy to support cardiovascular health and should not be used as a replacement for prescribed antihypertensive medications without medical supervision.

Does nattokinase affect cholesterol?

The effects of nattokinase on cholesterol are inconsistent. Some studies, particularly with lower doses, have shown increases in total and LDL cholesterol, while others report no significant changes.

Research Sources

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13102818.2023.2249552 – This observational study followed ischemic stroke and TIA patients for 12 months, suggesting nattokinase may lower blood pressure and improve cognitive function in men, along with vascular prevention effects. However, its observational design limits the ability to establish causation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39076715/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 6 RCTs involving 546 participants found significant reductions in SBP and DBP with nattokinase, but inconsistent effects on cholesterol. It concluded no serious adverse events, highlighting its good safety profile.
https://www.dovepress.com/consumption-of-nattokinase-is-associated-with-reduced-blood-pressure-a-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IBPC – This high-quality, double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT with 79 hypertensive adults demonstrated significant reductions in SBP and DBP, particularly in males, and improved plasma renin activity and platelet markers after 8 weeks of nattokinase supplementation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11266782/ – This meta-analysis, similar to the one cited from PubMed, further supports the blood pressure-lowering effects of nattokinase, noting significant reductions in both SBP and DBP across multiple studies, while also pointing out the inconsistent effects on lipid profiles.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1380727/full – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial reported a significant SBP reduction of 6.33 mmHg with nattokinase alone over 90 days, along with improvements in cardiometabolic parameters. Details on sample size were limited, but the study design was robust.