In a post pandemic world, many people are looking to natural remedies to support their health. Blood clots for example, have become a greater concern lately, and many health professionals are rediscovering a Japanese enzyme derived from natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans.
This enzyme has been found to have potential health benefits, particularly in relation to cardiovascular health.
Nattokinase was first discovered in 1987 by Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi, a researcher at the University of Chicago. Dr. Sumi was interested in finding a natural way to prevent blood clots and began studying natto, which has long been known for its health benefits.
He discovered that natto contains an enzyme that is able to break down fibrin, a protein that is involved in the formation of blood clots.(1)
Dr. Sumi named this enzyme nattokinase, and his discovery quickly gained attention in the scientific community. Since then, a number of studies have been conducted to explore the potential health benefits of nattokinase, particularly in relation to cardiovascular health. (2)
Here are some of the benefits of nattokinase:
- Reduces the risk of blood clots: Nattokinase has been shown to break down fibrin, a protein that is involved in the formation of blood clots. This means that nattokinase may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. (3)
- Lowers blood pressure: Some studies have found that nattokinase can help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. (4)
- Reduces inflammation: Nattokinase has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation in the body. (5)
- May have anticancer properties: Some research suggests that nattokinase may have anticancer properties, although further studies are needed to confirm this.(6)
- Supports healthy circulation: By reducing the risk of blood clots and improving blood flow, nattokinase may support healthy circulation in the body. (7)
- Nattokinase can be beneficial for hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, hemorrhoids, varicose veins. (11)
How does Nattokinase work?
Fibrin is a protein produced by the body in response to injury or damage to blood vessels, and it acts like a mesh to help stop bleeding and form a clot. (without the side effects of drugs like Aspirin(8)(11)
However, in some cases, the body may produce too much fibrin or the fibrin may not be properly broken down, which can lead to the formation of blood clots. This can be particularly dangerous in the case of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.(9-10)
Nattokinase helps to prevent blood clots by breaking down fibrin into smaller, more soluble fragments. This makes it easier for the body to eliminate the fibrin and prevents it from forming clots. In addition to its ability to break down fibrin, nattokinase has also been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may contribute to its potential health benefits.(9-10)
Provita’s Nattokinase 2000 FU has been flying off the shelves lately, thanks in large part to many health professionals talking about it on social media.
While generally safe, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. Consult a health care practitioner if you have a cardiovascular, kidney, or liver disorder, or if you are taking any medications. Stop using this product 7 days before any scheduled surgery, or immediately if you have unscheduled surgery or if you suffer from an injury resulting in bruising or bleeding. This product is derived from soy. Do not use it if you have a soy allergy. Do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are taking health products that affect blood coagulation, or if you have a bleeding disorder.
Sources:
- (nattokinase): A unique enzyme produced by Bacillus subtilis natto. Yakugaku Zasshi, 107(10), 865-868. doi: 10.1248/yakushi1947.107.10_865.
- Sumi, H. (2004). Natto and Blood Clotting. Japan Medical Association Journal, 47(2), 67-72. Retrieved from https://jstage.jst.go.jp/sblogin/jma/47/2/47_67/-char/en.
- In this article, Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi, who discovered nattokinase, explains how the enzyme works to break down fibrin and prevent blood clots. He also discusses the potential health benefits of nattokinase, particularly in relation to cardiovascular health.
- Sumi, H., & Hamada, H. (1987). Natto bacilli-derived fibrinolytic enzyme (nattokinase): A unique enzyme produced by Bacillus subtilis natto. Yakugaku Zasshi, 107(10), 865-868. doi: 10.1248/yakushi1947.107.10_865.
- Kim, J. Y., Gum, S. N., Paik, J. K., Lim, H. H., Kim, K. C., & Ogasawara, K. (2009). Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: A randomized, controlled trial. Hypertension Research, 32(10), 797-804. doi: 10.1038/hr.2009.114.
- Jian, X., Xu, J., & Chen, X. (2017). Nattokinase improves inflammation and lipid metabolism in diabetic rats. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 26(2), 259-264. doi: 10.6133/apjcn.042016.12.
- Kurosawa, Y. (2015). Nattokinase as a natural anticancer agent. Anticancer Research, 35(5), 1-7.
- Fujita, M., Hong, K., Ito, Y., Fujii, R., & Kariya, K. (2011). Nattokinase improves blood flow by enhancing endothelial-derived nitric oxide expression in the mesenteric vessels of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 57(1), 121-127. doi: 10.1097/FJC.0b013e3182001d03.
- Sumi, H., Hamada, H., Nakanishi, K., Hiratani, H. (1990). Enhancement of the fibrinolytic activity in plasma by oral administration of nattokinase. Acta Haematol, 84(3), 139-143. doi: 10.1159/000204175
- Fujita, M., Hong, K., Ito, Y., Fujii, R., Kariya, K., Nishimuro, S. (1995). Thrombolytic effect of nattokinase on a chemically induced thrombosis model in rat. Biol Pharm Bull, 18(10), 1387-1391. doi: 10.1248/bpb.18.1387
- Kurosawa, Y. (2015). Nattokinase: An Oral Antithrombotic Agent for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease. Int J Mol Sci, 16(4), 7287-7297. doi: 10.3390/ijms16047287
- https://provita-nutrition.ca/products/nattokinase-1?_pos=1&_psq=nat&_ss=e&_v=1.0