Nattokinase
Synopsis of nattokinase
Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme derived from the traditional Japanese food natto—a fermented soybean dish created using the bacterium Bacillus subtilis natto. This enzyme gained attention for its potent ability to break down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clot formation, giving it unique cardiovascular and circulatory benefits. Nattokinase is not found in raw soybeans or other fermented foods; it is specific to natto due to the action of this particular bacterial strain during fermentation.
Medicinally, nattokinase is primarily used as a natural blood thinner and circulatory aid. It helps reduce blood viscosity, dissolve existing clots, and prevent the formation of abnormal thrombi (blood clots), potentially lowering the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), stroke, angina, and hypertension. Its mechanism involves direct fibrinolytic action, as well as indirect support of the body’s own clot-dissolving systems by increasing the release of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and suppressing plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1).
Beyond cardiovascular support, nattokinase may offer secondary benefits such as reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and supporting brain health, particularly in individuals with poor microvascular flow. It has been explored for its role in helping with chronic sinus issues due to its mucus-thinning action and may have applications in conditions involving vascular inflammation or atherosclerosis.
Supplemental nattokinase is usually standardized to fibrin units (FU), with common dosages ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 FU per day. It is generally taken on an empty stomach for maximum absorption and to avoid protein breakdown in the digestive tract.
Historical Use
While the isolated enzyme nattokinase was not identified until the 1980s, the food source natto has been consumed for over 1,000 years in Japan. Natto was traditionally regarded as a health-promoting food for enhancing longevity, aiding digestion, and improving vitality. In Japanese folk medicine, natto was considered beneficial for heart health, reducing fatigue, and supporting blood flow—observations that modern science has now correlated with its fibrinolytic properties.
The discovery of nattokinase as a standalone compound was made by Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi in 1980, who was researching natural thrombolytic agents. His experiments found that natto had powerful clot-dissolving ability, and the enzyme responsible was soon isolated, named “nattokinase,” and later produced in supplemental form.
Since then, nattokinase has become a popular nutraceutical, particularly in integrative cardiology, functional medicine, and natural thrombolytic protocols. While more human clinical research is still needed to fully validate its long-term efficacy and safety across populations, its traditional use and promising biochemical profile have made it a key player in natural cardiovascular support.
Nattokinase is used for these health conditions
Arteriosclerosis (Scientific)
Blood Clots (prevention of) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Strokes (Scientific)
Thrombosis (Scientific)
nattokinase is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Scientific)
Capillaries (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Veins (Scientific)
