From the Guidelines
Nattokinase (NK) has been shown to have a potential effect on cardiovascular health by promoting healthy blood flow and circulation, but its use should be approached with caution due to the lack of strong evidence and potential increased bleeding risk. The provided evidence does not directly discuss Nattokinase, but it does provide information on antifibrinolytics and their use in pediatric and congenital heart disease [ 1 ]. However, based on general knowledge of Nattokinase, it is known to be a serine protease that breaks down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clotting, which may help maintain normal blood viscosity. Some key points to consider when using Nattokinase include:
- Typical supplement dosages range from 1,000 to 2,000 FU (fibrinolytic units) daily, usually taken between meals.
- People taking blood thinners, those with bleeding disorders, or individuals scheduled for surgery should avoid nattokinase due to potential increased bleeding risk [ 1 ].
- Pregnant or nursing women should also avoid it due to insufficient safety data.
- While some research suggests benefits for blood pressure and circulation, nattokinase is not FDA-approved to treat any medical condition, and its effects vary between individuals. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting nattokinase, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications, as it may interact with anticoagulants and certain other drugs [ 1 ].
From the Research
Effects of Nattokinase
- Nattokinase (NK) is a serine protease with fibrinolytic activity, which has been shown to have various beneficial effects on cardiovascular health 2, 3, 4.
- The enzyme has been found to have antithrombotic, antihypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic, lipid-lowering, antiplatelet, and neuroprotective effects 4.
- Studies have demonstrated that NK can improve clinical symptoms in patients with vascular diseases, such as deep vein thrombosis, superficial vein thrombosis, and venous insufficiency, without causing adverse drug reactions or interactions 3.
- NK has also been shown to be safe and well-tolerated, with no evidence of genotoxicity or mutagenic activity 5.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety
- The pharmacokinetic profile of NK has been studied, with peak serum levels observed at approximately 13.3 hours after oral ingestion of a single dose 2.
- The safety of NK has been evaluated in several studies, with no reports of serious adverse events or toxicity 3, 5.
- The maximum daily tolerant dose of NK in mice has been found to be up to 480,000 FU/kg, which is 1000 times more than the recommended daily dose for humans 5.
Therapeutic Potential
- NK has been proposed as a promising alternative in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, due to its unique combination of fibrinolytic, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory effects 4, 6.
- The enzyme may also have potential as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy for non-communicable diseases, such as inflammation and oxidative stress-related disorders 6.