Best Brand of Nattokinase
There is no specific brand of nattokinase that can be recommended as superior based on current medical guidelines, as nattokinase is not approved by regulatory bodies for medical treatment of any condition.
Understanding Nattokinase
- Nattokinase is a serine protease enzyme derived from natto, a traditional Japanese fermented soybean food 1
- It has been studied for potential fibrinolytic (anti-clotting) and thrombolytic properties, though it is not an FDA-approved medication 2, 1
- Peak serum levels of nattokinase occur approximately 13.3 ± 2.5 hours after oral ingestion 2
Medical Context of Fibrinolytic Agents
- In contrast to nattokinase supplements, several FDA-approved fibrinolytic medications exist for specific medical conditions:
Safety Considerations for Nattokinase
- Toxicological assessments have shown that nattokinase appears to have low toxicity in animal studies 4
- A 90-day oral subchronic NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for nattokinase in rats was established at 1000 mg/kg-day 4
- Human studies have shown that consumption of 10 mg/kg-day for 4 weeks was well-tolerated in healthy volunteers 4
Potential Mechanisms and Effects
- Recent research suggests nattokinase may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects beyond its fibrinolytic properties 5
- Studies indicate nattokinase may attenuate endothelial inflammation through activation of SRF and THBS1 6
- These mechanisms could potentially contribute to cardiovascular benefits, though clinical significance remains uncertain 5, 6
Important Cautions
- Unlike approved medications such as streptokinase or alteplase, nattokinase supplements:
Clinical Perspective
- For patients requiring actual fibrinolytic therapy for medical conditions: