Is there evidence that nanokinase helps dissolve plaque?

No Clinical Evidence for Nattokinase Dissolving Plaque

There is no established evidence that "nanokinase" exists as a medical therapy, and you likely mean "nattokinase," which does show preliminary evidence for reducing atherosclerotic plaque progression, though it should not replace proven cardiovascular therapies.

Clarifying the Terminology

The term "nanokinase" does not appear in medical literature. You are likely referring to either:

• Nattokinase: A fibrinolytic enzyme derived from fermented soybeans
• Nanotechnology-based therapies: Experimental nanoparticle systems for plaque treatment

These are entirely different interventions that should not be confused.

Evidence for Nattokinase (Not "Nanokinase")

Clinical Trial Data

The most robust evidence comes from a 2022 study showing nattokinase at 10,800 FU/day reduced carotid plaque size and intima-media thickness over 12 months in 1,062 participants. 1

• Improvement rates ranged from 66.5% to 95.4% across various atherosclerotic parameters 1
• Significant reductions in carotid artery intima-media thickness and plaque size were documented 1
• The effect was dose-dependent: 3,600 FU/day was ineffective, requiring the higher 10,800 FU/day dose 1

Earlier Supporting Evidence

A 2017 Chinese clinical study with 76 patients demonstrated:

• Carotid plaque size reduced from 0.25±0.12 cm² to 0.16±0.10 cm² (36.6% reduction) over 26 weeks 2
• Carotid intima-media thickness decreased from 1.13±0.12 mm to 1.01±0.11 mm 2
• The plaque reduction effect appeared independent of lipid-lowering, suggesting a different mechanism than statins 2

Safety Profile

Real-world data from 153 vascular surgery patients showed nattokinase (100 mg/day) was safe without adverse drug reactions or interactions when used alone or combined with anticoagulants 3

Nanotechnology for Plaque (Experimental Only)

Nanotechnology-based plaque therapies remain entirely experimental with extremely limited clinical application. 4

Current Status

• Only 13 clinical trials exist for nanoparticles in cardiovascular disease versus 176 for cancer, indicating this field is in its infancy 4
• The NHLBI identified targeted nanoparticles as having potential to stabilize vulnerable plaque by removing oxidized LDL, but this was a 2003 research recommendation, not clinical reality 4

Limited Clinical Applications

The few completed trials focused on:

• Imaging agents (iron oxide nanoparticles for plaque detection) rather than plaque dissolution 4
• Experimental therapies like plasmonic photo-thermal therapy that reduced plaque burden to 37.8% but remain impractical for routine clinical use 4
• Prednisolone-loaded liposomes that successfully targeted plaque macrophages but did not demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects 4

Critical Limitations and Caveats

For Nattokinase

• Do not use nattokinase as a replacement for statins or other proven cardiovascular therapies 5
• The mechanism of plaque reduction remains unclear and may involve fibrinolytic activity rather than true "dissolution" 2
• Supplement quality varies significantly between manufacturers 5
• Potential drug interactions must be evaluated, particularly with anticoagulants 5

For Nanotechnology

• No nanotechnology-based therapy is currently approved for clinical plaque treatment 4
• The translational gap from preclinical research to clinical application remains enormous 4, 6
• Manufacturing, safety, and regulatory hurdles prevent widespread clinical use 4

Clinical Recommendation

If you are asking about nattokinase for atherosclerotic plaque management, the evidence suggests potential benefit at 10,800 FU/day, but this should only be considered as adjunctive therapy alongside established cardiovascular risk reduction strategies including lifestyle modifications and indicated medications. 5, 1 Statins remain the gold standard for plaque stabilization with proven mortality benefit 7, and any supplement use should be discussed with a cardiologist to avoid compromising evidence-based care.