Nattokinase: A Unique Enzyme for Cardiovascular Health and Healthy Aging

Introduction

Nattokinase is one of the most fascinating natural compounds discovered in traditional foods. Derived from natto, a fermented soybean food that has been consumed in Japan for centuries, nattokinase is a protein-digesting (proteoolytic) enzyme produced during fermentation by a bacteria, Bacillus subtilis var. natto.

Although natto has long been valued as a traditional food associated with healthy aging and cardiovascular wellness, modern scientific research has identified nattokinase as one of its most important bioactive components. Today, nattokinase is widely used as a dietary supplement to support healthy circulation, healthy blood flow, and normal cardiovascular function.

What makes nattokinase unique is its ability to support the body's natural fibrin-balancing mechanisms. Fibrin is a protein involved in normal blood clot formation and tissue repair. Maintaining a healthy balance between fibrin formation and fibrin breakdown is essential for optimal circulation and vascular health.

Over the past four decades, nattokinase has become one of the most extensively studied enzyme supplements for cardiovascular wellness, with research examining its effects on healthy blood pressure, blood flow, vascular function, and healthy aging.^1-2

The Discovery of Nattokinase

Nattokinase was first identified in 1980 by Japanese researcher Hiroyuki Sumi, M.D., Ph.D. While studying natural substances that could influence fibrin metabolism, Dr. Sumi observed that natto possessed remarkable fibrin-degrading activity. Subsequent investigation led to the identification of a previously unknown enzyme that became known as nattokinase.

Since its discovery, numerous laboratory, animal, and human studies have explored nattokinase's biological activities. Researchers have identified several mechanisms that help explain its ability to support cardiovascular health and healthy circulation.^1-7

Understanding Fibrin and Cardiovascular Health

The circulatory system is constantly balancing two competing needs: maintaining the ability to form clots when necessary while preserving smooth, unrestricted blood flow throughout the body.

A key component in this process is fibrin, a protein that forms the structural framework of blood clots. Fibrin plays an essential role in wound healing and tissue repair. However, excessive accumulation of fibrin may negatively influence circulation and vascular function.

The body naturally regulates fibrin through a process known as fibrinolysis. This process relies primarily on plasmin, an enzyme responsible for breaking down fibrin after it has served its purpose.

Research indicates that nattokinase supports the body's natural fibrinolytic activity through several complementary mechanisms, including supporting plasmin activity and helping maintain healthy fibrin metabolism. These actions help explain why nattokinase has attracted significant interest as a cardiovascular support nutrient.^1-6

Nattokinase and Healthy Circulation

One of the most consistent findings in the scientific literature is nattokinase's ability to support healthy circulation.

Several human studies have shown that nattokinase supplementation influences biomarkers associated with healthy blood flow and normal fibrin turnover. Research has also demonstrated favorable effects on blood viscosity and other measurements associated with circulatory health.

These findings are important because efficient circulation supports the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues throughout the body while assisting in the removal of metabolic waste products.

For individuals interested in maintaining cardiovascular wellness as they age, supporting healthy circulation remains one of the most important nutritional goals.

Nattokinase and Healthy Blood Pressure

Among the most compelling human clinical data on nattokinase are studies evaluating blood pressure. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving adults with elevated blood pressure readings, daily supplementation with nattokinase produced statistically significant improvements in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements.⁷

More recently, a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating randomized controlled trials concluded that nattokinase supplementation was associated with significant support for maintaining normal systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with placebo. The authors noted that blood pressure support appears to be one of the most consistently observed cardiovascular benefits of nattokinase supplementation.¹

Supporting Vascular Function

Healthy arteries are far more than passive tubes carrying blood throughout the body. They are dynamic tissues that continuously respond to changes in blood flow, inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic demands.

Research suggests nattokinase may support healthy vascular function through several mechanisms, including support for normal endothelial function, healthy blood flow, and maintenance of normal fibrin metabolism.

Scientists increasingly recognize that preserving vascular flexibility and endothelial health is a critical component of healthy aging. Because vascular function influences every organ system, nutrients that support blood vessel health may provide broad benefits throughout the body.¹

Nattokinase and Healthy Aging

Cardiovascular health is one of the strongest predictors of healthy aging. Researchers have increasingly focused on interventions that support healthy circulation, vascular integrity, and optimal blood flow as strategies to promote long-term wellness. Nattokinase fits naturally within this framework because its primary actions support physiological systems that commonly change with age.

As we grow older, normal fibrinolytic activity may become less efficient. Supporting the body's natural ability to maintain healthy fibrin balance may therefore become increasingly important.

This concept helps explain why nattokinase has become a popular component of healthy-aging supplementation programs.

Emerging Research on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Recent review articles have highlighted additional areas of interest surrounding nattokinase. Beyond its well-known effects on fibrin metabolism, laboratory and preclinical studies suggest nattokinase may influence pathways involved in oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling. These findings have generated considerable scientific interest because oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation are widely recognized contributors to age-related decline.²

While these observations are encouraging, more human clinical studies are needed before definitive conclusions can be made regarding these effects.

Respiratory Health and Mucus Quality

Another intriguing area of research involves nattokinase's influence on mucus characteristics. Researchers have demonstrated that nattokinase can break down protein components that contribute to mucus thickness. Experimental studies suggest this activity may help support healthy mucus viscosity and normal airway function.

Maintaining healthy mucus quality is important because respiratory secretions serve as one of the body's first lines of defense. Proper mucus consistency supports normal clearance mechanisms that help keep the respiratory tract functioning optimally.

Although additional human studies are warranted, current findings suggest nattokinase may provide benefits that extend beyond cardiovascular health.⁸

What About Amyloid?

Researchers have also explored whether nattokinase may be capable of breaking down certain protein aggregates in laboratory settings.^9,10

Experimental studies have shown that nattokinase can degrade amyloid proteins under controlled conditions. However, it is important to emphasize that these findings have been demonstrated primarily in laboratory research and have not yet established clinical relevance in humans.

Future studies will determine whether these observations translate into meaningful physiological effects.

Why Delivery Matters: The Importance of Delayed-Release Nattokinase

Nattokinase is a protein enzyme, and like other enzymes, it can be exposed to degradation in the highly acidic environment of the stomach. To get the most from nattokinase and many other enzymes, it is important to use delayed-release (DR) capsules are designed to resist disintegration in the stomach and release their contents later in the small intestine. By protecting against the breakdown by stomach acid, DR technology helps to deliver more intact nattokinase to its primary site of absorption and interaction within the gastrointestinal tract.

In my view, using a delayed-release capsule for nattokinase is critical. It is one of the key features of the Nattokinase supplement from Dr. Murray Natural Products.

Dosage, Safety and Precautions

Nattokinase has a long history of dietary exposure through natto consumption and has demonstrated an excellent safety profile in clinical studies. The typical dosage for a nattokinase supplement is 100 mg providing approximately 2,000 fibrinolytic units (FU), taken one or two times daily on an empty stomach.

Individuals taking prescription anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications should consult their healthcare provider before using nattokinase. Professional guidance is also recommended before combining nattokinase with medications that influence normal blood clotting function.

As with any dietary supplement, pregnant or nursing women and individuals under medical supervision should consult their healthcare provider before use.

The Bottom Line

In my view, in addition to following a foundation of health built on diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, nattokinase offers a unique mechanism of support for healthy blood flow, vascular function, and healthy aging making it a key consideration for daily supplementation for many people. It is definitely included in my own personal supplementation plan.

References:

1. Xu L, Li J, Gao Q, et al. Nattokinase supplementation and cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Int J Med Sci. 2024;21(9):3306-3318.

2. Granito M, Alvarenga L, Ribeiro M, et al. Nattokinase as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy for non-communicable diseases: a review of fibrinolytic, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 2024;22(10):565-574.

3. Gallelli G, Di Mizio G, Palleria C, et al. Data recorded in real life support the safety of nattokinase in patients with vascular diseases. Nutrients. 2021;13(6):2031.

4. Kurosawa Y, Nirengi S, Homma T, et al. A single dose of oral nattokinase potentiates thrombolysis and anti-coagulation profiles. Sci Rep. 2015;5:11601.

5. Hsia CH, Shen MC, Lin JS, et al. Nattokinase decreases plasma levels of fibrinogen, factor VII, and factor VIII in human subjects. Nutr Res. 2009;29(3):190-196.

6. Weng Y, Yao J, Sparks S, et al. Nattokinase: an oral antithrombotic agent for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(3):523.

7. Kim JY, Gum SN, Paik JK, et al. Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial. Hypertens Res. 2008;31(8):1583-1588.

8. Takabayashi T, Imoto Y, Sakashita M, et al. Nattokinase, profibrinolytic enzyme, effectively shrinks nasal polyp tissue and decreases viscosity of mucus. Allergol Int. 2017;66(4):594-602.

9. Metkar SK, Udayakumar S, Girigoswami A, et al. Natural serine proteases and their applications in combating amyloid formation. ADMET DMPK. 2024;12(6):797-820.

10. Hsu RL, Lee KT, Wang JH, et al. Amyloid-degrading ability of nattokinase from Bacillus subtilis natto. J Agric Food Chem. 2009;57(2):503-508.