Post by the Scribe on Sept 27, 2021 23:13:20 GMT
Are you taking nattokinase the right way?
www.secondopinionnewsletter.com/Health-Alert-Archive/View-Archive/12272/Are-you-taking-nattokinase-the-right-way.htm#:~:text=Because%20the%20usual%20instructions%20for%20taking%20nattokinase%20is,a%20day%2C%20twice%20a%20day%20is%20actually%20better.
I've written a lot about nattokinase before. Nattokinase, as you may know, is an enzyme found in natto, a traditional Japanese, fermented, soybean food meal. It doesn't sound too appetizing, but I hope you're taking it. It's great for dissolving clots and lowering blood pressure, which also means it can prevent heart attacks and strokes. But are you taking your nattokinase the right way? A new study says many of us are not.
The researchers in this study looked at 11 healthy men and women from 21 to 65 years old. They gave each person a 100 mg capsule of nattokinase. And then they took blood samples 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours later. They were measuring the levels of nattokinase in the blood. And here's what they found out that can be really helpful for us.
After the participants took the capsule, the blood levels of nattokinase gradually increased until they reached a maximum at 13.3 hours. Why is this important? Because the usual instructions for taking nattokinase is to take it three times a day. But this study is showing that it doesn't reach its maximum blood level until after 12 hours.
So instead of taking it three times a day, twice a day is actually better. That's important because remembering to take anything three times a day is difficult. But popping your nattokinase first thing in the morning and then again right before bed is easy.
There are many uses for nattokinase. In the past, I've recommended taking one 100 mg tablet of nattokinase just before a long transcontinental plane flight. Doing so can dramatically decrease the chances of getting a blood clot while you're sitting there for such a long time.
I also give it to every one of my patients who has atrial fibrillation. This is a situation that can cause dangerous blood clots. And I take 200 mg a day of it myself just for prevention. Even though I have never had a blood clot, I don't intend to get one. Now instead of taking it all at once in the morning, I will take 100 mg in the morning and again at bedtime. That way I can be sure that I am maintaining good levels of nattokinase in my blood for a full 24 hours. You can get this amount by taking two tablets of Advanced Natto Formula each morning and again before you go to bed.
Finding your Real Cures,
Frank Shallenberger, MD
REF: Ero MP, Ng CM, Mihailovski T, et al. A pilot study on the serum pharmacokinetics of nattokinase in humans following a single, oral, daily dose. Altern Ther Health Med. 2013 May-Jun;19(3):16-9.
Nattokinase
Common Name(s): Flite Tabs, Natto-K, Natto, NattoMax, Natural Super Kinase – Spray Dried(NSK-SD), Vein Caps, Cardiokinase, Fermented soybeans, Nattokinase, Subtilisin NAT, Subtilisin natto
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 22, 2021.
Clinical Overview
Use
Nattokinase is promoted for use as a fibrinolytic agent; however, clinical trials are currently lacking to support this use. There is no substantial evidence that nattokinase lowers blood pressure in hypertension. Nattokinase has been used with pycnogenol for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in long airline flights.
Dosing
Clinical studies to guide safe and effective dosing are lacking. Nattokinase 100 mg (equivalent to 2,000 fibrin units [FU]) taken up to 3 times a day, has been used in some studies.
Contraindications
Avoid nattokinase in patients with ischemic stroke, peptic ulcer, and coagulation disorders, as well as pre- and post-surgery.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.
Interactions
Nattokinase has pharmacologic effects that could increase the risk of bleeding with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents. High concentrations of vitamin K2 in natto can reduce the international normalized ratio (INR) with warfarin; this may also occur with nattokinase supplements if vitamin K2 is not removed during the production process.
Adverse Reactions
Small short-term trials evaluating the effect of nattokinase reported no adverse reactions. There is a theoretical risk of bleeding, based on a case report of acute cerebellar hemorrhage in a patient with a history of ischemic stroke. Thrombosis was reported after substitution of nattokinase for warfarin in a patient with a mechanical aortic valve. Rare cases of late-onset anaphylaxis with natto have been attributed to poly (gamma-glutamic acid), a product of the fermentation process that may be present in nattokinase supplements.
Toxicology
Nattokinase was nonmutagenic in the Ames test and a cell-based chromosomal aberration study in manufacturer studies. The median lethal dose (LD50) in a rodent study was more than 1,000 mg/kg.
Source
Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme found in natto, a traditional Japanese food. It is produced by Bacillus subtilis (also called Bacillus natto or Bacillus subtilis natto) during the fermentation process that turns boiled soybeans into natto. Similar fibrinolytic enzymes are found in other traditional fermented foods, including chungkook-jang in Korea, douchi in China, thua nao in Thailand, and tempeh in Indonesia.1, 2 Fermentation technology is used to manufacture nattokinase supplements that are formulated into powders, pills, and capsules, alone or with other ingredients.2, 3
History
The fermentation of soybeans is a common traditional Asian and African culinary practice. Natto is a traditional Japanese food that has been consumed for at least 1,000 years. It is usually served as breakfast with rice, on toast, or as sushi; it is also available as an ice cream flavor. Traditionally, it has been used for heart conditions, to relieve fatigue, and as an antiberiberi agent. In the 1980s, researchers investigating food substances for thrombolytic properties isolated the enzyme nattokinase from natto.1, 3, 4 The first commercial nattokinase product was marketed in Japan in 1998.5 Although it has been marketed as a dietary supplement in many parts of the world since that time, in 2012, Health Canada determined that safety concerns, including the potential for increased bleeding risk, had not been adequately addressed to allow the marketing of nattokinase.6 An application was filed in the European Union for approval of nattokinase as a novel food.7 Nattokinase currently does not have generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status with the US Food and Drug Administration.
Chemistry
Natto has a characteristic smell (possibly because of its pyrazine content), a viscous texture, and a strong, distinct flavor, and has been described as a "vegetable cheese" because of its consistency. Although the name implies that it is a kinase, nattokinase is actually an alkaline serine protease with an amino acid sequence similar to that of subtilisin, which is used in laundry detergents. It contains 275 amino acids and has a molecular weight of 27.7 kDa.2 The enzyme catalyzes the cleavage of proteins to polypeptides and has high substrate specificity for fibrin, with substantial fibrinolytic activity at a pH range of 6 to 12.2 The proteolytic activity of nattokinase is measured in fibrin units (FU).8 A 50 g serving of natto provides 1,500 FU of nattokinase. The enzyme can withstand temperatures of up to 50°C and repeated freezing and thawing, but it is inactive in acidic conditions. Microencapsulated and enteric-coated formulations have been developed to reduce degradation of nattokinase by gastric acid.2
B. subtilis also produces and secretes vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7), bacillopeptidase F (another fibrinolytic enzyme marketed as a dietary supplement), and other proteolytic enzymes during the natto fermentation process.9, 10 Vitamin K2 may be removed from nattokinase supplements in the manufacturing process. Methods have been described to optimize the production of the enzyme, remove vitamin K2, and eliminate the characteristic natto odor from nattokinase products.3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Pharmacokinetics
A single-dose study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of oral nattokinase in 11 healthy volunteers.16 Peak serum concentrations were reached at 13.3 ± 2.5 hours after a dose of 2,000 FU. Because nattokinase was detected in the serum with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a polyclonal antibody that reacts with both nattokinase and metabolites, it is unclear whether the nattokinase detected in this study was biologically active.
Uses and Pharmacology
Fibrinolysis and thrombolysis
In vitro/animal studies
The fibrinolytic action of nattokinase has been studied extensively in in vitro studies. Unlike streptokinase, nattokinase does not act directly on plasminogen. The enzyme appears to cleave plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1, thereby increasing the activity of tissue plasminogen activator and promoting the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, with a resultant increase in clot lysis. Nattokinase also acts directly on thrombi by lysing crosslinked fibrin. The fibrinolytic action of nattokinase is reportedly 4 times that of plasmin. Using human whole blood exposed to nattokinase, dose-dependent decreases in red blood cell aggregation and low-shear viscosity have also been demonstrated.3, 4, 17, 18, 19
Nattokinase was absorbed across rat intestine. The fibrinolytic and thrombolytic activity of nattokinase has been evaluated in animal experiments that induced thrombi and endothelial injury in the femoral arteries and common carotid artery in rats. Dietary supplementation with nattokinase suppressed intimal thickening, modulated the lysis of mural thrombi, and improved arterial blood flow more effectively than plasmin and elastase. In dogs, oral administration of nattokinase completely dissolved induced clots from major leg veins within 5 hours of administration, whereas the clots in dogs receiving placebo showed no thrombolysis up to 18 hours.17, 20, 21, 22, 23 Two studies evaluated nattokinase in a rat model of inflammation-induced thrombosis using carrageenan injections. In the first study, injection of nattokinase into rat tails before thrombosis shortened the length of tail thrombosis by approximately 15%.24 In the second study, the area of thrombosis was reduced by the administration of nattokinase after thrombosis.25 These studies suggest that nattokinase affects clot formation and resolution.
Clinical data
Limited clinical trials have not produced definitive results regarding the efficacy of nattokinase as a fibrinolytic.4, 26 One trial evaluated the effect of daily intake of nattokinase on the hematological indices of 12 healthy Japanese volunteers and found enhanced fibrinolytic activity. A gradual increase in euglobulin fibrinolytic activity, an increase in fibrin degradation products, and an increase in tissue plasminogen activator were recorded. Data for all subjects were not published.4, 17 An open-label trial evaluated the effect of nattokinase administration over 2 months on healthy volunteers, as well as in patients with cardiovascular risk factors and in patients on dialysis. Decreases in plasma fibrinogen and coagulation factors VII and VIII were observed over time within each group; however, no group effect was established. The sample size (N = 45) was too small to draw firm conclusions from the study.27 Another trial evaluated the preventive action of nattokinase in subjects at risk of DVT during a long airplane flight. Nattokinase, in an unspecified dose combined with pycnogenol, taken 2 hours before and 6 hours into the flight was reported to reduce thrombotic events, as determined by ultrasounds of the venous system. Edema scores were also reduced, possibly due to the diuretic effect of pycnogenol. However, conclusions regarding the fibrinolytic action of nattokinase cannot be drawn from this study because it evaluated a product containing both nattokinase and pycnogenol.4, 28
Hypertension
In vitro/animal studies
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) was inhibited by nattokinase in an in vitro study.29 ACE inhibition appeared to be mediated by nattokinase peptide fragments and was not related to the proteolytic activity of intact nattokinase.
A study in spontaneously hypertensive rats evaluated the antihypertensive mechanism of action of intact nattokinase and nattokinase peptide fragments.30 Although both the intact enzyme and fragments reduced blood pressure, only the intact nattokinase reduced plasma fibrinogen levels. The intact nattokinase had no effect on the renin-angiotensin system. The nattokinase peptide fragments reduced plasma angiotensin II but had no effect on renin or ACE activity. The authors propose that the fibrinolytic activity of the intact nattokinase reduces blood pressure by reducing blood viscosity; however, the mechanism of the nattokinase peptide fragments is unclear. In a second study, natto powder that contained gamma-aminobutyric acid and nattokinase reduced blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats but not in rats with normal blood pressure.31 Captopril reduced blood pressure more significantly than natto powder.
Clinical data
A double-blind, randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the hypotensive effect of nattokinase (N = 86) found decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure at 8 weeks, but not at 4 weeks, of daily nattokinase administration. The study enrolled patients with prehypertension or mild hypertension with a mean blood pressure of approximately 145/95 mm Hg at baseline. Conflicting results were obtained for plasma renin values.32 A double-blind crossover study compared the effects of nattokinase and bacillopeptidase F on blood pressure in 20 patients with so-called "lifestyle" diseases, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes.10 The study reported that blood pressure decreased after treatment with bacillopeptidase F but not after nattokinase treatment. The clinical importance of these results is unclear because patients were not hypertensive at baseline. No hypotensive effect was found in a study evaluating the fibrinolytic effect of nattokinase27 or in another study evaluating the effect on lipid profile.33
Other uses
Amyloid plaque
In an in vitro study, nattokinase degraded amyloid fibrils, suggesting a potential role in the treatment of amyloid-related diseases such as Alzheimer disease.34 In a rat study, nattokinase increased expression of the gene for ADAM10, a protein that reduces the effects of the amyloid precursor protein.35 In theory, increasing ADAM10 activity may have a future role in managing Alzheimer disease.
Antiplatelet activity
Ex vivo studies suggest that nattokinase may have antiplatelet activity. Nattokinase inhibited collagen- and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation in a study using rabbit platelets.36 Nattokinase appeared to inhibit thromboxane A2 production by activated platelets. In another study, nattokinase increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate within rat platelets, which inhibits platelet aggregation.37 In human platelets, nattokinase appeared to inhibit mobilization of calcium stores within platelets in response to platelet activation by thrombin.
Dyslipidemia
A double-blind, randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the effect of nattokinase in hyperlipidemia found changes in triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein from baseline, but no differences compared with placebo could be demonstrated.33 In a study evaluating the fibrinolytic effect of nattokinase, no effect on the lipid profile was found.27 In a crossover comparison study with bacillopeptidase F, 4 weeks of treatment with nattokinase had no effect on the lipid profile.10
Vitreolysis
In an experiment conducted in rabbits, intravitreal nattokinase induced posterior vitreous detachment via hydrolysis of collagen fibers; however, studies in clinical applications in humans as an alternative to surgery are lacking.38
Dosing
Clinical studies to guide safe and effective dosing are lacking. Nattokinase 100 mg (equivalent to 2,000 FU) taken up to 3 times a day, has been used in some studies.17, 27, 32
Pregnancy / Lactation
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.
Interactions
The antithrombotic, fibrinolytic, and antiplatelet activity observed with nattokinase in in vitro and animal studies raises concerns that it may increase the risk of bleeding when administered with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.20, 25, 37 In one unpublished study, 12 patients hospitalized for ischemic stroke who were receiving heparin and low-dose aspirin or clopidogrel also received nattokinase 6,000 FU/day for 7 days.7, 8 Coadministration of nattokinase reportedly increased bleeding time and clotting time and decreased prothrombin time, thromboplastin time, and D-dimer levels. Three unspecified temporary adverse reactions were reported. In another unpublished study, nattokinase 1,700 FU daily was given to 30 patients treated with warfarin for 26 weeks.7, 8 Coadministration of nattokinase reportedly stabilized INRs, but details were too insufficient for evaluation.
Patients treated with warfarin should avoid consuming natto because it can decrease the INR.9, 39 Substantial and sustained increases in serum vitamin K2 are attributed to high concentrations of the vitamin in natto and the long half-life of vitamin K2. In addition, ingested B. subtilis can continue to produce vitamin K2 in the gut for up to a week after natto consumption. Washing and boiling natto before eating may prevent sustained increases in vitamin K2 serum concentrations, as well as reducing B. subtilis recovery from feces.40 Vitamin K2 is removed from some nattokinase supplements to eliminate this concern.
Adverse Reactions
Clinical trials evaluating the effect of nattokinase that report no adverse reactions enrolled small numbers of patients for up to 7 months.6, 10, 17, 27, 28, 32, 39 In a 4-week trial, nattokinase had no substantial effect on laboratory tests for hematologic, renal, and hepatic function. Small increases in hematocrit, platelet count, and serum cholinesterase remained within the normal range.10
The potential for increased bleeding risk with nattokinase has not been clearly substantiated. A case report described acute cerebellar hemorrhage in a 52-year-old woman with a history of ischemic stroke. Although the patient was taking daily aspirin and commenced nattokinase at 400 mg daily, causality cannot be established because of her history.41 However, due to the theoretical risk of bleeding, nattokinase should not be taken by patients with ischemic stroke, peptic ulcer, or coagulation disorders; by those undergoing concomitant anticoagulant therapy; or before or after surgery. Given that the vitamin K2 in natto may offset potential bleeding risk, Health Canada raised a concern that removal of vitamin K2 from nattokinase supplements could theoretically increase bleeding risk.6 Current safety data for nattokinase supplements does not address this concern.
A case report illustrates the potential harm of replacing an anticoagulant with nattokinase. A patient with a mechanical aortic valve developed thrombosis requiring valve replacement approximately a year after he substituted nattokinase 100 mg/day for warfarin.42
Natto can rarely cause late-onset anaphylaxis, with symptom onset occurring 4 to 15 hours after ingestion.43, 44 Skin testing has implicated poly (gamma-glutamic acid), a product of the fermentation process, as the cause. Although the poly (gamma-glutamic acid) content can be reduced in the manufacturing process, patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to natto should avoid nattokinase supplements.15
Toxicology
A formulation of nattokinase is reported by the manufacturer to be nonmutagenic in the Ames test using 5 strains of bacteria, as well as in a cell-based chromosomal aberration study conducted in CHL/IU cells.8 It was nontoxic in rodent studies that administered doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/day for up to 90 days. The LD50 in a rodent study was more than 20,000 FU/kg (more than 1,000 mg/kg).
References
1. Inatsu Y, Nakamura N, Yuriko Y, Fushimi T, Watanasiritum L, Kawamoto S. Characterization of Bacillus subtilis strains in Thua nao, a traditional fermented soybean food in northern Thailand. Lett Appl Microbiol. 2006;43(3):237-242.16910925
2. Dabbagh F, Negahdaripour M, Berenjian A, et al. Nattokinase: production and application. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2014;98(22):9199-9206.25348469
3. Sumi H, Hamada H, Tsushima H, Mihara H, Muraki H. A novel fibrinolytic enzyme (nattokinase) in the vegetable cheese natto; a typical and popular soybean food in the Japanese diet. Experientia. 1987;43(10):1110-1111.3478223
4. Tai MW, Sweet BV. Nattokinase for prevention of thrombosis. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2006;63(12):1121-1123.16754735
5. Japan Bio Science Laboratories Company, Ltd. NSK-SD nattokinase. 2013. www.ethorn.com/ssw/files/Japan%20Bio%20Science%20Laboratory.pdf. Accessed February 17, 2015.
6. Health Canada. Notice to stakeholders on nattokinase. November 6, 2012. www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/legislation/docs/nattokinase-eng.php. Accessed February 17, 2015.
7. Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes, European Commission. Committee Paper for Discussion: Nattokinase ACNFP/108/6. 2012. acnfp.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/mnt/drupal_data/sources/files/multimedia/pdfs/acnfp10806natv2.pdf. Accessed February 15, 2015.
8. Japan Bio Science Laboratories Company, Ltd. NSK-SD nattokinase: improving circulation & promoting cardiovascular health. 2011. www.dyna-nutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/NSK-white-paper-4Oct2011.pdf. Accessed December 23, 2014.
9. Kaneki M, Hodges SJ, Hosoi T, et al. Japanese fermented soybean food as the major determinant of the large geographic difference in circulating levels of vitamin K2: possible implications for hip-fracture risk. Nutrition. 2001;17(4):315-321.11369171
10. Hitosugi M, Hamada K, Misaka K, Ichihashi K. Effects of Bacillus natto products on blood pressure in patients with lifestyle diseases [published online January 29, 2014]. J Hypertens (Los Angel). 3:135.10.4172/2167-1095.1000135
11. Ku TW, Tsai RL, Pan TM. A simple and cost-saving approach to optimize the production of subtilisin NAT by submerged cultivation of Bacillus subtilis natto. J Agric Food Chem. 2009;57(1):292-296.19063639
12. Wang C, Du M, Zheng D, Kong F, Zu G, Feng Y. Purification and characterization of nattokinase from Bacillus subtilis natto B-12. J Agric Food Chem. 2009;57(20):9722-9729.19788184
13. Fujita M, Nomura K, Hong K, Ito Y, Asada A, Nishimuro S. Purification and characterization of a strong fibrinolytic enzyme (nattokinase) in the vegetable cheese natto, a popular soybean fermented food in Japan. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1993;197(3):1340-1347.8280151
14. Weng M, Zheng Z, Bao W, Cai Y, Yin Y, Zou G. Enhancement of oxidative stability of the subtilisin nattokinase by site-directed mutagenesis expressed in Escherichia coli. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2009;1794(11):1566-1572.19631297
15. Wei X, Luo M, Xie Y, et al. Strain screening, fermentation, separation, and encapsulation for production of nattokinase functional food. Appl Biochem Biotechnol. 2012;168(7):1753-1764.22987066
16. Ero MP, Ng CM, Mihailovski T, Harvey NR, Lewis BH. A pilot study on the serum pharmacokinetics of nattokinase in humans following a single, oral, daily dose. Altern Ther Health Med. 2013;19(3):16-19.23709455
17. Peng Y, Yang X, Zhang Y. Microbial fibrinolytic enzymes: an overview of source, production, properties, and thrombolytic activity in vivo. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2005;69(2):126-132.16211381
18. Pais E, Alexy T, Holsworth RE Jr, Meiselman HJ. Effects of nattokinase, a pro-fibrinolytic enzyme, on red blood cell aggregation and whole blood viscosity. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2006;35(1-2):139-142.16899918
19. Urano T, Ihara H, Umemura K, et al. The profibrinolytic enzyme subtilisin NAT purified from Bacillus subtilis cleaves and inactivates plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1. J Biol Chem. 2001;276(27):24690-24696.11325965
20. Suzuki Y, Kondo K, Matsumoto Y, et al. Dietary supplementation of fermented soybean, natto, suppresses intimal thickening and modulates the lysis of mural thrombi after endothelial injury in rat femoral artery. Life Sci. 2003;73(10):1289-1298.12850244
21. Suzuki Y, Kondo K, Ichise H, Tsukamoto Y, Urano T, Umemura K. Dietary supplementation with fermented soybeans suppresses intimal thickening. Nutrition. 2003;19(3):261-264.12620531
22. Fujita M, Hong K, Ito Y, Fujii R, Kariya K, Nishimuro S. Thrombolytic effect of nattokinase on a chemically induced thrombosis model in rat. Biol Pharm Bull. 1995;18(10):1387-1391.8593442
23. Chang CH, Chen KT, Lee TH, et al. Effects of natto extract on endothelial injury in a rat model. Acta Med Okayama. 2010;64(6):399-406.21173810
24. Kamiya S, Hagimori M, Ogasawara M, Arakawa M. In vivo evaluation method of the effect of nattokinase on carrageenan-induced tail thrombosis in a rat model. Acta Haematol. 2010;124(4):218-224.21071931
25. Xu J, Du M, Yang X, Chen Q, Chen H, Lin DH. Thrombolytic effects in vivo of nattokinase in a carrageenan-induced rat model of thrombosis. Acta Haematol. 2014;132(2):247-253.24862625
26. Lee T. Ask the doctor. I would like to find a safer, easier alternative to warfarin, which I have been taking for a couple of years. I have been hearing about nattokinase—can I take it in place of warfarin? Harv Heart Lett. 2006;17(2):7.21698808
27. 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):190-196.19358933
28. Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Nicolaides AN, et al. Prevention of venous thrombosis in long-haul flights with Flite Tabs: the LONFLIT-FLITE randomized, controlled trial. Angiology. 2003;54(5):531-539.14565628
29. Murakami K, Yamanaka N, Ohnishi K, Fukayama M, Yoshino M. Inhibition of angiotensin I converting enzyme by subtilisin NAT (nattokinase) in natto, a Japanese traditional fermented food. Food Funct. 2012;3(6):674-678.22453301
30. Fujita M, Ohnishi K, Takaoka S, Ogasawara K, Fukuyama R, Nakamuta H. Antihypertensive effects of continuous oral administration of nattokinase and its fragments in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biol Pharm Bull. 2011;34(11):1696-1701.22040882
31. Suwanmanon K, Hsieh PC. Effect of γ-aminobutyric acid and nattokinase-enriched fermented beans on the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive Wistar–Kyoto rats. J Food Drug Anal. 2014;22(4):485-491.
32. Kim JY, Gum SN, Paik JK, et al. Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial. Hypertens Res. 2008;31(8):1583-1588.18971533
33. Yang NC, Chou CW, Chen CY, Hwang KL, Yang YC. Combined nattokinase with red yeast rice but not nattokinase alone has potent effects on blood lipids in human subjects with hyperlipidemia. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):310-317.19786378
34. Hsu RL, Lee KT, Wang JH, Lee LY, Chen RP. Amyloid-degrading ability of nattokinase from Bacillus subtilis natto. J Agric Food Chem. 2009;57(2):503-508.19117402
35. Fadl NN, Ahmed HH, Booles HF, Sayed AH. Serrapeptase and nattokinase intervention for relieving Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology in rat model. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2013;32(7):721-735.23821590
36. Jang JY, Kim TS, Cai J, et al. Nattokinase improves blood flow by inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. Lab Anim Res. 2013;29(4):221-225.24396387
37. Ji H, Yu L, Liu K, et al. Mechanisms of nattokinase in protection of cerebral ischemia. Eur J Pharmacol. 2014;745:144-151.25446567
38. Takano A, Hirata A, Ogasawara K, et al. Posterior vitreous detachment induced by nattokinase (subtilisin NAT): a novel enzyme for pharmacologic vitreolysis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2006;47(5):2075-2079.16639018
39. Homma K, Wakana N, Suzuki Y, et al. Treatment of natto, a fermented soybean preparation, to prevent excessive plasma vitamin K concentrations in patients taking warfarin. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2006;52(5):297-301.17190098
40. Hitosugi M, Hamada K, Misaka K. Effects of Bacillus subtilis var. natto products on symptoms caused by blood flow disturbance in female patients with lifestyle diseases. Int J Gen Med. 2015;8:41-46.25653551
41. Chang YY, Liu JS, Lai SL, Wu HS, Lan MY. Cerebellar hemorrhage provoked by combined use of nattokinase and aspirin in a patient with cerebral microbleeds. Intern Med. 2008;47(5):467-469.18310985
42. Elahi MM, Choi CH, Konda S, Shake JG. Consequence of patient substitution of nattokinase for warfarin after aortic valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2015;28(1):81-82.25552810
43. Inomata N, Chin K, Nagashima M, Ikezawa Z. Late-onset anaphylaxis due to poly (γ-glutamic acid) in the soup of commercial cold Chinese noodles in a patient with allergy to fermented soybeans (natto). Allergol Int. 2011;60(3):393-396.21430437
44. Ikezawa Z, Isoda Y, Inomata N, Matsukura S, Aihara M. Clinical review of 18 patients with late-onset anaphylaxis after ingestion of Bacillus subtilis-fermanted soybeans (natto). [Abstract] 30th Symposium of the Collegium Internationale Allergologicum. Petersberg, Germany. September 15, 2014. www.ciaweb.org/UserFiles/sym14-finalv11_lores.pdf. Accessed February 2, 2015.
45. Sugimoto S, Fujii T, Morimiya T, Johdo O, Nakamura T. The fibrinolytic activity of a novel protease derived from a tempeh producing fungus, Fusarium sp. BLB. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2007;71(9):2184-2189.17827689
Disclaimer
This information relates to an herbal, vitamin, mineral or other dietary supplement. This product has not been reviewed by the FDA to determine whether it is safe or effective and is not subject to the quality standards and safety information collection standards that are applicable to most prescription drugs. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this product. This information does not endorse this product as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this product. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this product. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You should talk with your health care provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this product.
This product may adversely interact with certain health and medical conditions, other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, foods, or other dietary supplements. This product may be unsafe when used before surgery or other medical procedures. It is important to fully inform your doctor about the herbal, vitamins, mineral or any other supplements you are taking before any kind of surgery or medical procedure. With the exception of certain products that are generally recognized as safe in normal quantities, including use of folic acid and prenatal vitamins during pregnancy, this product has not been sufficiently studied to determine whether it is safe to use during pregnancy or nursing or by persons younger than 2 years of age.
www.secondopinionnewsletter.com/Health-Alert-Archive/View-Archive/12272/Are-you-taking-nattokinase-the-right-way.htm#:~:text=Because%20the%20usual%20instructions%20for%20taking%20nattokinase%20is,a%20day%2C%20twice%20a%20day%20is%20actually%20better.
I've written a lot about nattokinase before. Nattokinase, as you may know, is an enzyme found in natto, a traditional Japanese, fermented, soybean food meal. It doesn't sound too appetizing, but I hope you're taking it. It's great for dissolving clots and lowering blood pressure, which also means it can prevent heart attacks and strokes. But are you taking your nattokinase the right way? A new study says many of us are not.
The researchers in this study looked at 11 healthy men and women from 21 to 65 years old. They gave each person a 100 mg capsule of nattokinase. And then they took blood samples 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours later. They were measuring the levels of nattokinase in the blood. And here's what they found out that can be really helpful for us.
After the participants took the capsule, the blood levels of nattokinase gradually increased until they reached a maximum at 13.3 hours. Why is this important? Because the usual instructions for taking nattokinase is to take it three times a day. But this study is showing that it doesn't reach its maximum blood level until after 12 hours.
So instead of taking it three times a day, twice a day is actually better. That's important because remembering to take anything three times a day is difficult. But popping your nattokinase first thing in the morning and then again right before bed is easy.
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There are many uses for nattokinase. In the past, I've recommended taking one 100 mg tablet of nattokinase just before a long transcontinental plane flight. Doing so can dramatically decrease the chances of getting a blood clot while you're sitting there for such a long time.
I also give it to every one of my patients who has atrial fibrillation. This is a situation that can cause dangerous blood clots. And I take 200 mg a day of it myself just for prevention. Even though I have never had a blood clot, I don't intend to get one. Now instead of taking it all at once in the morning, I will take 100 mg in the morning and again at bedtime. That way I can be sure that I am maintaining good levels of nattokinase in my blood for a full 24 hours. You can get this amount by taking two tablets of Advanced Natto Formula each morning and again before you go to bed.
Finding your Real Cures,
Frank Shallenberger, MD
REF: Ero MP, Ng CM, Mihailovski T, et al. A pilot study on the serum pharmacokinetics of nattokinase in humans following a single, oral, daily dose. Altern Ther Health Med. 2013 May-Jun;19(3):16-9.
Nattokinase
Common Name(s): Flite Tabs, Natto-K, Natto, NattoMax, Natural Super Kinase – Spray Dried(NSK-SD), Vein Caps, Cardiokinase, Fermented soybeans, Nattokinase, Subtilisin NAT, Subtilisin natto
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 22, 2021.
Clinical Overview
Use
Nattokinase is promoted for use as a fibrinolytic agent; however, clinical trials are currently lacking to support this use. There is no substantial evidence that nattokinase lowers blood pressure in hypertension. Nattokinase has been used with pycnogenol for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in long airline flights.
Dosing
Clinical studies to guide safe and effective dosing are lacking. Nattokinase 100 mg (equivalent to 2,000 fibrin units [FU]) taken up to 3 times a day, has been used in some studies.
Contraindications
Avoid nattokinase in patients with ischemic stroke, peptic ulcer, and coagulation disorders, as well as pre- and post-surgery.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.
Interactions
Nattokinase has pharmacologic effects that could increase the risk of bleeding with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents. High concentrations of vitamin K2 in natto can reduce the international normalized ratio (INR) with warfarin; this may also occur with nattokinase supplements if vitamin K2 is not removed during the production process.
Adverse Reactions
Small short-term trials evaluating the effect of nattokinase reported no adverse reactions. There is a theoretical risk of bleeding, based on a case report of acute cerebellar hemorrhage in a patient with a history of ischemic stroke. Thrombosis was reported after substitution of nattokinase for warfarin in a patient with a mechanical aortic valve. Rare cases of late-onset anaphylaxis with natto have been attributed to poly (gamma-glutamic acid), a product of the fermentation process that may be present in nattokinase supplements.
Toxicology
Nattokinase was nonmutagenic in the Ames test and a cell-based chromosomal aberration study in manufacturer studies. The median lethal dose (LD50) in a rodent study was more than 1,000 mg/kg.
Source
Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme found in natto, a traditional Japanese food. It is produced by Bacillus subtilis (also called Bacillus natto or Bacillus subtilis natto) during the fermentation process that turns boiled soybeans into natto. Similar fibrinolytic enzymes are found in other traditional fermented foods, including chungkook-jang in Korea, douchi in China, thua nao in Thailand, and tempeh in Indonesia.1, 2 Fermentation technology is used to manufacture nattokinase supplements that are formulated into powders, pills, and capsules, alone or with other ingredients.2, 3
History
The fermentation of soybeans is a common traditional Asian and African culinary practice. Natto is a traditional Japanese food that has been consumed for at least 1,000 years. It is usually served as breakfast with rice, on toast, or as sushi; it is also available as an ice cream flavor. Traditionally, it has been used for heart conditions, to relieve fatigue, and as an antiberiberi agent. In the 1980s, researchers investigating food substances for thrombolytic properties isolated the enzyme nattokinase from natto.1, 3, 4 The first commercial nattokinase product was marketed in Japan in 1998.5 Although it has been marketed as a dietary supplement in many parts of the world since that time, in 2012, Health Canada determined that safety concerns, including the potential for increased bleeding risk, had not been adequately addressed to allow the marketing of nattokinase.6 An application was filed in the European Union for approval of nattokinase as a novel food.7 Nattokinase currently does not have generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status with the US Food and Drug Administration.
Chemistry
Natto has a characteristic smell (possibly because of its pyrazine content), a viscous texture, and a strong, distinct flavor, and has been described as a "vegetable cheese" because of its consistency. Although the name implies that it is a kinase, nattokinase is actually an alkaline serine protease with an amino acid sequence similar to that of subtilisin, which is used in laundry detergents. It contains 275 amino acids and has a molecular weight of 27.7 kDa.2 The enzyme catalyzes the cleavage of proteins to polypeptides and has high substrate specificity for fibrin, with substantial fibrinolytic activity at a pH range of 6 to 12.2 The proteolytic activity of nattokinase is measured in fibrin units (FU).8 A 50 g serving of natto provides 1,500 FU of nattokinase. The enzyme can withstand temperatures of up to 50°C and repeated freezing and thawing, but it is inactive in acidic conditions. Microencapsulated and enteric-coated formulations have been developed to reduce degradation of nattokinase by gastric acid.2
B. subtilis also produces and secretes vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7), bacillopeptidase F (another fibrinolytic enzyme marketed as a dietary supplement), and other proteolytic enzymes during the natto fermentation process.9, 10 Vitamin K2 may be removed from nattokinase supplements in the manufacturing process. Methods have been described to optimize the production of the enzyme, remove vitamin K2, and eliminate the characteristic natto odor from nattokinase products.3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Pharmacokinetics
A single-dose study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of oral nattokinase in 11 healthy volunteers.16 Peak serum concentrations were reached at 13.3 ± 2.5 hours after a dose of 2,000 FU. Because nattokinase was detected in the serum with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a polyclonal antibody that reacts with both nattokinase and metabolites, it is unclear whether the nattokinase detected in this study was biologically active.
Uses and Pharmacology
Fibrinolysis and thrombolysis
In vitro/animal studies
The fibrinolytic action of nattokinase has been studied extensively in in vitro studies. Unlike streptokinase, nattokinase does not act directly on plasminogen. The enzyme appears to cleave plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1, thereby increasing the activity of tissue plasminogen activator and promoting the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, with a resultant increase in clot lysis. Nattokinase also acts directly on thrombi by lysing crosslinked fibrin. The fibrinolytic action of nattokinase is reportedly 4 times that of plasmin. Using human whole blood exposed to nattokinase, dose-dependent decreases in red blood cell aggregation and low-shear viscosity have also been demonstrated.3, 4, 17, 18, 19
Nattokinase was absorbed across rat intestine. The fibrinolytic and thrombolytic activity of nattokinase has been evaluated in animal experiments that induced thrombi and endothelial injury in the femoral arteries and common carotid artery in rats. Dietary supplementation with nattokinase suppressed intimal thickening, modulated the lysis of mural thrombi, and improved arterial blood flow more effectively than plasmin and elastase. In dogs, oral administration of nattokinase completely dissolved induced clots from major leg veins within 5 hours of administration, whereas the clots in dogs receiving placebo showed no thrombolysis up to 18 hours.17, 20, 21, 22, 23 Two studies evaluated nattokinase in a rat model of inflammation-induced thrombosis using carrageenan injections. In the first study, injection of nattokinase into rat tails before thrombosis shortened the length of tail thrombosis by approximately 15%.24 In the second study, the area of thrombosis was reduced by the administration of nattokinase after thrombosis.25 These studies suggest that nattokinase affects clot formation and resolution.
Clinical data
Limited clinical trials have not produced definitive results regarding the efficacy of nattokinase as a fibrinolytic.4, 26 One trial evaluated the effect of daily intake of nattokinase on the hematological indices of 12 healthy Japanese volunteers and found enhanced fibrinolytic activity. A gradual increase in euglobulin fibrinolytic activity, an increase in fibrin degradation products, and an increase in tissue plasminogen activator were recorded. Data for all subjects were not published.4, 17 An open-label trial evaluated the effect of nattokinase administration over 2 months on healthy volunteers, as well as in patients with cardiovascular risk factors and in patients on dialysis. Decreases in plasma fibrinogen and coagulation factors VII and VIII were observed over time within each group; however, no group effect was established. The sample size (N = 45) was too small to draw firm conclusions from the study.27 Another trial evaluated the preventive action of nattokinase in subjects at risk of DVT during a long airplane flight. Nattokinase, in an unspecified dose combined with pycnogenol, taken 2 hours before and 6 hours into the flight was reported to reduce thrombotic events, as determined by ultrasounds of the venous system. Edema scores were also reduced, possibly due to the diuretic effect of pycnogenol. However, conclusions regarding the fibrinolytic action of nattokinase cannot be drawn from this study because it evaluated a product containing both nattokinase and pycnogenol.4, 28
Hypertension
In vitro/animal studies
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) was inhibited by nattokinase in an in vitro study.29 ACE inhibition appeared to be mediated by nattokinase peptide fragments and was not related to the proteolytic activity of intact nattokinase.
A study in spontaneously hypertensive rats evaluated the antihypertensive mechanism of action of intact nattokinase and nattokinase peptide fragments.30 Although both the intact enzyme and fragments reduced blood pressure, only the intact nattokinase reduced plasma fibrinogen levels. The intact nattokinase had no effect on the renin-angiotensin system. The nattokinase peptide fragments reduced plasma angiotensin II but had no effect on renin or ACE activity. The authors propose that the fibrinolytic activity of the intact nattokinase reduces blood pressure by reducing blood viscosity; however, the mechanism of the nattokinase peptide fragments is unclear. In a second study, natto powder that contained gamma-aminobutyric acid and nattokinase reduced blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats but not in rats with normal blood pressure.31 Captopril reduced blood pressure more significantly than natto powder.
Clinical data
A double-blind, randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the hypotensive effect of nattokinase (N = 86) found decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure at 8 weeks, but not at 4 weeks, of daily nattokinase administration. The study enrolled patients with prehypertension or mild hypertension with a mean blood pressure of approximately 145/95 mm Hg at baseline. Conflicting results were obtained for plasma renin values.32 A double-blind crossover study compared the effects of nattokinase and bacillopeptidase F on blood pressure in 20 patients with so-called "lifestyle" diseases, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes.10 The study reported that blood pressure decreased after treatment with bacillopeptidase F but not after nattokinase treatment. The clinical importance of these results is unclear because patients were not hypertensive at baseline. No hypotensive effect was found in a study evaluating the fibrinolytic effect of nattokinase27 or in another study evaluating the effect on lipid profile.33
Other uses
Amyloid plaque
In an in vitro study, nattokinase degraded amyloid fibrils, suggesting a potential role in the treatment of amyloid-related diseases such as Alzheimer disease.34 In a rat study, nattokinase increased expression of the gene for ADAM10, a protein that reduces the effects of the amyloid precursor protein.35 In theory, increasing ADAM10 activity may have a future role in managing Alzheimer disease.
Antiplatelet activity
Ex vivo studies suggest that nattokinase may have antiplatelet activity. Nattokinase inhibited collagen- and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation in a study using rabbit platelets.36 Nattokinase appeared to inhibit thromboxane A2 production by activated platelets. In another study, nattokinase increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate within rat platelets, which inhibits platelet aggregation.37 In human platelets, nattokinase appeared to inhibit mobilization of calcium stores within platelets in response to platelet activation by thrombin.
Dyslipidemia
A double-blind, randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the effect of nattokinase in hyperlipidemia found changes in triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein from baseline, but no differences compared with placebo could be demonstrated.33 In a study evaluating the fibrinolytic effect of nattokinase, no effect on the lipid profile was found.27 In a crossover comparison study with bacillopeptidase F, 4 weeks of treatment with nattokinase had no effect on the lipid profile.10
Vitreolysis
In an experiment conducted in rabbits, intravitreal nattokinase induced posterior vitreous detachment via hydrolysis of collagen fibers; however, studies in clinical applications in humans as an alternative to surgery are lacking.38
Dosing
Clinical studies to guide safe and effective dosing are lacking. Nattokinase 100 mg (equivalent to 2,000 FU) taken up to 3 times a day, has been used in some studies.17, 27, 32
Pregnancy / Lactation
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.
Interactions
The antithrombotic, fibrinolytic, and antiplatelet activity observed with nattokinase in in vitro and animal studies raises concerns that it may increase the risk of bleeding when administered with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.20, 25, 37 In one unpublished study, 12 patients hospitalized for ischemic stroke who were receiving heparin and low-dose aspirin or clopidogrel also received nattokinase 6,000 FU/day for 7 days.7, 8 Coadministration of nattokinase reportedly increased bleeding time and clotting time and decreased prothrombin time, thromboplastin time, and D-dimer levels. Three unspecified temporary adverse reactions were reported. In another unpublished study, nattokinase 1,700 FU daily was given to 30 patients treated with warfarin for 26 weeks.7, 8 Coadministration of nattokinase reportedly stabilized INRs, but details were too insufficient for evaluation.
Patients treated with warfarin should avoid consuming natto because it can decrease the INR.9, 39 Substantial and sustained increases in serum vitamin K2 are attributed to high concentrations of the vitamin in natto and the long half-life of vitamin K2. In addition, ingested B. subtilis can continue to produce vitamin K2 in the gut for up to a week after natto consumption. Washing and boiling natto before eating may prevent sustained increases in vitamin K2 serum concentrations, as well as reducing B. subtilis recovery from feces.40 Vitamin K2 is removed from some nattokinase supplements to eliminate this concern.
Adverse Reactions
Clinical trials evaluating the effect of nattokinase that report no adverse reactions enrolled small numbers of patients for up to 7 months.6, 10, 17, 27, 28, 32, 39 In a 4-week trial, nattokinase had no substantial effect on laboratory tests for hematologic, renal, and hepatic function. Small increases in hematocrit, platelet count, and serum cholinesterase remained within the normal range.10
The potential for increased bleeding risk with nattokinase has not been clearly substantiated. A case report described acute cerebellar hemorrhage in a 52-year-old woman with a history of ischemic stroke. Although the patient was taking daily aspirin and commenced nattokinase at 400 mg daily, causality cannot be established because of her history.41 However, due to the theoretical risk of bleeding, nattokinase should not be taken by patients with ischemic stroke, peptic ulcer, or coagulation disorders; by those undergoing concomitant anticoagulant therapy; or before or after surgery. Given that the vitamin K2 in natto may offset potential bleeding risk, Health Canada raised a concern that removal of vitamin K2 from nattokinase supplements could theoretically increase bleeding risk.6 Current safety data for nattokinase supplements does not address this concern.
A case report illustrates the potential harm of replacing an anticoagulant with nattokinase. A patient with a mechanical aortic valve developed thrombosis requiring valve replacement approximately a year after he substituted nattokinase 100 mg/day for warfarin.42
Natto can rarely cause late-onset anaphylaxis, with symptom onset occurring 4 to 15 hours after ingestion.43, 44 Skin testing has implicated poly (gamma-glutamic acid), a product of the fermentation process, as the cause. Although the poly (gamma-glutamic acid) content can be reduced in the manufacturing process, patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to natto should avoid nattokinase supplements.15
Toxicology
A formulation of nattokinase is reported by the manufacturer to be nonmutagenic in the Ames test using 5 strains of bacteria, as well as in a cell-based chromosomal aberration study conducted in CHL/IU cells.8 It was nontoxic in rodent studies that administered doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/day for up to 90 days. The LD50 in a rodent study was more than 20,000 FU/kg (more than 1,000 mg/kg).
References
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2. Dabbagh F, Negahdaripour M, Berenjian A, et al. Nattokinase: production and application. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2014;98(22):9199-9206.25348469
3. Sumi H, Hamada H, Tsushima H, Mihara H, Muraki H. A novel fibrinolytic enzyme (nattokinase) in the vegetable cheese natto; a typical and popular soybean food in the Japanese diet. Experientia. 1987;43(10):1110-1111.3478223
4. Tai MW, Sweet BV. Nattokinase for prevention of thrombosis. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2006;63(12):1121-1123.16754735
5. Japan Bio Science Laboratories Company, Ltd. NSK-SD nattokinase. 2013. www.ethorn.com/ssw/files/Japan%20Bio%20Science%20Laboratory.pdf. Accessed February 17, 2015.
6. Health Canada. Notice to stakeholders on nattokinase. November 6, 2012. www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/legislation/docs/nattokinase-eng.php. Accessed February 17, 2015.
7. Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes, European Commission. Committee Paper for Discussion: Nattokinase ACNFP/108/6. 2012. acnfp.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/mnt/drupal_data/sources/files/multimedia/pdfs/acnfp10806natv2.pdf. Accessed February 15, 2015.
8. Japan Bio Science Laboratories Company, Ltd. NSK-SD nattokinase: improving circulation & promoting cardiovascular health. 2011. www.dyna-nutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/NSK-white-paper-4Oct2011.pdf. Accessed December 23, 2014.
9. Kaneki M, Hodges SJ, Hosoi T, et al. Japanese fermented soybean food as the major determinant of the large geographic difference in circulating levels of vitamin K2: possible implications for hip-fracture risk. Nutrition. 2001;17(4):315-321.11369171
10. Hitosugi M, Hamada K, Misaka K, Ichihashi K. Effects of Bacillus natto products on blood pressure in patients with lifestyle diseases [published online January 29, 2014]. J Hypertens (Los Angel). 3:135.10.4172/2167-1095.1000135
11. Ku TW, Tsai RL, Pan TM. A simple and cost-saving approach to optimize the production of subtilisin NAT by submerged cultivation of Bacillus subtilis natto. J Agric Food Chem. 2009;57(1):292-296.19063639
12. Wang C, Du M, Zheng D, Kong F, Zu G, Feng Y. Purification and characterization of nattokinase from Bacillus subtilis natto B-12. J Agric Food Chem. 2009;57(20):9722-9729.19788184
13. Fujita M, Nomura K, Hong K, Ito Y, Asada A, Nishimuro S. Purification and characterization of a strong fibrinolytic enzyme (nattokinase) in the vegetable cheese natto, a popular soybean fermented food in Japan. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1993;197(3):1340-1347.8280151
14. Weng M, Zheng Z, Bao W, Cai Y, Yin Y, Zou G. Enhancement of oxidative stability of the subtilisin nattokinase by site-directed mutagenesis expressed in Escherichia coli. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2009;1794(11):1566-1572.19631297
15. Wei X, Luo M, Xie Y, et al. Strain screening, fermentation, separation, and encapsulation for production of nattokinase functional food. Appl Biochem Biotechnol. 2012;168(7):1753-1764.22987066
16. Ero MP, Ng CM, Mihailovski T, Harvey NR, Lewis BH. A pilot study on the serum pharmacokinetics of nattokinase in humans following a single, oral, daily dose. Altern Ther Health Med. 2013;19(3):16-19.23709455
17. Peng Y, Yang X, Zhang Y. Microbial fibrinolytic enzymes: an overview of source, production, properties, and thrombolytic activity in vivo. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2005;69(2):126-132.16211381
18. Pais E, Alexy T, Holsworth RE Jr, Meiselman HJ. Effects of nattokinase, a pro-fibrinolytic enzyme, on red blood cell aggregation and whole blood viscosity. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2006;35(1-2):139-142.16899918
19. Urano T, Ihara H, Umemura K, et al. The profibrinolytic enzyme subtilisin NAT purified from Bacillus subtilis cleaves and inactivates plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1. J Biol Chem. 2001;276(27):24690-24696.11325965
20. Suzuki Y, Kondo K, Matsumoto Y, et al. Dietary supplementation of fermented soybean, natto, suppresses intimal thickening and modulates the lysis of mural thrombi after endothelial injury in rat femoral artery. Life Sci. 2003;73(10):1289-1298.12850244
21. Suzuki Y, Kondo K, Ichise H, Tsukamoto Y, Urano T, Umemura K. Dietary supplementation with fermented soybeans suppresses intimal thickening. Nutrition. 2003;19(3):261-264.12620531
22. Fujita M, Hong K, Ito Y, Fujii R, Kariya K, Nishimuro S. Thrombolytic effect of nattokinase on a chemically induced thrombosis model in rat. Biol Pharm Bull. 1995;18(10):1387-1391.8593442
23. Chang CH, Chen KT, Lee TH, et al. Effects of natto extract on endothelial injury in a rat model. Acta Med Okayama. 2010;64(6):399-406.21173810
24. Kamiya S, Hagimori M, Ogasawara M, Arakawa M. In vivo evaluation method of the effect of nattokinase on carrageenan-induced tail thrombosis in a rat model. Acta Haematol. 2010;124(4):218-224.21071931
25. Xu J, Du M, Yang X, Chen Q, Chen H, Lin DH. Thrombolytic effects in vivo of nattokinase in a carrageenan-induced rat model of thrombosis. Acta Haematol. 2014;132(2):247-253.24862625
26. Lee T. Ask the doctor. I would like to find a safer, easier alternative to warfarin, which I have been taking for a couple of years. I have been hearing about nattokinase—can I take it in place of warfarin? Harv Heart Lett. 2006;17(2):7.21698808
27. 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):190-196.19358933
28. Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Nicolaides AN, et al. Prevention of venous thrombosis in long-haul flights with Flite Tabs: the LONFLIT-FLITE randomized, controlled trial. Angiology. 2003;54(5):531-539.14565628
29. Murakami K, Yamanaka N, Ohnishi K, Fukayama M, Yoshino M. Inhibition of angiotensin I converting enzyme by subtilisin NAT (nattokinase) in natto, a Japanese traditional fermented food. Food Funct. 2012;3(6):674-678.22453301
30. Fujita M, Ohnishi K, Takaoka S, Ogasawara K, Fukuyama R, Nakamuta H. Antihypertensive effects of continuous oral administration of nattokinase and its fragments in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biol Pharm Bull. 2011;34(11):1696-1701.22040882
31. Suwanmanon K, Hsieh PC. Effect of γ-aminobutyric acid and nattokinase-enriched fermented beans on the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive Wistar–Kyoto rats. J Food Drug Anal. 2014;22(4):485-491.
32. Kim JY, Gum SN, Paik JK, et al. Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial. Hypertens Res. 2008;31(8):1583-1588.18971533
33. Yang NC, Chou CW, Chen CY, Hwang KL, Yang YC. Combined nattokinase with red yeast rice but not nattokinase alone has potent effects on blood lipids in human subjects with hyperlipidemia. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):310-317.19786378
34. Hsu RL, Lee KT, Wang JH, Lee LY, Chen RP. Amyloid-degrading ability of nattokinase from Bacillus subtilis natto. J Agric Food Chem. 2009;57(2):503-508.19117402
35. Fadl NN, Ahmed HH, Booles HF, Sayed AH. Serrapeptase and nattokinase intervention for relieving Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology in rat model. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2013;32(7):721-735.23821590
36. Jang JY, Kim TS, Cai J, et al. Nattokinase improves blood flow by inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. Lab Anim Res. 2013;29(4):221-225.24396387
37. Ji H, Yu L, Liu K, et al. Mechanisms of nattokinase in protection of cerebral ischemia. Eur J Pharmacol. 2014;745:144-151.25446567
38. Takano A, Hirata A, Ogasawara K, et al. Posterior vitreous detachment induced by nattokinase (subtilisin NAT): a novel enzyme for pharmacologic vitreolysis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2006;47(5):2075-2079.16639018
39. Homma K, Wakana N, Suzuki Y, et al. Treatment of natto, a fermented soybean preparation, to prevent excessive plasma vitamin K concentrations in patients taking warfarin. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2006;52(5):297-301.17190098
40. Hitosugi M, Hamada K, Misaka K. Effects of Bacillus subtilis var. natto products on symptoms caused by blood flow disturbance in female patients with lifestyle diseases. Int J Gen Med. 2015;8:41-46.25653551
41. Chang YY, Liu JS, Lai SL, Wu HS, Lan MY. Cerebellar hemorrhage provoked by combined use of nattokinase and aspirin in a patient with cerebral microbleeds. Intern Med. 2008;47(5):467-469.18310985
42. Elahi MM, Choi CH, Konda S, Shake JG. Consequence of patient substitution of nattokinase for warfarin after aortic valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2015;28(1):81-82.25552810
43. Inomata N, Chin K, Nagashima M, Ikezawa Z. Late-onset anaphylaxis due to poly (γ-glutamic acid) in the soup of commercial cold Chinese noodles in a patient with allergy to fermented soybeans (natto). Allergol Int. 2011;60(3):393-396.21430437
44. Ikezawa Z, Isoda Y, Inomata N, Matsukura S, Aihara M. Clinical review of 18 patients with late-onset anaphylaxis after ingestion of Bacillus subtilis-fermanted soybeans (natto). [Abstract] 30th Symposium of the Collegium Internationale Allergologicum. Petersberg, Germany. September 15, 2014. www.ciaweb.org/UserFiles/sym14-finalv11_lores.pdf. Accessed February 2, 2015.
45. Sugimoto S, Fujii T, Morimiya T, Johdo O, Nakamura T. The fibrinolytic activity of a novel protease derived from a tempeh producing fungus, Fusarium sp. BLB. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2007;71(9):2184-2189.17827689
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This information relates to an herbal, vitamin, mineral or other dietary supplement. This product has not been reviewed by the FDA to determine whether it is safe or effective and is not subject to the quality standards and safety information collection standards that are applicable to most prescription drugs. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this product. This information does not endorse this product as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this product. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this product. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You should talk with your health care provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this product.
This product may adversely interact with certain health and medical conditions, other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, foods, or other dietary supplements. This product may be unsafe when used before surgery or other medical procedures. It is important to fully inform your doctor about the herbal, vitamins, mineral or any other supplements you are taking before any kind of surgery or medical procedure. With the exception of certain products that are generally recognized as safe in normal quantities, including use of folic acid and prenatal vitamins during pregnancy, this product has not been sufficiently studied to determine whether it is safe to use during pregnancy or nursing or by persons younger than 2 years of age.