High Blood Pressure

One well-designed clinical study involving 86 participants over 8 weeks showed that taking 2,000 FU daily caused a modest drop in blood pressure. On average, the systolic blood pressure dropped by about 6 points (mm Hg).

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

In one well-designed clinical study, 204 subjects was split between using a product called Flite Tabs and a placebo. The group taking Flite Tab (containing nattokinase and pycnogenol) did not suffer from DVT whereas 5 people in the placebo group suffered experienced DVT.

Thrombosis (Blood clots)

In one study, dogs with experimentally induced blood clots had their clots dissolved when given nattokinase by mouth. One clinical trial showed that nattokinase caused positive changes the clotting chemistry in the blood of health volunteers.

Other than the study done in the dogs, there are no human trials done to show that taking nattokinase could dissolve blood clots tha results from a heart attack or certain types of stroke. The positive results from animal studies definitely justify further research.

Fibroids and Alzheimer's disease

Amyloids are proteins that are deposited in brain tissue of those people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is not known whether amyloids actually cause AD or that they are just the "left-over" products from this progressive disease. Experts believe that getting rid of these amyloids may be helpful in preventing the disease from worsening.

One lab studies show that nattokinase has the ability dissolve these amyloid deposits.

As well, nattokinase has been suggested for treating uterine fibroids. This report offers suggestions for dealing with uterine fibroids.

High Cholesterol

One clinical study showed that taking nattokinase has no effect on the cholesterol levels of the volunteers with high cholesterol.

Common sense tells us that nattokinase, which is a protein, would be quickly destroyed in the stomach by the acid and digestive juices. This is the same reason what you can't give insulin (also a protein) by mouth and it must be injected.

However, animals and humans given this enzyme by mouth do cause beneficial changes in the blood chemistry. This indicates that at least some nattokinase is getting into the bloodstream.

In essence, taking nattokinase as a pill form is a suitable method of getting this enzyme into our system.

There is no report of side effects from using this enzyme. As well, the amount of nattokinase found in the Japanese food natto is not known to have any side effects.

Lab and animal studies clearly show that nattokinase taken as a pill form can thin the blood (anti-coagulant effect). It may cause an increase in the risk of bleeding. This risk is further increased if the person is also taking the following medications or herbs:

Indeed there is one report of bleeding in the brain (cerebral hemorrhage) caused by using nattokinase along with Aspirin.

Avoid these combinations as it has the danger of causing excessive bleeding. Always discuss taking nattokinase if you have a history of heart disease, stroke or are taking any types of medications that thin the blood.

There is no information known about the safety of using nattokinase during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Typical dose used is 2,000 FU (Fibrinolytic Units) daily. 4,000 FU daily has been used in some clinical studies as well. The health benefits of nattokinase are seen at dosage of 2,000 FU daily.

 

References for Benefits of Nattokinase
Revised: April 20, 2011