The Outstanding Vascular Effects and Dose of Nattokinase

Posted on by Jesse Santiano, M.D.

This article discusses the many health benefits of Nattokinase and its effective dose based on published research.

I noticed that many are reading my nattokinase articles.

The possible reason for the interest is the realization that SARS-CoV-2 can reverse transcribed and get integrated into the human genome.

SARS-CoV-2 RNA Reverse Transcribed to Human DNA

This problem is not limited to those who had the COVID shot but may also include those who are unvaccinated but had COVID-19.

The presence of the spike protein in human tissues has been documented in peer-reviewed case reports in medical journals. They have been detected in the skin with shingles lesions, blood, liver, exosomes, plasma, and CD16+ lymphocytes months after the shots or SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The foreign SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins in the body elicit an immune response, leading to many problems.

13 ways that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein causes damage

One profound side effect is the development of clots in the blood vessels that are difficult to break down.

If the blood supply is limited to any organ, that organ won’t work or cause end-organ damage like heart attacks or strokes.

Another problem with the spike protein is the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.

mRNA vaccination increases the risk of acute coronary syndrome 

Leading to a disastrous effect – COVID shots cause a 25% increase in cardiac arrest and acute coronary syndrome in those under 40 years old 

Insurance companies have reported excess deaths.

Fortunately, nattokinase has a long history of research on its safety and benefits as an anti-atherosclerotic, lipid-lowering, fibrinolytic, anti-platelet, anti-coagulant, antihypertensive, and neuroprotective agent.

Nattokinase Effects

Nattokinase (NK), or subtilisin, is an enzyme derived from natto, made from fermented soybean. Natto has been used in Japan as a delicacy for over 1000 years with a proven safety record. NK can be bought as a capsule. But is it absorbed well by mouth?

Nattokinase Absorption

Ero et al. studied the absorption of a single daily dose of 100 mg of nattokinase equivalent to 2000 fibrinolytic units (FU) in a soft gel form in eleven healthy participants. The fibrinolytic unit (FU) measures the number of enzymes in a capsule.

They found that peak serum levels of NK were at approximately 13.3 hours ± 2.5 hours after oral intake.

Sumi et al. showed that after a single intake of natto among humans, there was increased fibrinolysis and elevation of fibrinolytic activity. The fibrinolytic action was maintained for 2 to 8 hours. This makes it different from other expensive clot-busters in hospitals with a short half-life (less than 20 minutes).

A. Nattokinase as a clot buster

Acute ischemic strokes and heart attacks are due to a blood clot or thrombosis. The standard of care dictates that within 90 minutes, a thrombolytic or clot-buster must be given, if there are no contraindications, to save brain tissue and heart muscle.

Fibrin is a central component of blood clots. Clot-dissolving medicines given in hospitals target the fibrins in the clot to be dissolved. However, those medicines have to be given intravenously, have a very short half-life, and can be antigenic.

Kurosawa et al. found that with a single dose of oral NK at 2000 FU, evidence of clot dissolution, like fibrin degradation products and d-dimer, increased four hours after NK intake.

Sumi et al. gave 1000 mg of NK to dogs with an induced thrombus. NK dissolved thrombus in dogs, resulting in the complete recanalization of the blood circulation within 5 hours of administration.

Note: The research of Sumi et al. was conducted in 1990. At that time, nattokinase research was in its infancy. They used mg instead of Fibrinolytic Units (FU). So we don’t know how much FU was there in 1000 mg.

B. Anti-atherosclerosis

A study by Ren et al. compared the effectiveness of NK (6 000 FU) vs. simvastatin at 20 mg daily in reducing atherosclerosis in the carotid artery as measured by the Intima-Media Thickness (CCA-IMT), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and carotid atherosclerotic plaque. The treatment course was 26 weeks.

Following the treatments for 26 weeks, there was a significant reduction in CCA-IMT and carotid plaque size in both groups compared with the baseline before treatment.

The carotid plaque size and CCA-IMT reduced from (0.25±0.12)cm(2) to (0.16±0.10)cm(2) and from (1.13±0.12)mm to (1.01±0.11)mm, respectively.

The reduction in the NK group was significantly profound (P<0.01, 36.6% reduction in plaque size in the NK group versus 11.5% in the simvastatin group).

C. HDL-C increasing

High-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) is commonly known as “good cholesterol.” HDL removes the cholesterol in atherosclerosis and brings it to the liver for metabolism. High HDL lowers the cardiovascular risk of heart attacks and strokes.

In the same study by Ren et al., both NK and simvastatin treatments reduced total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG).

While the reduction in both groups was shown to be statistically significant (P<0.01), the reduction of TC, LDL-C, and TG in the simvastatin group was significantly more significant (P<0.05).

In addition, nattokinase significantly increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). In contrast, HDL-C in the simvastatin group did not change.

Interestingly, the lipid-lowering effect observed in the nattokinase group was not correlated to the reduced CCA-IMT and carotid artery plaque size.

Does this finding add to the body of knowledge refuting the cholesterol theory of atherosclerosis?

D. Antihypertensive

Kim et al. conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 86 participants ranging from 20 to 80 years of age with an initial untreated systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 130 to 159 mmHg.

They received nattokinase (2,000 FU/capsule) or a placebo for eight weeks. Seventy-three subjects completed the protocol.

Compared with the control group, the net changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were -5.55 mmHg and -2.84 mmHg, respectively, after the 8-week intervention.

The corresponding net change in renin activity was -1.17 ng/mL/h for the nattokinase group compared with the control group. A decrease in the activity of renin is associated with lower blood pressure.

The decrease in the activity of renin is secondary to the inhibition of the Angiotensin 1 Converting Enzyme (ACE). ACE is the central component of the renin-angiotensin system. ACE converts angiotensin 1 to Angiotensin 2, a potent vasoconstrictor, and initiates sodium and water retention. The result is higher blood pressure.

That is why ACE inhibitors like lisinopril are widely used as antihypertensive drugs.

Murakami et al. showed that the potent ACE-inhibitory peptides such as LY and FY, amino acid sequences in nattokinase (subtilisin) could block ACE and participate in the blood pressure lowering effects of natto.

Kim et al. conclude that nattokinase supplementation resulted in a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

E. Antioxidative

An animal study by Iwai et al. showed that water-soluble natto fractions prevent the oxidation of LDL, which is a necessary step in atherosclerosis formation. The fractions also lowered plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol.

Their study suggests that the natto fractions perform direct antioxidant functions in the body and prevent arteriosclerosis development.

F. Other effects of Nattokinase

Nattokinase has also shown efficacy in preventing Alzheimer’s disease symptoms in rat models, cerebral ischemia, the onset of Type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity, and preventing glucose spikes after eating or post-prandial hyperglycemia.

Source: Chen H, McGowan EM, Ren N, Lal S, Nassif N, Shad-Kaneez F, Qu X, Lin Y. Nattokinase: A Promising Alternative in Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases. Biomark Insights. 2018 Jul 5;13:1177271918785130.

Nattokinase is an equal-opportunity therapeutic

Most studies on NK are on Asian people. Still, Jensen et al. showed that using nattokinase (100 mg/day) in a North American population is associated with beneficial changes to BP in a hypertensive population.

The average reduction in diastolic BP in the nattokinase group from 87 mmHg to 84 mmHg was statistically significant when compared to that in the group consuming placebo, where the average diastolic BP remained constant at 87 mmHg (P<0.05), and reached a high level of significance for males consuming nattokinase, where the average diastolic BP dropped from 86 mmHg to 81 mmHg (P<0.006).

In a subpopulation with low plasma renin activity, an increase was seen for 66% of the people after 8-week consumption of nattokinase, in contrast to 8% in the placebo group.

Vascular Surgery Patients

In a study from Italy by Galelli et al. on 153 patients (age 22-92 years), 92 females (60.1%) and 61 males (39.9%;) admitted to vascular surgery (i.e., deep vein thrombosis, superficial vein thrombosis, venous insufficiency). They had not taken any anticoagulants or anti-platelets before admission.

The patients were divided into three groups.

  • Group 1: patients with deep vein thrombosis treated with fondaparinux for 30 days plus nattokinase for 30 days
  • Group 2: patients with phlebitis, treated with enoxaparin for 30 days plus nattokinase for 30 days
  • Group 3: patients with venous insufficiency after classical surgery. After surgery, they were treated with nattokinase for 30 days.

Results showed that nattokinase could improve clinical symptoms without developing adverse drug reactions or drug interactions.

Among the enrolled patients, during follow-up, we did not record new cases of vascular diseases.

2,000 Fibrinolytic Unit Dose of Nattokinase

Based on human studies, 2,000 FU has produced the most significant cardiovascular (antihypertensive, HDL increasing) and antithrombotic benefits [Jensen, Kim et al., Ero et al., Kurosawa et al.]

Could it dissolve spike proteins at that dose? We don’t know yet, but at least it might help with vascular complications.

Fine tuning Nattokinase

Nattokinase contains vitamin K2. Vitamin K counters the effects of blood thinners like warfarin. People who take warfarin should not eat natto or take nattokinase.

Japan Bio Science Laboratory was the first company to isolate and market nattokinase. They have developed a technique to remove vitamin K2 from nattokinase and call that new product NSK-SD®.

It is available in Amazon as Pure Encapsulations NSK-SD, Nattokinase 100 mg. 

Increase nattokinase absorption with dietary oils.

Takagaki et al. showed that the dietary intake of unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids enhances the fibrinolytic activity of subtilisin or nattokinase.

In short, the intake of natto or subtilisin supplements in combination with unsaturated fatty acid‐containing oil can be an excellent way to maximize cardiovascular benefits.

Personal note: I know someone who started nattokinase at 2000 FU for three days for multiple problems after the COVID shot. After a few days, he increased it to 2000 FU twice a day.

Yesterday he looked better to me overall. Today he told me that the discoloration in his leg due to the venous insufficiency has improved.

He took Doctor’s Best Nattokinase 2000 FU from Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Potential spike protein solutions:

  1. High-Dose Nattokinase to Shrink Atherosclerosis and Lower Blood Lipids
  2. Bromelain and Acetylcysteine Combined Destroy SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
  3. Bromelain for Long COVID and Post Vaccine Syndrome
  4. Intermittent fasting results in new and stress-resistant blood cells
  5. Intermittent fasting for Post COVID Vaccine Syndrome: Autophagy
  6. The I-RECOVER Post-Vaccine Treatment Protocol
  7. The I-RECOVER Management Protocol for Long Haul COVID-19 Syndrome
  8. Over The Counter Ivermectin

References:

  1. 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 May-Jun;19(3):16-9. PMID: 23709455.
  2. Kurosawa Y, Nirengi S, Homma T, Esaki K, Ohta M, Clark JF, Hamaoka T. A single-dose of oral nattokinase potentiates thrombolysis and anti-coagulation profiles. Sci Rep. 2015 Jun 25;5:11601. doi: 10.1038/srep11601. PMID: 26109079; PMCID: PMC4479826.
  3. Martin Milner and Kouhei Makise.Natto and Its Active Ingredient Nattokinase: A Potent and Safe Thrombolytic Agent. Alternative and Complementary Therapies. Jun 2002.157-164. http://doi.org/10.1089/107628002760091001. Link to full PDF
  4. Sumi H, Hamada H, Nakanishi K, Hiratani H. Enhancement of the fibrinolytic activity in plasma by oral administration of nattokinase. Acta Haematol. 1990;84(3):139-43. doi: 10.1159/000205051. PMID: 2123064.
  5. Ren NN, Chen HJ, Li Y, Mcgowan GW, Lin YG. [A clinical study on the effect of nattokinase on carotid artery atherosclerosis and hyperlipidaemia]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2017 Jul 11;97(26):2038-2042. Chinese. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0376-2491.2017.26.005. PMID: 28763875.
  6. Jensen GS, Lenninger M, Ero MP, Benson KF. Consumption of nattokinase is associated with reduced blood pressure and von Willebrand factor, a cardiovascular risk marker: results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter North American clinical trial. Integr Blood Press Control. 2016 Oct 13;9:95-104. doi: 10.2147/IBPC.S99553. PMID: 27785095; PMCID: PMC5066864.
  7. Kim JY, Gum SN, Paik JK, Lim HH, Kim KC, Ogasawara K, Inoue K, Park S, Jang Y, Lee JH. Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial. Hypertens Res. 2008 Aug;31(8):1583-8. doi: 10.1291/hypres.31.1583. PMID: 18971533.
  8. Gallelli G, Di Mizio G, Palleria C, Siniscalchi A, Rubino P, Muraca L, Cione E, Salerno M, De Sarro G, Gallelli L. Data Recorded in Real Life Support the Safety of Nattokinase in Patients with Vascular Diseases. Nutrients. 2021 Jun 13;13(6):2031. doi: 10.3390/nu13062031. PMID: 34199189; PMCID: PMC8231931.
  9. Chen H, McGowan EM, Ren N, Lal S, Nassif N, Shad-Kaneez F, Qu X, Lin Y. Nattokinase: A Promising Alternative in Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases. Biomark Insights. 2018 Jul 5;13:1177271918785130. doi: 10.1177/1177271918785130. PMID: 30013308; PMCID: PMC6043915.
  10. Nattokinase Milligrams (mg) vs. Fibrin Units (FU)
  11. Takagaki S, Suzuki M, Suzuki E, Hasumi K. Unsaturated fatty acids enhance the fibrinolytic activity of subtilisin NAT (nattokinase). J Food Biochem. 2020 Aug;44(8):e13326. doi: 10.1111/jfbc.13326. Epub 2020 Jun 23. PMID: 32572985.
  12. Iwai et al. Antioxidative functions of natto, a kind of fermented soybeans: effect on LDL oxidation and lipid metabolism in cholesterol-fed rats. v.50(12):3597-3601, JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY

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