Nattokinase Benefits: The Japanese Enzyme Your Heart Needs

What Is Nattokinase? The Japanese Secret to Heart Health

In the mountainous regions of Japan, where some of the world’s longest-lived people reside, a humble fermented food has been consumed for over a thousand years. Natto — fermented soybeans with a distinctively sticky texture and pungent aroma — is a breakfast staple that many researchers believe contributes to Japan’s remarkably low rates of cardiovascular disease.

At the heart of natto’s cardiovascular benefits is an enzyme called nattokinase, first identified and isolated by Japanese researcher Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi in 1987 at the University of Chicago. Dr. Sumi famously dropped a piece of natto onto an artificial blood clot (fibrin plate) in his laboratory, and observed something remarkable: the natto dissolved the clot more effectively than any other natural substance he had tested. This discovery launched decades of research into nattokinase’s potential as a natural cardiovascular health agent.

Today, nattokinase is one of the most extensively studied natural fibrinolytic enzymes, with research published in leading cardiovascular journals including Circulation, Hypertension Research, and Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. Here’s what the science says about this remarkable enzyme.

How Nattokinase Works: The Fibrinolytic Mechanism

To understand nattokinase’s benefits, you need to understand fibrin. Fibrin is a protein that forms a mesh-like structure during blood clotting — it’s essential for wound healing and stopping bleeding. However, when fibrin accumulates excessively in the bloodstream, it can contribute to dangerous blood clots (thrombosis), reduced blood flow, and increased blood viscosity.

Your body has a natural clot-dissolving system called fibrinolysis, primarily driven by an enzyme called plasmin. As we age, our fibrinolytic activity naturally declines — the body becomes less efficient at breaking down fibrin. This is one reason why cardiovascular risk increases with age.

Nattokinase supports the body’s fibrinolytic system through multiple mechanisms, as documented in research published in the Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis:

• Direct fibrinolysis — Nattokinase can directly degrade fibrin, dissolving existing fibrin deposits
• Plasminogen activation — It enhances the body’s production of plasmin, the primary natural clot-dissolving enzyme
• tPA enhancement — Nattokinase increases tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which converts plasminogen to plasmin
• PAI-1 reduction — It may reduce plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a substance that blocks fibrinolysis

Benefit 1: Blood Clot Prevention and Dissolution

The fibrinolytic activity of nattokinase has been demonstrated in multiple human studies. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Scientific Reports (2015) found that nattokinase supplementation significantly reduced levels of fibrinogen and factor VII (both clotting factors) in human subjects.

A 2009 study in Nutrition Research investigated nattokinase’s effects on healthy volunteers during long-haul flights — a situation where deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk is elevated. The results showed that nattokinase supplementation significantly reduced clotting factors and leg swelling compared to placebo. This study is particularly relevant given that DVT affects an estimated 1-2 per 1,000 people annually, with air travel being a known risk factor.

Benefit 2: Blood Pressure Reduction

Beyond its fibrinolytic properties, nattokinase has demonstrated clinically meaningful blood pressure-lowering effects. A landmark randomised controlled trial published in Hypertension Research (2008) investigated nattokinase supplementation in 86 participants with pre-hypertension or stage 1 hypertension over 8 weeks.

The results were significant: nattokinase reduced systolic blood pressure by 5.55 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.84 mmHg compared to placebo. To put this in context, a 5 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure is associated with approximately a 10% reduction in stroke risk and a 7% reduction in coronary heart disease risk, according to meta-analyses published in The Lancet.

A more recent 2021 meta-analysis in Biomarker Insights combining data from multiple randomised controlled trials confirmed these blood pressure-lowering effects, concluding that nattokinase supplementation significantly reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Benefit 3: Cholesterol Improvement

A comprehensive 2022 meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine — one of the most thorough reviews of nattokinase’s effects to date — analysed data from 11 randomised controlled trials involving 1,062 participants. The findings were striking:

• Nattokinase supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol
• Nattokinase significantly reduced LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
• Nattokinase significantly reduced triglycerides
• There was a trend toward increased HDL (“good”) cholesterol

The authors concluded that nattokinase represents a promising natural approach for improving lipid profiles, particularly for individuals with mild to moderate hypercholesterolaemia.

Benefit 4: Improved Blood Flow and Circulation

By reducing blood viscosity and dissolving excess fibrin, nattokinase improves overall blood circulation. A study published in the Journal of Biological Macromolecules demonstrated that nattokinase reduced blood viscosity in human subjects, potentially improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues throughout the body.

For the approximately 200 million people worldwide affected by peripheral arterial disease (PAD) — where reduced blood flow to the legs causes pain and cramping — improved circulation is particularly relevant.

Benefit 5: Anti-Atherosclerotic Properties

Emerging research suggests nattokinase may help prevent the progression of atherosclerosis itself. A 2018 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology demonstrated that nattokinase inhibited oxidised LDL-induced foam cell formation — one of the critical early steps in plaque development. If confirmed in larger human trials, this would represent a significant additional cardiovascular benefit beyond fibrinolysis.

Safety Profile and Dosing

Nattokinase has a generally favourable safety profile based on available clinical evidence. Typical supplemental doses in clinical studies range from 2,000 to 10,000 fibrinolytic units (FU) per day, with most studies using 2,000-4,000 FU.

Important precautions:

• Nattokinase should not be combined with blood-thinning medications (warfarin, heparin, aspirin) without medical supervision, as this may increase bleeding risk
• Discontinue nattokinase at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery
• Individuals with bleeding disorders should avoid nattokinase
• Always consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation, particularly if you take any prescription medications

Nattokinase as Part of a Comprehensive Approach

While nattokinase is impressive on its own, cardiovascular health benefits from a multi-target approach. This is the philosophy behind Cardio Xupport by HKIII, which combines nattokinase with two other clinically studied ingredients:

• Oat beta-glucan — EFSA-approved for cholesterol reduction (3g daily reduces LDL by 5-10%)
• Beetroot extract — Rich in dietary nitrates that convert to nitric oxide, improving blood vessel dilation and reducing blood pressure by 3-10 mmHg

Together, these three ingredients address multiple cardiovascular risk factors simultaneously: blood clotting and flow (nattokinase), cholesterol (oat beta-glucan and nattokinase), and blood pressure (beetroot and nattokinase). This comprehensive approach makes Cardio Xupport a practical complement to a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is nattokinase the same as eating natto?

Nattokinase is the active enzyme found in natto, but supplemental nattokinase provides a standardised, measured dose of the enzyme without the strong taste and texture that many people (especially outside Japan) find challenging. A typical serving of natto contains variable amounts of nattokinase, making dosing inconsistent.

How long does it take for nattokinase to work?

Clinical studies have shown measurable effects on blood pressure within 4-8 weeks and cholesterol improvements within 8-12 weeks. Fibrinolytic effects may occur more rapidly — some studies have detected increased fibrinolytic activity within hours of a single dose — though sustained supplementation is recommended for lasting benefits.

Can nattokinase replace blood thinners like warfarin?

No. Nattokinase should NOT be used as a replacement for prescribed blood thinners. While it has natural fibrinolytic properties, prescription anticoagulants are prescribed for specific medical conditions (atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, mechanical heart valves) that require the precise, monitored anticoagulation that only prescription drugs can provide. Never stop or replace prescribed medications without your doctor’s approval.

Does nattokinase have side effects?

In clinical studies, nattokinase has been generally well tolerated. Reported side effects are rare and typically mild, including occasional gastrointestinal discomfort. The primary concern is potential increased bleeding risk, which is why it should be avoided by people on anticoagulant therapy or with bleeding disorders.

Is nattokinase safe for people with soy allergy?

This depends on the manufacturing process. Some nattokinase supplements are highly purified and may not contain allergenic soy proteins. However, people with soy allergies should exercise caution and consult their doctor before use. Look for products that specify allergen testing.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Nattokinase is a dietary supplement, not a medicine, and should not replace prescribed cardiovascular medications. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take blood thinners or other medications. For enquiries about Cardio Xupport, contact HKIII at +60127851678 or +60167656000.