How Does Nattokinase Work in the Blood Stream?

Nattokinase is the enzyme found in traditional Japanese soy cheese (natto), which has been shown to exhibit a fibrinolytic effect in the blood stream. That is, it has the ability to break down blood clots. Nattokinase was identified in 1980 by Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi from Miyazaki Medical College in Japan while studying in Chicago. Since its discovery, the cardiovascular effects of nattokinase has been studied in the United States and abroad. Nattokinase has been shown to play a role similar to plasmin, an enzyme that breaks down clots. In addition, as a selective plaque-dissolving enzyme, it also shows benefits in ophthalmology and Alzheimer's therapy as well as cardiovascular treatment.

Blood Clots

A blood clot forms when blood platelets, fibrinogen and red blood cells aggregate in the presence of clotting factors. A blood clot, or thrombus, serves as a plug to heal an injury such as a cut. Internally, blood clots aid in blood vessel repair. A embolus forms when part of a thrombus becomes mobile and migrates to another part of the body through the blood vessels such as the heart or brain and blocks circulation. Plasmin is the enzyme that breaks down a blood clot (i.e., fibrinolysis).

Mechanism of Action

Nattokinase has been clinically described as a subtilisin-like (bacterial) serine protease. Serine proteases are enzymes that digest or dissolve proteins. Bacterial (subtilisn) serine proteases have the same mechanism of action as those of mammals but differ in structure. Several clotting factors are serine proteases such as thrombin and plasmin. As a type of serine protease, nattokinase has a similar effect as plasmin, in dissolving clots by breaking down the proteins in fibrin and increasing the concentration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). In dissolving clots on vessel walls, nattokinase supports maintaining the integrity of the blood vessels.

Scientific Studies

Nattokinase has been extracted and purified and prepared in powder form for oral administration. Participants in clinical studies received either placebo or nattokinase. The blood tests showed that an increase in fibrinolytic activity (dissolution of blood clots) and decrease in blood pressure among participants receiving nattokinase. Other studies have shown that as a thrombolytic agent, nattokinase inhibited arterial wall thickening. In vitro studies have shown that nattokinase is a more potent fibrinolytic agent than plasmin; however, the effects of nattokinase continue only with maintained use.