Nattokinase can reduce the area of atherosclerotic plaque. In addition, nattokinase has been shown to reduce atherosclerosis to a greater extent than therapy with statins (powerful lipid-lowering drugs). Nattokinase has the distinctive ability to make blood and other blood components less sticky. Thus, nattokinase has been shown in animal and human studies to reduce blood coagulation and the accumulation of plaque in the arteries.
As such, nattokinase has the potential to slow the hardening of arteries and reduce heart disease. Nattokinase can also help people live longer, even if this effect is adjusted for demographic, dietary, and lifestyle factors. During the study period, mortality associated with heart disease was higher among subjects who consumed less nattokinase in their diet. Nattokinase (NK), known as a potent fibrinolytic and antithrombotic agent, has been shown to have anti-atherosclerotic and lipid-lowering effects.
In addition, nattokinase has been shown to lower blood pressure in test subjects, which may help prevent or reduce the risk of heart attacks. A study found that increasing levels of nattokinase in the body helped to reduce mortality rates among subjects, including those with cardiovascular diseases. Nattokinase has been shown to break down biofilms created by bacteria and yeasts such as Candida albicans. At the same time, subjects who received daily doses of 20 mg of simvastatin, a treatment used to lower cholesterol, only experienced an 11.5% decrease in arterial plaque during the 26 trial period weeks.
There is also some evidence to suggest that nattokinase may protect brain health in people who have had an ischemic stroke. Oral intake of nattokinase has also been shown to prevent the formation of clots that contribute to the development of deep vein thrombosis. Nattokinase (NK), the most active ingredient in natto, with an alkaline protease of 275 amino acid residues and a molecular weight of approximately 28 kDa, was first discovered by Sumi et al. Research has also indicated that nattokinase may protect against atherosclerosis and also reduce the amount of arterial plaque in people who already have this condition.
In this same study, researchers discovered that nattokinase led to an increase in HDL cholesterol, also known as good cholesterol. It is also recommended to stop taking nattokinase at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery to avoid the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgery. Because nattokinase “thins the blood” in a similar way to drugs such as aspirin and Coumadin (an anticoagulant), there is a chance of bleeding. The presentation of evidence on reducing the progression of atherosclerosis and cognitive impairment with nattokinase is likely to change the current clinical paradigm for the prevention of these chronic processes related to age.
Nattokinase is generally considered safe to take as a supplement or in dietary form when consuming natto on a regular basis.
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