Enzyme · Other

Nattokinase from Natto

Provisional Moderate Scoresupplement

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Published March 15, 2026Last updated March 15, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Nattokinase is a potent serine protease enzyme derived from *Bacillus subtilis natto* during the fermentation of soybeans, primarily recognized for its strong fibrinolytic (clot-dissolving) activity. It directly hydrolyzes fibrin, a key component of blood clots, and enhances the body's natural thrombolytic processes to improve cardiovascular health.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryEnzyme

GroupOther

Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate

Primary Keywordnattokinase from natto benefits

Nattokinase from Natto close-up macro showing natural texture and detail — rich in anticoagulant, hypotensive, hormonal/estrogenic

Nattokinase from Natto — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Supports cardiovascular health by directly hydrolyzing fibrin, a key protein in blood clot formation, thereby improving blood flow.

Contributes to healthy blood pressure regulation by promoting vascular elasticity and reducing blood viscosity.

Exhibits anti-thrombotic effects, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other clot-related cardiovascular events.

Modulates inflammatory responses within the vascular system, supporting overall endothelial health.

Enhances systemic circulation, facilitating improved oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues throughout the body.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Nattokinase is a potent serine proteolytic enzyme (EC 3.4.21.x) derived from *Bacillus subtilis natto*, the bacterium responsible for fermenting soybeans into the traditional Japanese food, natto. Renowned for its significant fibrinolytic activity, nattokinase supports healthy blood circulation and reduces the risk of blood clot formation. It is widely utilized in supplements for its natural therapeutic properties in cardiovascular health.

“Nattokinase's origins are deeply rooted in Japanese traditional dietary practices, stemming from the consumption of natto, a fermented soybean dish, for over a thousand years. Valued for its perceived health benefits, particularly for circulation, the enzyme itself was isolated and identified in 1987 by Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi, leading to modern scientific validation of its potent cardiovascular properties.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Extensive in vitro, animal, and human clinical trials, including randomized controlled studies, have investigated nattokinase's fibrinolytic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-platelet aggregation effects. Research supports its potential in reducing blood clot formation, improving blood flow, and contributing to healthy blood pressure levels, establishing its role in cardiovascular health.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Serine proteolytic enzyme (EC 3.4.21.x) - Specific activity: Fibrinolytic (hydrolyzes fibrin, fibrinogen, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) - Units of activity: Fibrinolytic Units (FU)

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Nattokinase (NK) primarily acts by directly hydrolyzing fibrin, the main protein component of blood clots. Additionally, it enhances the body's intrinsic fibrinolytic system by cleaving plasmin substrate, activating pro-urokinase to urokinase, increasing tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), and degrading plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). These combined actions significantly enhance overall thrombolytic activity, promoting better blood flow.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Extensive research, including in vitro, animal, and human clinical trials—some being randomized controlled studies—has investigated nattokinase's effects. These studies have consistently demonstrated its fibrinolytic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-platelet aggregation properties. Outcomes suggest nattokinase's potential in reducing blood clot formation, improving blood flow, and contributing to healthy blood pressure regulation, supporting its role in cardiovascular health.

Also Known As

Bacillus subtilis natto enzymeNKSoybean fibrinolytic enzyme

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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