Nattokinase
See also :
Other Names : Other Names: BSP, Extrait de Natto, Fermented Soybeans, Haricots de Soja Fermentés, Natto de Soja, Natto Extract, Nattokinasa, NK, Soy Natto, Subtilisin NAT.
Nattokinase is an enzyme (a protein that speeds up biochemical reactions) that is extracted from a popular Japanese food called Natto. Natto is boiled soybeans that have been fermented with a bacterium called Bacillus subtilis natto.
Special Precautions of Nattokinase
- The safety of taking nattokinase in the larger medicinal amounts isn’t known. Taking two doses of a specific product containing nattokinase (Flite Tabs) seems to be safe. But it is not known if taking more than two doses is safe.
- Bleeding disorders: Nattokinase seems to act like a “clot thinner” and might make bleeding disorders worse. Use with caution.
- Surgery: Nattokinase might increase the chance of bleeding too much during or after surgery. Stop taking it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
- Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Nattokinase.
The benefits of Nattokinase are
Natto has been used as a folk remedy for diseases of the heart and circulatory system (cardiovascular disease) for hundreds of years. Nattokinase, the chemical in natto that is probably responsible for its effects, was discovered by a University of Chicago researcher, Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi. You won’t find nattokinase in soy foods other than natto, since nattokinase is produced through the specific fermentation process used to make natto. Nattokinase decreases the ability of blood to clot. This "thins the blood" and might protect against conditions caused by blood clots such as stroke, heart attack, and others.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). There is some evidence that taking a specific combination product (Flite Tabs) might decrease the chance of getting a blood clot in the legs during long plane flights. This product combines a blend of 150 mg of nattokinase plus pycnogenol. Two capsules are taken 2 hours before the flight and then again 6 hours later.
- Heart disease.
- Stroke.
- Angina.
- “Hardening of the ateries” (atherosclerosis).
- Hemorrhoids.
- Poor circulation.
- Varicose veins.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD).
- Pain.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Endometriosis.
- Uterine fibroids.
- Muscle spasms.
- High blood pressure.
- Infertility.
- Cancer.
- Beriberi.
