Nattokinase Supplements for Heart Health Benefits

Did you know that two substances of Asian origin, nattokinase and serrapeptase, have significant health benefits? Scientific studies have revealed some of the reasons why longevity is associated with regular consumption of serrapeptase and nattokinase supplements. Specifically, we will discuss cardiovascular disease, eye issues such as floaters, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, internal scar tissue from autoimmune disorders, lung disease, sinusitis, neurological disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Natto on rice contains Nattokinase
Natto on rice

Nattokinase is the active ingredient in natto, a sticky, cheese-like food made from soybeans fermented with bacillus subtilis. For more than two millennia, Asian countries have prepared natto dishes. In Japan, natto is believed to be a significant contributor to the population’s longevity. 1 The most convenient source of nattokinase in the USA is from supplements (pills). Nattokinase is available at most online and brick-and-mortar vitamin stores.

Serrapeptase is also a fermented product from Asia. Serratia marcescens bacteria, originating in the guts of silkworms, are cultured in broth. The bacteria secrete serrapeptase, an enzyme that breaks down protein. Serrapeptase is available as a supplement.

We have medications to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and to thin the blood. However, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the world. A whopping 31% of deaths worldwide are attributed to heart disease, especially in seniors. 2 Studies show that nattokinase offers an additional approach for treating heart disease.

Note: Nattokinase and Serrapeptase supplements have blood-thinning properties. Be sure to discuss any new supplement with your doctor.

Natto, Wet Macular Degeneration, and Diabetic Retinopathy

Natto has been shown to have anti-angiogenic effects, meaning it helps reduce the growth of unwanted blood vessels. A study shows that Natto treatment significantly attenuated retinal neovascularization. 3 This could have applications in complementary treatment strategies for wet macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.4

Eye Floater and Nattokinase

Although more research is needed on this, natto and serrapeptase may help break down eye floaters. Eye floaters are harmless dots and strings that are visible in certain lighting conditions, such as in sunlight. However, too many can be annoying and even partially obscure vision. At Natural Eye Care, we believe the body recognizes eye floaters as debris. Therefore, the body must have mechanisms to try to help dissolve them. This process tends to be very slow because there is no circulation in the vitreous where the floaters are located. But the body does slowly move fluids in and out, replacing old vitreous fluid with new. For example, the body can move a type of white blood cell called “macrophages” into the vitreous fluid. As part of the immune system, macrophages break down debris.

Other nutrients found in the vitreous are hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. They both help support the integrity of the vitreous. And, they support the integrity of the connective tissue between the vitreous and retina.

Two major factors that increase the risk of eye floaters are:

  • Aging. The vitreous tends to liquefy or clump after the age of 50.
  • Being nearsighted.

Also, Health conditions such as autoimmune disease and certain medications can play a role.

Nattokinase Supplements for Autoimmune Disorders and Scar Tissue

While scar tissue is crucial for healing, it can build up too much and cause harm. Autoimmune conditions can result in internal scar tissue, a maladaptive response to chronic inflammation. In the eyes, scar tissue can form on the retina due to macular edema and bleeding. Fibrin is a protein involved in blood clots and scar tissue. Natto is a fibrinolytic enzyme, meaning it can help break down fibrin. Studies have found that the fibrinolytic enzymes in serrapeptase and nattokinase are effective in removing fibrous scar tissue. 5 6

Serrapeptase and Lung Disease

Natto can be considered an excellent complementary treatment strategy related to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), where there is a build-up of fibrin in the interstitial tissue of the lungs. 7 8 The lung tissue becomes thicker and inflexible. Lung scarring is permanent. There is no evidence of any available medication that can reverse this condition.

Serrapeptase is widely used in surgery, orthopedics, otorhinolaryngology, gynecology, and dentistry for its anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous (reduces swelling), and analgesic (reduces pain) effects. 9

Heart Disease and Nattokinase Supplements

In recent studies, a high intake of natto was associated with a decreased risk of total mortality from cardiovascular disease. In particular, a study found a decreased risk of mortality from coronary artery disease.10

Natto has been observed to have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure. 11 12

If you are concerned about heart disease, be sure to read our more detailed article on Nattokinase and Heart Disease.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Nattokinase Supplements

One key change in the brain with Alzheimer’s disease is the build-up of beta-amyloid plaque. In vitro models as well as animal studies suggested that Natto could play a role in the treatment of amyloid-related diseases such as Alzheimer disease. 13 14 15

Neuroprotective Benefits of Nattokinase

Early clinical studies demonstrated a clear neuroprotective effect in patients. 16 Natto appears to help protect the brain during a stroke by improving blood flow. It works by stopping blood cells from clumping together and reducing the risk of blood clots, which can also help prevent heart attacks. 17

Sinus Health

Chronic sinusitis is ongoing inflammation in your sinuses that could be caused by allergies, bacteria, fungal infections, or asthma. Research shows that nattokinase can help shrink blockage-causing nasal polyps and thin mucus, improving airflow and reducing discomfort. 18

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

A 2024 research review published in Food Science and Human Wellness highlighted a preliminary trial in which long-term Nattokinase supplementation in mice was able to reduce damage to the colon and inhibit chronic colitis. 19

Note: Consult a doctor before starting Nattokinase or Serrapeptase supplements. They have blood-thinning properties that could interact with your medications or be harmful to your health.

Suggested Supplements

Nattokinase Plus 60 caps – contains a combination of nattokinase and serrapeptase. Best taken on an empty stomach.

Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps

Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps

Cognirev Extra Strength 2 oz Oral Spray – helps boost overall energy and reduce brain fog.

Dr. Grossman’s Advanced Eye and Dr. G’s Whole Food Superfood Multi1 20 Vcap Combo – 2 months supply

ReVision Formula (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz – based on classic Chinese medicine Liver tonic formula to help support healthy circulation and blood flow throughout the eyes and body.

Dr. Grossman’s Premium Turmeric Vcaps (Organic)

Packages 

Dr. Grossman’s Vision Wellness Package (2-month supply)

Vascular Support Package 1

Recommended Books

Natural Brain Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Other Related Diseases Naturally

  1. Nagata C, Wada K, Tamura T, et al. Dietary soy and natto intake and cardiovascular disease mortality in Japanese adults: the Takayama study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;105:426–431. ↩
  2. www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases ↩
  3. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2021 May 3;62(6):25. doi: 10.1167/iovs.62.6.25. ↩
  4. ibid. ↩
  5. Sherry S., Fletcher A.P. Proteolytic enzymes: A therapeutic evaluation. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 1960;19:202–226. doi: 10.1002/cpt196012202. ↩
  6. Yamasaki H., Tsuji H., Saeki K. Anti-inflammatory action of a protease, TSP, produced by Serratia. Folia Pharmacol. Jpn. 1967;63:302–314 ↩
  7. Medicines (Basel). 2021 Nov 5;8(11):68. doi: 10.3390/medicines8110068 ↩
  8. Mohanasrinivasan V., Mohanapriya A., Potdar W., Chatterji S., Konne S., Kumari S., Devi C.S. In vitro and in silico studies on fibrinolytic activity of nattokinase: A clot buster from Bacillus sp. Front. Biol. 2017;12:219–225. ↩
  9. Bhagat S., Agarwal M., Roy V. Serratiopeptidase: A systematic review of the existing evidence. Int. J. Surg. 2013;11:209–217. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2013.01.010 ↩
  10. Nagata C, Wada K, Tamura T, et al. Dietary soy and natto intake and cardiovascular disease mortality in Japanese adults: the Takayama study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;105:426–431 ↩
  11. Kim JY, Gum SN, Paik JK, et al. Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial. Hypertens Res. 2008;31:1583–1588. ↩
  12. Jensen GS, Lenninger M, Ero MP, Benson KF. Consumption of nattokinase is associated with reduced blood pressure and von Willebrand factor, a cardiovascular risk marker: results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter North American clinical trial. Integr Blood Press Control. 2016;9:95–104. ↩
  13. Hsu R-L, Lee K-T, Wang J-H, Lee LY, Chen RP. Amyloid-degrading ability of nattokinase from Bacillus subtilis natto. J Agric Food Chem. 2008;57:503–508. ↩
  14. Bhatt PC, Pathak S, Kumar V, Panda BP. Attenuation of neurobehavioral and neurochemical abnormalities in animal model of cognitive deficits of Alzheimer’s disease by fermented soybean nanonutraceutical. Inflammopharmacology. 2017;26:105–118. ↩
  15. Ahmed HH, Nevein NF, Karima A, Hamza AH. Miracle enzymes serrapeptase and nattokinase mitigate neuroinflammation and apoptosis associated with Alzheimer’s disease in experimental model. WJPPS. 2013;3:876–891 ↩
  16. Shah AB, Rawat S, Mehta S. An open clinical pilot study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of natto kinaseas an add-on oral fibrinolytic agent tolow molecular weight heparin & anti-platelets in acute ischaemic stroke. Japan Pharmacol Therap. 2004;32:437–451. ↩
  17. Ahn Y-J, Kim MH, Kim J, et al. Neuroprotective effect of nattokinase mediated by inhibition of platelet aggregation and thrombosis in photothrombotic stroke. Stroke. 2015;46:APW262. ↩
  18. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-nattokinase ↩
  19. Wu H, Zhang Q, Suo H, Xu F, Huang W, Wang DO. Nattokinase as a functional food ingredient: therapeutic applications and mechanisms in age-related diseases. Food Science and Human Wellness. 2024;13(5):2401-2409. doi:10.26599/FSHW.2022.9250198 ↩