Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsStorageSimilar SupplementsSources
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
Storage
Similar Supplements
Sources
Nattokinaseis an enzyme (protein) found in natto, a traditional Japanese dish made from soybeans fermented with the bacteriumBacillus subtilis natto.
Also sold as a dietary supplement, nattokinase is purported to promote heart health, improve brain health, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, but more research is needed.Nattokinase generally has mild side effects, although it may increase the risk of bleeding.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Uses of Nattokinase
Nattokinase may help to prevent blood clots, lower blood pressure, and have a role in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Improves Heart Health
Nattokinase may help to prevent heart attacks and improve heart health. Research shows it offers cardiovascular benefits, including:
However, other studies have not shown such promise. A small clinical trial of nattokinase in people without cardiovascular disease did not find any significant benefits for preventing heart disease.
More research is needed before nattinokinase supplements can be recommended for heart health.
Prevents Stroke
Nattokinase may also have neuroprotective effects and may help to prevent stroke.
In addition to lowering risk factors for stroke, including hypertension and blood clots, Nattokinase is associated with a drop in von Willebrand factor (vWF) in people assigned female at birth. vWF is a naturally occurring protein, but too much of it might be linked to a higher risk ofstroke. So, less vWF may lower stroke risk.
In another small study, nattokinase combined with standard of care (SOC) may help with stroke rehabilitation. After 60 days of nattokinase supplementation, participants had better control over their blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as improvements in physical activity and quality of life.
Protects Brain Health
Nattokinase shows promise as a potential therapy for Alzheimer’s and other neurologic disease.
Though research is still emerging, animal studies show nattokinase can degrade amyloid fibrils, fibrous proteins that bind together and are involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Nattokinase has also been shown to decreaseacetylcholinesteraseactivity and inflammatory markers associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
While these results are promising, larger, high-quality placebo-controlled trials are still needed.
What Are the Side Effects of Nattokinase?
Like many medications and herbs, side effects are possible with nattokinase.
Common Side Effects
Natto has been a traditional Japanese food for thousands of years. There were no side effects with nattokinase in several clinical trials.
Based on this information, side effects from nattokinase seem to be rare.
Severe Side Effects
There were no side effects with nattokinase in multiple clinical trials.But possible serious side effects may include:
If you’re having a severe allergic reaction or if any of your symptoms feel life-threatening, call 911 and get medical help right away.
Nattokinase may pose risks in the following situations:
Dosage: How Much Nattokinase Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your needs.
Nattokinase is available in many dosage forms, with capsules likely the most common.
While there are some small short-term studies on nattokinase, larger and well-designed studies are necessary.For this reason, there are no guidelines on the appropriate dosage to take nattokinase for any condition.
To take natural medications—including nattokinase—safely, inform your healthcare providers and pharmacists about any medication changes.This includes over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, natural medications, and supplements.This can help prevent possible interactions and side effects and ensure you’re taking it appropriately.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Nattokinase?
There is limited information about nattokinase toxicity and overdoses in humans. Taking excessive amounts of nattokinase might be similar to its potentially severe side effects—but exaggerated or excessive.
If you think you’re experiencing an overdose or life-threatening symptoms, get medical help immediately.
Use caution when taking nattokinase with the following:
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Nattokinase
Since storage instructions may vary for different natural products, carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container. But in general, keep your medications tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet. Try to store your medicines in a cool and dry place.
Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging. Avoid putting unused and expired drugs down the drain or in the toilet. Visit theFDA’s websiteto know where and how to discard all unused and expired medicines. You can also finddisposal boxesin your area.Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the best ways to dispose of your medications or supplements.
Nattokinase may work similarly to the supplement ginkgo, which is also promoted for its heart-healthy benefits. And while research doesn’t support ginkgo’s use in lowering blood pressure or stroke risk, ginkgo may cause blood-thinning side effects.
Don’t take ginkgo with nattokinase until you first talk with your healthcare provider. They can help prevent possible interactions and side effects. They can also ensure that you’re giving these supplements a fair trial at appropriate doses.
Sources of Nattokinase and What to Look For
There are several different sources of nattokinase.
Food Sources of Nattokinase
Nattokinase is an enzyme (protein) that’s found in natto, which is fermented soybeans. Natto is a traditional Japanese food. The fermentation process involves the bacteriumBacillus subtilis natto.
Nattokinase Supplements
Nattokinase is available in a variety of forms, including capsules and tablets. If you have difficulties swallowing pills, nattokinase might also be available in other dosage forms, such as powder. There may also be vegan and vegetarian options.
The specific product you choose will depend on your preference and what you hope to get in terms of effects. Each product may work a bit differently depending on the form. So, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations or label directions.
Summary
Nattokinase is an enzyme (protein) that’s found in natto, which is fermented soybeans. Natto is a traditional Japanese food, and the fermentation process involves the bacteriumBacillus subtilis natto.
Nattokinase may have potential uses in heart-related conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and stroke. And in reference to one study, there were no side effects with nattokinase in several clinical trials.
However, side effects and medication interactions are possible based on how nattokinase might work. More high-quality research with more extensive, well-designed clinical trials is necessary to assess nattokinase effectiveness and safety. Before you take nattokinase, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider to help you safely achieve your health goals.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Nattokinase: purported benefits, side effects and more.Weng Y, Yao J, Sparks S, et al.Nattokinase: An oral antithrombic agent for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2017;18(3):523. doi:10.3390%2Fijms18030523Chen H, McGowan EM, Ren N, et al.Nattokinase: a promising alternative in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.Biomark Insights. 2018;13:1177271918785130. doi:10.1177/1177271918785130Jensen GS, Lenninger M, Ero MP, et al.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.Integrated Blood Pressure Control. 2016;9:95-104. doi:10.2147%2FIBPC.S99553Chen H, Chen J, Zhang F, et al.Effective management of atherosclerosis progress and hyperlipidemia with nattokinase: A clinical study with 1,062 participants.Front Cardiovasc Med. 2022;9:964977. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2022.964977Hodis HN, Mack WJ, Meiselman HJ, et al.Nattokinase atherothrombotic prevention study: A randomized controlled trial.Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2021;78(4):339-353. doi:10.3233/CH-211147Phuong PT, Han B, Hoang BX.Nattospes as effective and safe functional supplements in management of stroke.Journal of Medicinal Food. 2020;23(8):879-885. doi:10.1089%2Fjmf.2019.0183Fadl NN, Ahmed HH, Booles HF, Sayed AH.Serrapeptase and nattokinase intervention for relieving Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology in rat model.Hum Exp Toxicol. 2013;32(7):721–35. doi:10.1177/0960327112467040Wu H, Zhang Q, Xu P, et al.Nattokinase promotes post-stroke neurogenesis and cognition recovery via increasing circulating irisin.J Agric Food Chem. 2023;71(30):11418-11428. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08718National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginkgo.ScienceDirect.Natto.Additional ReadingFoodData Central.Natto.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Nattokinase: purported benefits, side effects and more.Weng Y, Yao J, Sparks S, et al.Nattokinase: An oral antithrombic agent for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2017;18(3):523. doi:10.3390%2Fijms18030523Chen H, McGowan EM, Ren N, et al.Nattokinase: a promising alternative in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.Biomark Insights. 2018;13:1177271918785130. doi:10.1177/1177271918785130Jensen GS, Lenninger M, Ero MP, et al.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.Integrated Blood Pressure Control. 2016;9:95-104. doi:10.2147%2FIBPC.S99553Chen H, Chen J, Zhang F, et al.Effective management of atherosclerosis progress and hyperlipidemia with nattokinase: A clinical study with 1,062 participants.Front Cardiovasc Med. 2022;9:964977. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2022.964977Hodis HN, Mack WJ, Meiselman HJ, et al.Nattokinase atherothrombotic prevention study: A randomized controlled trial.Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2021;78(4):339-353. doi:10.3233/CH-211147Phuong PT, Han B, Hoang BX.Nattospes as effective and safe functional supplements in management of stroke.Journal of Medicinal Food. 2020;23(8):879-885. doi:10.1089%2Fjmf.2019.0183Fadl NN, Ahmed HH, Booles HF, Sayed AH.Serrapeptase and nattokinase intervention for relieving Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology in rat model.Hum Exp Toxicol. 2013;32(7):721–35. doi:10.1177/0960327112467040Wu H, Zhang Q, Xu P, et al.Nattokinase promotes post-stroke neurogenesis and cognition recovery via increasing circulating irisin.J Agric Food Chem. 2023;71(30):11418-11428. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08718National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginkgo.ScienceDirect.Natto.Additional ReadingFoodData Central.Natto.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Nattokinase: purported benefits, side effects and more.Weng Y, Yao J, Sparks S, et al.Nattokinase: An oral antithrombic agent for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2017;18(3):523. doi:10.3390%2Fijms18030523Chen H, McGowan EM, Ren N, et al.Nattokinase: a promising alternative in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.Biomark Insights. 2018;13:1177271918785130. doi:10.1177/1177271918785130Jensen GS, Lenninger M, Ero MP, et al.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.Integrated Blood Pressure Control. 2016;9:95-104. doi:10.2147%2FIBPC.S99553Chen H, Chen J, Zhang F, et al.Effective management of atherosclerosis progress and hyperlipidemia with nattokinase: A clinical study with 1,062 participants.Front Cardiovasc Med. 2022;9:964977. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2022.964977Hodis HN, Mack WJ, Meiselman HJ, et al.Nattokinase atherothrombotic prevention study: A randomized controlled trial.Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2021;78(4):339-353. doi:10.3233/CH-211147Phuong PT, Han B, Hoang BX.Nattospes as effective and safe functional supplements in management of stroke.Journal of Medicinal Food. 2020;23(8):879-885. doi:10.1089%2Fjmf.2019.0183Fadl NN, Ahmed HH, Booles HF, Sayed AH.Serrapeptase and nattokinase intervention for relieving Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology in rat model.Hum Exp Toxicol. 2013;32(7):721–35. doi:10.1177/0960327112467040Wu H, Zhang Q, Xu P, et al.Nattokinase promotes post-stroke neurogenesis and cognition recovery via increasing circulating irisin.J Agric Food Chem. 2023;71(30):11418-11428. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08718National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginkgo.ScienceDirect.Natto.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Nattokinase: purported benefits, side effects and more.
Weng Y, Yao J, Sparks S, et al.Nattokinase: An oral antithrombic agent for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2017;18(3):523. doi:10.3390%2Fijms18030523
Chen H, McGowan EM, Ren N, et al.Nattokinase: a promising alternative in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.Biomark Insights. 2018;13:1177271918785130. doi:10.1177/1177271918785130
Jensen GS, Lenninger M, Ero MP, et al.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.Integrated Blood Pressure Control. 2016;9:95-104. doi:10.2147%2FIBPC.S99553
Chen H, Chen J, Zhang F, et al.Effective management of atherosclerosis progress and hyperlipidemia with nattokinase: A clinical study with 1,062 participants.Front Cardiovasc Med. 2022;9:964977. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2022.964977
Hodis HN, Mack WJ, Meiselman HJ, et al.Nattokinase atherothrombotic prevention study: A randomized controlled trial.Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2021;78(4):339-353. doi:10.3233/CH-211147
Phuong PT, Han B, Hoang BX.Nattospes as effective and safe functional supplements in management of stroke.Journal of Medicinal Food. 2020;23(8):879-885. doi:10.1089%2Fjmf.2019.0183
Fadl NN, Ahmed HH, Booles HF, Sayed AH.Serrapeptase and nattokinase intervention for relieving Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology in rat model.Hum Exp Toxicol. 2013;32(7):721–35. doi:10.1177/0960327112467040
Wu H, Zhang Q, Xu P, et al.Nattokinase promotes post-stroke neurogenesis and cognition recovery via increasing circulating irisin.J Agric Food Chem. 2023;71(30):11418-11428. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08718
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.
MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginkgo.
ScienceDirect.Natto.
FoodData Central.Natto.
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