Human clinical trial shows the effectiveness of Nattokinase for preventing abnormal blood clots

Nattokinase is a supplement prepared from fermented foods especially from natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented legume. So far research on Nattokinase has focused on its ability to lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of a dangerous blood clot.

In this new study scientists from the Division of Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital divided 45 people into three groups; a healthy group, a group of patients with risk factors for developing heart disease, and a group of sick patients with kidney failure who were on dialysis. The participants received a 100mg dose of Nattokinase twice a day for 2 months. At the end of two months the level of Fibrinogen, Factor VII, and Factor VIII dropped in all three groups (see Table 1). There was no toxicity or significant side effects in any subject. The study clearly shows that Nattokinase thins the blood and protects a large population of at risk individuals. The study is published in the March 2009 issue of the medical journal Nutrition Research.

Discussion by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.
Fibrinogen is a soluble protein that circulates in the body. Fibrinogen is needed to create a blood clot so that you do not bleed to death. The substance is transformed into fibrin, a sticky web-like substance that platelets and clotting factors and other substances cling too to create a scab. In some people, especially those with inflammation, smokers, diabetics, obese individuals, those with high cholesterol, those with metabolic syndrome, people with some autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), and in coronary heart disease patients, patients with arrhythmias or high blood pressure, valve disease, vascular disease, some cancers, fibrinogen can improperly transform into a dangerous blood clot. Blood clots are also more common in people on estrogens, or who have prolonged bouts of inactivity or are confined to bed.

Factor VII The main role of factor VII (FVII) is to initiate the process of coagulation in conjunction with tissue factor. Tissue factor is found on the outside of blood vessels - normally not exposed to the bloodstream. Factor VII is one of the blood clotting factors inhibited by the drug Coumadin. Factor VII is related to coronary heart disease, stroke, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes.

Factor VIII participates in blood coagulation; it is a cofactor for factor IXa, it is also known as anti-hemophilic factor. Factor VIII is related to coronary heart disease, stroke, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes.

Table 1