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Herb & Supplement Encyclopedia: |
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Natto (Fermented Soybean) |
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 Scientific Names |
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 Forms |
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 Traditional Usage |
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 Overview |
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 Active Ingredients |
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 Suggested Amount |
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 Drug Interactions |
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 Contraindications |
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 Side Effects |
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 References |
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Scientific Names: |
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Glycine max (L.) Merrill [Fam. Fabaceae] |
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Forms: |
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Natto and natto extracts standardized for nattokinase enzyme from fermented Non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) soybeans. |
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Traditional Usage: |
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- Airplane Flight Thrombosis Prevention
- Atherosclerosis
- Blood Circulation Improvement
- Blood Clot (Thrombosis) Prevention
- Blood Pressure Control
- Beriberi
- Cholesterol Reduction
- Circulation Disorders
- Clogged Arteries
- Digestive Disorders
- Embolism Prevention
- Fatigue
- Heart Health Maintenance
- High Blood Pressure
- Hypertension
- Liver Health Maintenance
- Lowering LDL Cholesterol
- Nutrient Delivery
- Stroke Prevention
- Varicose Veins
- Vitamin K deficiency |
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Overview: |
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Natto, a vegetable cheese-like food, is a safe and natural traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans, Glycine max (L.) Merrill [Fam. Fabaceae]. Natto has popularly been eaten in Japan for over 2,000 years. Natto is naturally made by the fermentation of Non-GMO soybeans by Bacillus subtilis NAT. Traditionally, natto was also used as a folk medicine for heart and vascular diseases, fatigue and beriberi. Nattokinase is an enzyme naturally found in natto. Nattokinase has been found to be a miracle blood clot-busting enzyme. Dr. Sumi, a professor in the Department of Chemical Technology, Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts, found that the sticky part of natto, commonly called “threads”, exhibited strong fibrinolytic activity (blood clot busting activity). He named the enzyme, “nattokinase” in 1980. Studies comparing nattokinase to urokinase, the expensive enzyme normally used in hospitals on heart attack and stroke victims, have shown that nattokinase works just as well, provides 4 -12 hours ot protection compared to only 4 – 20 minutes for urokinase and costs only a fraction of the cost. Nattokinase has been the subject of 17 studies, including two small human trials. Researchers tested nattokinase on 12 healthy Japanese volunteers (6 men and 6 women, between the ages of 21 and 55). They gave the volunteers 200 grams of natto (the food) before breakfast, and then tracked fibrinolytic activity through a series of blood plasma tests. On average, the volunteers’ ELT (a measure of how long it takes to dissolve a blood clot) dropped by 48 percent within two hours of treatment, and volunteers retained an enhanced ability to dissolve blood clots for 2 to 8 hours. In a second study involving 8 individuals with high blood pressure, natto was consumed for 14 days. This resulted in an 11% average decrease in blood pressure.
How Nattokinase Works for Improving Circulation
Fibrin is a protein that forms in the blood to stop excess blood loss after trauma or injury. There are more than twenty enzymes in the body that assist in blood clotting, while only one, plasmin, can break clots down. Pro-inflammatory substances in the blood and body, such as from bacteria, viruses, fungi and toxins, can also result in excess cross-linked fibrin circulating through the blood and sticking to the walls of blood vessels. Excessive prolonged fibrin in the blood contributes to the formation of blood clots, slows blood circulation and increases blood viscosity. This type of poor blood circulation contributes to the elevation of blood pressure, the development of varicose veins and many other illnesses. Debilitating and potentially deadly heart attacks, strokes and embolisms can occur if blood clots stick to fatty deposits on the walls of arteries and choke off the supply of blood to the heart, brain and lungs, respectively, so anything that can help to prevent excessive blood platelet stickiness and the progression of artery blockage and plaque formation is desirable. Improved blood flow to the brain can also reduce the symptoms and risks of senility.
Nattokinase enzyme improves blood circulation and enhances the body’s natural ability to fight blood clots in several different ways. Nattokinase NSK-SD TM has many benefits as a natural clot-busting agent including: convenience of oral administration; it improves blood circulation without increasing the risk of bleeding or increasing bleeding time; vitamin K-free to prevent contra-indications with standard blood thinners and/or increased bleeding tendencies; confirmed clinical efficacy; prolonged effects compared to other standard clot-busting enzymes; cost effectiveness; and ease of use for both prevention and treatment of blood clots. Nattokinase is a naturally occurring food-source dietary supplement that has stability in the digestive tract. The properties of nattokinase closely resemble those properties of the body’s own plasmin enzyme, as it dissolves fibrin directly. Most importantly, it enhances the body’s production of both plasmin and other clot-busting agents, including urokinase.
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Active Ingredients: |
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Natto contains: Soybeans, the bacterial culture, Bacillus subtilis NAT.; Nattokinase enzyme; Vitamin K and other typical soybean ingredients.
Natto Nutrients (proximate values) per 100g of edible portion: Water, 55.02g; Energy, 212 kcal or 887 kj; Protein, 17.72g; Total Lipid (fat), 11.00g; Ash, 1.90g; Carbohydrate, by difference, 14.36g; Fiber, total dietary, 5.4g; Sugars, total, 3.60g. Minerals: Calcium, Ca, 217mg; Iron, Fe, 8.60mg; Magnesium, Mg, 115mg; Phosphorus, P, 174mg; Potassium, K, 729mg; Sodium, Na, 7mg; Zinc, Zn, 3.03mg; Copper, Cu, 0.667mg; Manganese, Mn, 1.53mg; Selenium, Se, 8.8mcg. Vitamins: Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid, 13mg; Thiamin, 0.160mg; Riboflavin, 0.190mg; Niacin, 0.000mg; Pantothenic acid, 0.215mg; Vitamin B-6, 0.130mg; Folate, total, 8mcg; Folic acid, 0.000mcg; Vitamin B-12, 0.00mcg; Vitamin A, 0 IU; Retinol, 0mcg; Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), 0.01mg; Vitamin K (phylloquinone), 23.1mcg. Lipids: Fatty acids, total saturated, 1.6g; 14:0, 0.031g; 16:0, 1.168g; 18:0, 0.393g; Fatty acids, total monounsaturated, 2.43g; 16:1, 0.031g; 18:1 undifferentiated, 2.399g; Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated, 6.21g; 18:2 undifferentiated, 5.476g; 18:3 undifferentiated, 0.734g; Cholesterol, 0mg. Amino acids: Tryptophan, 0.223g; Threonine, 0.813g; Isoleucine, 0.931g; Leucine, 1.509g; Lysine, 1.145g; Methionine, 0.208g; Cystine, 0.220g; Phenylalanine, 0.941g; Tyrosine, 0.556g; Valine, 1.018g; Arginine, 0.909g; Histidine, 0.512g; Alanine, 0.798g; Aspartic acid, 1.956g; Glutamic acid, 3.337g; Glycine, 0.646g; Proline, 1.403g; Serine, 1.121g. Other: alcohol, ethyl, 0.0g; Caffeine, 0mg; Theobromine, 0mg; Carotenes, alpha and beta, 0.0mcg; Cryptoxanthin, beta, 0mcg; Lycopene, 0mcg; Lutein and zeaxanthin, 0mcg. (Information taken from The National Agriculture Library’s USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 17 (2004) at http://www.nal.usda.gov). Purified Nattokinase Enzyme NSK-SDTM contains: Nattokinase enzyme, one capsule containing a standardized 100mg dosage provides 2,000 FU (Fibrin Units) guaranteed Vitamin K-free. |
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Suggested Amount: |
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A typical dosage of natto is 100g to 200g. Standardized extracts of nattokinase can also be taken, usually with a preventative dose corresponding to 2000 FU (fibrin units). Therapeutic dosages range from 4000-6000 FU daily. For therapeutic purposes it is important to use a high quality, researched nattokinase enzyme standardized for potency and guaranteed free of vitamin K to prevent bleeding side effects and contraindications. NSK-SDTM is a form of nattokinase that is made using a patented manufacturing process to remove virtually all of the vitamin K eliminating any potential adverse drug interactions with warfarin (Coumadin), a vitamin K antagonist drug typically used as an anticoagulant. |
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Drug Interactions: |
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Natto that naturally contains vitamin K can interfere with blood thinning drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin) and aspirin. Studies with purified nattokinase (without vitamin K) have found no tendencies toward bleeding compared with controls during surgical operations and it is said to be safe for concomitant use with blood thinners. However, we recommend patients who are on blood thinners and those who suffer from liver or kidney disease or are scheduled for surgery in the near future to consult a medical doctor or other health care practitioner. |
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Contraindications: |
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Natto is considered a safe traditional food when eaten in moderate amounts according to traditional use. However, nattokinase enzyme and/or excessive dosages of vitamin K are not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers without consultation with a medical doctor or until further research confirms their safety in typical preventive and therapeutic dosages. Studies with purified nattokinase (without vitamin K) have found no tendencies toward bleeding compared with controls during surgical operations and it is said to be safe for concomitant use with blood thinners. However, we recommend patients on blood thinners and those who suffer from liver or kidney disease or are scheduled for surgery in the near future to consult a medical doctor or other health care practitioner. |
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Side Effects: |
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Natto contains natural source vitamin K and can increase bleeding time if taken in excessive amounts. Studies with purified nattokinase enzyme (without vitamin K) have found no tendencies toward bleeding compared with controls during surgical operations and it is said to be safe for concomitant use with blood thinners. However, we recommend pregnant and nursing mothers or patients on blood thinners and those who suffer from liver or kidney disease or are scheduled for surgery in the near future to consult a medical doctor or other health care practitioner. |
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References: |
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Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Nicolaides AN, Ricci A, Geroulakos G, Ippolito E, Brandolini R, Vinciguerra G, Dugall M, Griffin M, Ruffini I, Acerbi G, Corsi M, Riordan NH, Stuard S, Bavera P, Di Renzo A, Kenyon J, Errichi BM. 2003. Prevention of venous thrombosis in long-haul flights with Flite Tabs: the LONFLIT-FLITE randomized, controlled trial. Angiology. 2003 Sep-Oct; 54(5): 531-9.
Maruyama, M. and H. Sumi 1995. Effect of Natto Diet on Blood Pressure. JTTAS, 1995.
Sumi H, Hamada H, Nakanishi K, Hiratani H. 1990. Enhancement of the fibrinolytic activity in plasma by oral administration of nattokinase. Acta Haematol. 1990; 84(3): 139-43.
Sumi H, Hamada H, Tsushima H, Mihara H, Muraki H. 1987. A novel fibrinolytic enzyme (nattokinase) in the vegetable cheese Natto; a typical and popular soybean food in the Japanese diet. Experientia. 1987 Oct 15; 43(10): 1110-1.
Suzuki Y, Kondo K, Ichise H, Tsukamoto Y, Urano T, Umemura K. 2003. Dietary supplementation with fermented soybeans suppresses intimal thickening. Nutrition. 2003 Mar; 19(3):261-4. |
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