Lumbrokinase vs. Nattokinase: What's the Difference?
You may be hearing a lot about lumbrokinase and Nattokinase. But what exactly are these two supplements? And how do they differ?
Lumbrokinase and Nattokinase are two powerful enzymes with many potential health benefits, especially when it comes to cardiovascular health. While their makeup and functions differ, both are known for their ability to break down fibrin, a protein related to blood clot formation. Understanding the specifics can help you make informed decisions about which supplement may be ideal for your individual health needs.
What is Lumbrokinase?
Lumbrokinase is a collective term for a group of six proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes. These enzymes are derived from the earthworm species Lumbricus rubellus and have been utilized in Asian countries for centuries, particularly in China. They’re known for their ability to dissolve fibrin.
What is Fibrin exactly?
Fibrin plays a crucial role in the body’s ability to form clots. Clotting is essential for stopping bleeding when you cut your skin or have an open wound. However, excessive fibrin can lead to abnormal blood clotting, contributing to various cardiovascular issues like heart attacks, strokes, and deep vein thrombosis. Lumbrokinase may break down excess fibrin, helping maintain a balance between necessary clotting and preventing dangerous clots from forming.
In addition to its fibrinolytic properties, lumbrokinase is believed to support blood circulation and reduce blood viscosity (thickness). By making the blood less sticky, blood flows more freely through the blood vessels. This reduces the strain on the heart and may lower the risk of clot-related complications.
Lumbrokinase may also provide neuroprotective support. What does that mean exactly? Ischemia (insufficient blood flow) is a common underlying cause of strokes and lumbrokinase may help protect brain cells from damage caused by this lack of blood flow.
Lumbrokinase is usually available in supplement form and is often recommended for individuals seeking natural ways to support blood clotting, heart and cerebrovascular health and overall circulation. Given its potent effects, it is typically advised to be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially for those who are already on blood-thinning medications or have existing health conditions.
Lumbrokinase Benefits
The primary benefit of lumbrokinase lies in its strong fibrinolytic activity (breaking down excessive fibrin, which can cause clots) and its ability to dissolve clots. The enzyme reduces the blood's thickness and stickiness, allowing it to flow more freely through the arteries and veins so every organ receives all the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function. Along with its potential benefits for those looking to support blood clotting and cardiovascular health, lumbrokinase can also help with:
Intra-Abdominal Adhesion
Lumbrokinase may help decrease the severity of intra-abdominal adhesion, a common complication following abdominal surgery. How? It stops the migrative and adhesive activities of fibroblasts through attenuation of the AP-1/ICAM-1 signaling pathway, thereby supporting wound healing without adverse effects.
By helping reduce the formation of adhesions, lumbrokinase can not only mitigate post-surgical complications but may also improve the overall recovery experience. This can potentially reduce the need for additional surgeries.
Antibacterial & Bone Regeneration
When paired with a supplement like a gelatin-tricalcium phosphate composite, lumbrokinase can have numerous benefits. The combination may support the reduction of Staphylococcus aureus growth (staph infection), biofilm formation, and negative inflammatory responses common in bone fractures.
Cognitive Decline
Lumbrokinase has shown potential in reducing the toxicity of what are known as amyloid-beta (Aβ) 1–42 peptides. These peptides are associated with Alzheimer's disease. Keep in mind, these learnings are still in the early stages of research but show promise
Vessel & Heart Support
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a condition caused by the narrowing or blockage of the arteries, particularly in the legs. This happens due to a buildup of substances in the artery walls (known as atherosclerosis) thateads to reduced blood flow to the extremities. PAD can cause pain, numbness, and in severe cases, tissue damage or ulcers.
Clinical research has shown that lumbrokinase can significantly increase the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)—a measurement used to evaluate blood flow in the legs. Improved ABI can support symptoms of PAD, reduce the risk of complications, and improve overall limb function.
What is Nattokinase?
Nattokinase is an enzyme extracted from natto, a traditional Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans. Natto has been a staple in Japanese diets for over a thousand years and is known for its health benefits, particularly in cardiovascular health. The fermentation process not only produces Nattokinase but also enhances the nutritional content of the soybeans, making the end product a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.
Nattokinase is a powerful fibrinolytic enzyme. It helps break down excessive fibrin in the blood, which can lead to blood clots. By breaking down this excess fibrin, Nattokinase supports healthy blood flow and can support cardiovascular health.
Nattokinase Benefits
Nattokinase is prized for its ability to support cardiovascular health and clot-related conditions. Other benefits include:
Oral Ingestion
What sets Nattokinase apart from other fibrinolytic agents is its ability to be taken orally and still be effective. Many enzymes are broken down in the digestive tract and lose their efficacy, but Nattokinase is stable and can enter the bloodstream totally intact.
Blood Pressure Support
Another significant benefit of Nattokinase is its potential to support blood pressure. Nattokinase inhibits the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which plays a role in constricting blood vessels. By inhibiting ACE, Nattokinase helps relax blood vessels, promoting better blood flow and reducing blood pressure.
Inflammation Support
Nattokinase also supports inflammation, which can help further protect against cardiovascular disease. Chronic inflammation is a key contributor to the development of heart disease, and by supporting inflammation, Nattokinase can help protect the heart and blood vessels. Additionally, there is some evidence that Nattokinase may help support sinus health by breaking down mucus and reducing inflammation in nasal passages.
Comparing Lumbrokinase vs. Nattokinase
Lumbrokinase and Nattokinase both offer significant benefits for cardiovascular health. But each enzyme has unique benefits depending on your individual health needs.
Fibrinolytic Activity
Both enzymes break down fibrin to prevent and dissolve blood clots, but lumbrokinase is often considered to be more potent on a per-milligram basis. This makes lumbrokinase particularly beneficial if you need immediate or acute blood clot management.
Additional Cardiovascular Benefits
Nattokinase offers additional heart-health benefits, particularly in supporting blood pressure and heart health. Its ability to help inhibit ACE makes it a natural option for those looking to support their blood pressure and achieve broader cardiovascular protection.
Supplementation Considerations
When choosing between lumbrokinase and Nattokinase, it’s important to consider your specific health goals. Lumbrokinase may be more appropriate if you need to support clot management, or have a history of stroke or deep vein thrombosis. Nattokinase, with its broader cardiovascular benefits, might be a better choice if you're looking for overall heart health support.
Ultimately, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before making a decision, , especially if you are already taking blood-thinning medications or have existing heart conditions.
Support A Healthy Lifestyle With Double Wood Supplements
At Double Wood Supplements, we are committed to providing high-quality, research-backed supplements to support your health and wellness goals. Our range of products includes both lumbrokinase and Nattokinase, carefully formulated to ensure maximum potency and effectiveness.
Whether you're looking to support cardiovascular health, circulation, or manage specific health concerns, Double Wood Supplements has the right product for you. Our lumbrokinase supplement is ideal for those who need potent fibrinolytic support, while our nattokinase supplement offers a broader range of cardiovascular benefits.
All of our supplements are made with premium ingredients and are rigorously tested for purity and potency. We are dedicated to helping you live a healthier, more balanced life through natural supplementation. Explore our collection today and find the perfect addition to your health regimen.
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Related sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6027826/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9100157/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4033347/
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/4bc600fa0dde3696a1a19184bbae61964f880820
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/31f565d6befcd0ea0317aa5959e78554e6aad091
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31353517/
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/91bd4a9ede05bd73ac0f0aa47aa9e85b421b499f
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35694981/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31642793/