What is Nattokinase?
Nattokinase (NK) is a naturally occurring enzyme that has become a popular choice in the world of dietary supplements for its purported health benefits, particularly in promoting cardiovascular wellness.
It is derived from natto, a traditional Japanese dish made by fermenting soybeans with the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi first isolated this enzyme in 1987 and explored its unique properties related to protein breakdown in the body.
Origins
Nattokinase has its roots in traditional Japanese cuisine and medicine. For centuries, natto has been a dietary staple in Japan, renowned for its nutrient-rich profile and potential health benefits.
The fermentation process that produces natto breaks down soybean proteins and releases nattokinase. This enzyme is then extracted, purified, and made available as a dietary supplement, typically in capsule or tablet form.
Key Properties of Nattokinase
Nattokinase is believed to have fibrinolytic properties, which may promote healthy circulation and dissolve protein in the body. In general, it may be used as a natural supplement for those seeking to improve heart health and maintain healthy blood flow. Here’s why people are drawn to it:
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Fibrinolytic Enzyme: Research shows nattokinase may have fibrinolytic properties, supporting the body’s natural ability to maintain healthy blood flow and balance fibrin levels for overall circulatory health.1
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Natural Origins: Unlike synthetic blood thinners, nattokinase is a naturally derived compound with a history of use in traditional foods.
How Nattokinase Works
Nattokinase is a unique enzyme that supports cardiovascular health by aiding the body’s natural processes. It helps maintain healthy fibrin levels, a fibrous protein involved in the body’s natural clotting functions. Balanced fibrin levels are important for overall cardiovascular health.
Nattokinase also encourages plasmin function. Plasmin is an enzyme naturally produced by the body that regulates fibrin levels. By promoting healthy plasmin activity, Nattokinase supports the body’s natural circulatory functions.
Nattokinase Benefits
Nattokinase is recognized for its role in supporting cardiovascular wellness, making it a popular choice among those seeking natural support for heart health. It may offer users the following benefits:
Supports Healthy Circulation
By supporting the body’s natural fibrin balance, nattokinase helps maintain healthy circulation, as mentioned above.
In fact, recent research has explored the use of nattokinase in antithrombotic applications, and it is currently undergoing clinical trials in the United States to further investigate its potential benefits in this area.2
Regular supplementation of Nattokinase may support healthy blood flow, especially during long periods of inactivity like extended flights or bed rest.
Supports Blood Vessel Health
One of the standout effects of nattokinase is its potential to promote vascular health and function.
The enzyme may contribute to maintaining the flexibility and elasticity of blood vessels, contributing to overall cardiovascular wellness.
Promotes Overall Wellness
Nattokinase also aids in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs, which supports normal bodily functions and may contribute to overall wellness and vitality in users.
More specifically, by promoting normal blood flow to the brain, NK may help maintain healthy cognitive function.
In addition, its role in balancing fibrin levels may contribute to healthy inflammation levels and potentially support a healthy immune response throughout the body.
Now that we have a better idea of Nattokinase, how about Serrapeptase?
What is Serrapeptase?
Serrapeptase, also known as serratiopeptidase, is a proteolytic enzyme with protein-dissolving capabilities. Originally discovered in the intestines of silkworms, this enzyme plays a crucial role in helping them digest and dissolve their protective silk cocoons during their metamorphosis into moths.
Today, serrapeptase is manufactured through microbial fermentation and is used as a dietary supplement due to its potential health benefits, particularly for helping support a healthy inflammatory response, respiratory health, and the body’s natural recovery processes.3
Origins
Serrapeptase was first isolated from the gut bacteria of silkworms and later produced through controlled fermentation using the microorganism Serratia marcescens. This modern manufacturing process ensures the enzyme is produced in a highly pure and sustainable form, suitable for human consumption.
Unlike its origins in silkworms, current production methods rely entirely on microbial synthesis, ensuring a vegetarian-friendly and consistent supply for supplements.
Key Properties of Serrapeptase
Serrapeptase is distinguished by its ability to break down non-living proteins without affecting living tissue. This property makes it especially effective in supporting overall wellness, aiding in the body’s natural breakdown of mucus, and maintaining healthy tissue.
It is often used to support joint health and recovery, as well as promote respiratory comfort and well-being.
Mechanism of Action
The enzyme works by targeting non-living protein-based substances, such as dead or damaged tissue, mucus, and inflammatory proteins, breaking them down into smaller components that the body can naturally eliminate.
Serrapeptase is believed to support the body’s immune response and help maintain a healthy inflammatory balance. Additionally, its proteolytic action may help thin mucus and support healthy respiratory function.
Serrapeptase Benefits
Serrapeptase offers a variety of potential benefits, making it a popular choice for those seeking natural support for respiratory health, recovery, and overall well-being.
Promotes Clear Airways
Serrapeptase’s ability to support healthy mucus levels makes it a beneficial supplement for respiratory health.
By helping to thin and break down excess mucus, serrapeptase may support clear airways and promote easier breathing for individuals with respiratory and sinus-related concerns.
Supports Cardiovascular Health
Emerging research suggests that serrapeptase may contribute to cardiovascular wellness by supporting healthy blood flow. It is believed to aid the body’s natural process for dissolving arterial plaque, which may promote better circulation.3
Additionally, by breaking down non-living tissue, serrapeptase may enhance blood flow, facilitating improved oxygen delivery throughout the body.
Aids in Scar Tissue Breakdown
Serrapeptase’s ability to target non-living proteins makes it effective in supporting the breakdown of scar tissue. It may help minimize the appearance of keloid scars and fibrotic tissue, promoting the healing process.
Plus, it may help with the breakdown of excess fibrous tissue, supporting more efficient and less restrictive healing after injuries.
Aids in Wound Healing
Serrapeptase supports the body’s natural healing processes by assisting in the breakdown of non-living tissue and promoting healthy circulation. With these functions, serrapeptase may help manage swelling and discomfort, which can support a smoother recovery process.
It could also help maintain normal tissue formation, potentially reducing the likelihood of adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that can form after surgery or injury.
Promotes Natural Defenses
Serrapeptase may support the body’s natural defense mechanisms by helping it break down biofilms, which are protective layers created by bacteria to evade the immune system.
By helping in the dissolution of biofilms, serrapeptase may help expose bacteria to the immune system or antibiotics, potentially improving the effectiveness of treatments.
Finally, its ability to thin mucus may help reduce the risk of respiratory infections by promoting the clearing of bacterial buildup in the airways.
Supports Women’s Health
Serrapeptase may support women’s health by assisting in the body’s natural processes related to certain reproductive health concerns.
Since it is believed to help maintain a balanced inflammatory response and support the breakdown of fibrous tissue. This may be helpful for individuals who have tissue similar to uterine lining growing outside of the uterus. Serrapeptase may encourage the body’s natural healing processes by targeting non-living tissue, which is sometimes associated with fibroids.
General Wellness and Vitality
Serrapeptase may contribute to general wellness by supporting healthy circulation, a balanced inflammatory response, and aiding the body’s natural repair processes. These benefits can help support natural energy levels and vitality.
Also, serrapeptase’s role in promoting tissue regeneration and minimizing scar tissue may support skin health concerning texture and appearance.
Comparing Nattokinase and Serrapeptase
While both nattokinase and serrapeptase offer unique health benefits, their mechanisms and primary applications differ:
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Primary Action: Nattokinase supports cardiovascular health by helping to promote healthy blood flow and break down fibrin, while serrapeptase is recognized for its potential to support a balanced inflammatory response and assist with mucus thinning.
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Target Conditions: Nattokinase is commonly used for heart and circulation health, whereas serrapeptase is often favored for supporting inflammatory response, respiratory and tissue health.
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Mechanisms: Nattokinase works on fibrin and plasmin, while serrapeptase targets non-living proteins.
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Related sources
[1] https://academic.oup.com/ajhp/article-abstract/63/12/1121/5135959
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5372539/
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7585045/