Nattokinase is an enzyme derived from natto, a form of fermented soybeans. Evidence suggests that nattokinase has a number of health benefits. One of these health benefits might be to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Nattokianse may be able to protect from cardiovascular disease because it can lower blood pressure. For example, in one study, researchers investigated the effects of nattokinase in subjects with hypertension. Subjects were administered nattokinase at a dose of 2000 FU per day for 8 weeks. The results of the study showed that the subjects experienced significant reduction of -5.55 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and -2.84 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure. Therefore one of the mechanisms by which nattokinase might reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease is through modulation of blood pressure. However, it is not clear how nattokinase is able to reduce blood pressure. One suggestion is that nattokinase may act to inhibit the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE).
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
Kim, J. Y., Gum, S. N., Paik, J. K., Lim, H. H., Kim, K. C., Ogasawara, K., Inoue, K., Park, S., Jang, Y. and Lee, J. H. 2008. Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial. Hypertension Research. 31(8): 1583-1588
