Nattokinase and Longevity
Summary
- Nattokinase is a serine protease produced during natto fermentation by Bacillus subtilis var. natto.
- Nattokinase has been studied primarily for its fibrinolytic activity and cardiovascular-related effects.
- Nattokinase has been associated with modest blood pressure-related effects in some human studies.
- Nattokinase has shown additional effects in preclinical research, but evidence beyond cardiovascular biomarkers remains limited in humans.
Nattokinase Impacts Aging Via
The role of Nattokinase in aging and longevity
Nattokinase is a serine protease produced during the fermentation of natto by Bacillus subtilis var. natto (R; R). It is derived from natto, a traditional fermented soybean food that also contains protein, minerals, and vitamins, including vitamin K2.
Nattokinase has been studied primarily for its fibrinolytic activity and cardiovascular-related effects (R). Human studies have reported modest effects on blood pressure-related measures in some populations, while broader effects across cardiovascular biomarkers remain mixed (R; R).
Impact of nattokinase on cardiovascular health
Nattokinase has been studied primarily for its effects on fibrinolysis, coagulation-related biomarkers, and blood pressure. Human trials suggest that nattokinase may influence some cardiovascular risk markers, although findings vary by population, dose, and study design. (R; R)
In a clinical study published by (R) , adults who consumed nattokinase for 2 months showed reductions in fibrinogen, factor VII, and factor VIII, which are biomarkers involved in coagulation. However, that study did not report significant improvements in blood lipids.
In another randomized trial, (R) reported that 8 weeks of nattokinase supplementation increased collagen-epinephrine closure time and activated partial thromboplastin time relative to placebo, suggesting an effect on hemostatic function. These findings support an effect on coagulation-related measures, but they do not demonstrate reduced plaque formation or prevention of arterial disease.
Some human studies have also reported modest blood pressure-related effects. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, (R) found that nattokinase supplementation was associated with reductions in diastolic blood pressure and changes in von Willebrand factor in adults with elevated blood pressure.
Evidence for lipid-related effects is less consistent. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis by (R) concluded that nattokinase supplementation was associated with modest reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, but lower-dose supplementation did not show a consistent lipid-lowering effect.
Overall, nattokinase shows the strongest human evidence for effects on fibrinolytic and coagulation-related biomarkers, with some evidence for modest blood pressure-related benefits in certain populations. Broader cardiovascular effects, particularly on blood lipids, remain more mixed across studies. (R; R; R)
Impact of nattokinase on brain health
Evidence for nattokinase and brain health is currently limited to preclinical research. In animal models, nattokinase has been studied for its effects on pathways related to protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal signaling, but these findings do not establish cognitive or neurological benefits in humans.
In a mouse study, (R) reported that 27 days of nattokinase administration attenuated β-amyloid-induced learning and memory impairment and was associated with restoration of BDNF signaling and reductions in neuroinflammatory markers. These findings suggest a possible effect on brain-related pathways in an Alzheimer’s-like animal model, but they should not be interpreted as evidence that nattokinase supports brain health or delays brain aging in humans.
In a separate rat study, (R) found that nattokinase attenuated bisphenol A- or gamma irradiation-mediated neural toxicity and was associated with changes in amyloid-beta, tau, inflammatory mediators, and Nrf2-related antioxidant signaling. However, this was a toxicity model in rats rather than a human aging study, so it is more appropriate to describe these results as preclinical mechanistic evidence.
Taken together, these studies suggest that nattokinase may influence pathways related to proteostasis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation in animal models. At present, evidence for brain-related effects remains preclinical, and human studies are needed before any conclusions can be made about cognitive aging or brain health support.
Nattokinase in Humans
At 1 serving of NOVOS Vital (4 gummies, providing 2,000 FU of nattokinase), human studies have reported effects on blood pressure-related and coagulation-related biomarkers. In healthy young men, a single 2,000 FU dose was associated with acute changes in fibrinolysis- and coagulation-related markers, including D-dimer, fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products, aPTT, antithrombin, and factor VIII activity in (R). In an 8-week randomized trial, (R) reported increases in collagen-epinephrine closure time and aPTT after 2,000 FU/day.
At the same 2,000 FU daily dose, nattokinase has also been associated with healthy blood pressure-related measures in some human studies. In adults with pre-hypertension or stage 1 hypertension, (R) reported significant reductions in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and plasma renin activity after 8 weeks. In a separate trial, (R) reported a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure after 8 weeks of supplementation.
At 2 servings of NOVOS Vital (8 gummies, providing 4,000 FU of nattokinase), a 2-month human clinical trial reported additional effects on coagulation-related biomarkers. In (R), supplementation with 4,000 FU/day was associated with significant reductions in fibrinogen, factor VII, and factor VIII. This study was an open-label, self-controlled clinical trial rather than a randomized placebo-controlled trial, so these findings are best interpreted as supportive human evidence.
Allergy information
Consumption of natto may trigger allergic reactions in a small proportion of people. In a case series, (R) reported late-onset allergic reactions after natto ingestion, with symptom onset occurring 5 to 14 hours after consumption and a mean onset time of 9.6 hours. The affected individuals also tested positive on skin prick-prick testing with fermented soybeans.
More recent research suggests that natto allergy may involve more than one allergen. While poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA) in the sticky coating of natto has previously been identified as one causative allergen, (R) reported that nattokinase itself can also act as an allergen in some natto-allergic patients, particularly in cases that were negative for PGA on skin testing.
Taken together, these findings suggest that individuals with soy or natto allergy should use caution with nattokinase-containing products, as allergic responses may be related to different components of natto, including PGA and nattokinase.
NOVOS VITAL & Nattokinase
NOVOS Vital contains 2000 fibrinolytic units of this powerful ingredient, nattokinase, along with six other scientifically researched ingredients that target vital organ health. Together, these ingredients work to optimize your brain, eyes, gut, kidneys, liver, muscles, and heart. NOVOS Vital is a low calorie and low sugar chew that provides a healthy alternative for a sweet treat.
