Nattokinase seems to have some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can contribute to cardioprotection,[1] but its claim to fame is its ability to reduce blood clotting. Nattokinase seems to reduce blood clotting by breaking down fibrin (a molecule that entangles platelets and creates blood clots) by degrading plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1, a protein that makes clotting more efficient). PAI-1 disables plasminogen activators (PAs), including tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), a serine protease which is administered therapeutically to break up blood clots in conditions such as ischemic stroke and heart attack.[1][2] Studies in humans have shown that ingesting a single dose of nattokinase increases blood levels of tPA for about 3 hours,[3] while regular administration (taking 1,300 mg of nattokinase 3 times daily for 8 days) seems to gradually increase tPA in the blood over time.[4]
How does nattokinase work?
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•Last Updated: February 27, 2025