Written by Jessica Patella, ND. 86 men and women with high blood pressure were given nattokinase or a placebo. The nattokinase group had an average reduction of about 3.3%.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors in cardiovascular disease (4). Hypertension is known as the “silent killer” because of the lack of symptoms that can result in a heart attack or stroke. Hypertension affects approximately 50 million Americans and up to 1 billion people worldwide, making it a global public health problem (1). Research has found that supplementing with nattokinase may provide a natural option for hypertension (2).
Since the prevalence of cardiovascular disease is so low in Asia, traditional Asian foods have gained attention, especially soy (2). Natto is a fermented soy product that is a traditional Asian cheese-like food (3). The supplemental form of natto is called nattokinase, which was studied to determine its effects on hypertension.
The research included men and women from 20-80 years of age with an average systolic blood pressure of 130-159 mmHg, ranging from pre-hypertension to stage 1 hypertension. A total of 86 participants were included: 44 were randomly assigned to the nattokinase group and 42 were randomly assigned to the control group (2). The nattokinase group received one capsule of nattokinase (2,000FU per capsule) per day for 8 weeks, while the control group received one placebo capsule per day for 8 weeks (2).
After 8 weeks, the average reduction in systolic blood pressure was statistically significant in the nattokinase group at -13.26 +/- 1.75 mmHg (p=0.029) and was -7.7 +/- 1.77 mmHg in the control group.
After 8 weeks, the average reduction in diastolic blood pressure was also statistically significant in the nattokinase group at -5.67 +/-0.91 mmHg (p=0.027) and -2.82 +/- 0.85 mmHg in the control group.
In conclusion, nattokinase supplementation significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and hypertensive adults (2). These results provide evidence supporting supplementing nattokinase in preventing and possibly treating hypertension (2). Further research with more participants should be conducted to confirm these results.
*Nattokinase is the enzyme that is extracted from the Japanese food natto. Natto a form of fermented soybeans and the only source of nattokinase. Nattokinase decreases the ability of the blood to clot and therefore acts as a natural blood thinner. Natto can be found in Asian grocery stores and Nattokinase can be found in health food stores in the supplement section. Nattokinase supplements can range in price from $5-50 depending on the quality and strength.
Source: Kim, Ji Young, Si Nae Gum, Jean Kyung Paik, Hyo Hee Lim, Kyong-chol Kim, Kazuya Ogasawara, Kenichi Inoue, Sungha Park, Yangsoo Jang, and Jong Ho Lee. “Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial.” Hypertension Research 31, no. 8 (2008): 1583.
Posted December 22, 2014.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Kearney PM, et al. Global burden of hypertension: analysis of world-wide data. Lancet 2005; 365 (9455); 217-223.
- Kim JY, et al. Effects of Nattokinase on Blood Pressure: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Hypertens Res 2008; 31 (8); 1583-1588.
- Fujita M, et al. Characterization of Natookinase-degraded products from human fibrinogen or cross-linked fibrin. Fibrinolysis 1995; 9:157.
- Whelton PK, et al. National High Blood Pressure Education Program Coordinating Committee: Primary prevention of hypertension: clinical and public health advisory from The National High Blood Pressure Education Program. JAMA 2002; 288:1882-1888.
