Enhancement of the fibrinolytic activity in plasma by oral administration of nattokinase

Acta Haematol. 1990;84(3):139-43. doi: 10.1159/000205051.

Abstract

The existence of a potent fibrinolytic enzyme (nattokinase, NK) in the traditional fermented food called 'natto', was reported by us previously. It was confirmed that oral administration of NK (or natto) produced a mild and frequent enhancement of the fibrinolytic activity in the plasma, as indicated by the fibrinolytic parameters, and the production of tissue plasminogen activator. NK capsules were also administered orally to dogs with experimentally induced thrombosis, and lysis of the thrombi was observed by angiography. The results obtained suggest that NK represents a possible drug for use not only in the treatment of embolism but also in the prevention of the disease, since NK has a proven safety and can be massproduced.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Fibrinolysis / drug effects*
  • Fibrinolytic Agents* / administration & dosage
  • Fibrinolytic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Glycine max
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Serine Endopeptidases / administration & dosage
  • Serine Endopeptidases / pharmacology*
  • Serine Endopeptidases / therapeutic use
  • Subtilisins*
  • Thrombosis / drug therapy
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator / drug effects

Substances

  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Serine Endopeptidases
  • Subtilisins
  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator
  • nattokinase