It is considered one of the healthiest foods in the world and one of the reasons for the longevity and good cardiovascular health of the Japanese: natto. This vegetable cheese made from fermented soybeans is a true powerhouse; it is easy to digest and, in addition to various enzymes, also contains many proteins, vitamins, soy isoflavones, and probiotic bacteria. Above all, the enzyme nattokinase has been on everyone’s lips in our part of the world as a natural blood thinner, especially since the pandemic. But does this super enzyme live up to its promises? And why is its interaction with dandelion so special?
\nSince ancient times, people in Japan have sworn by the vegetarian cheese called natto – as an everyday dish, but also as a traditional remedy. This plant-based cheese is fermented from cooked or steamed soybeans with the help of the bacterium Bacillus subtilis.
It was not until 1987 that Japanese researcher Hiroyuki Sumi discovered the reason for natto’s outstanding health properties: the protein-splitting enzyme nattokinase. Since then, nattokinase has attracted great attention from research and naturopathy. Not least because numerous Western studies confirm its many positive effects on our health, especially cardiovascular health. (1) (2) (3)
Like the body’s own enzymes plasmin and thrombin, which are involved in blood clotting, nattokinase belongs to the group of proteases, i.e. enzymes that split proteins into smaller building blocks. When taken orally, it passes through the wall of the small intestine and enters the bloodstream, where it is involved in many metabolic processes throughout the entire organism.
\nThe most important property of nattokinase: thanks to its strong fibrinolytic and thrombolytic activity (i.e. the body’s own dissolution of blood clots), the enzyme contributes to the breakdown of fibrin-containing, unwanted cellular components and thus to the maintenance of normal blood flow. (4) (5) (6)
Nattokinase therefore offers great hope for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with increased blood coagulability. The insidious thing about these conditions is that functional clotting problems often lead to internal damage long before the actual disease becomes noticeable. (4) Here, nattokinase offers a range of health benefits through its blood pressure-lowering, anti-atherosclerotic, lipid-lowering, antiplatelet, and neuroprotective properties (1).
In naturopathy, the enzyme is therefore used, among other things, to stabilize blood pressure (7), to prevent or treat varicose veins, thrombosis, heart attack, and stroke, in cases of arteriosclerosis (8), but also for diseases that are not necessarily associated with the circulatory system, such as fibromyalgia, endometriosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, or infertility. (9)
\n![\"3D](\"/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/zitat-thrombose-nattokinase.jpg\")
Good to know!
\n\n\n\nThe water-insoluble protein fibrin is a kind of “glue” with which our body stops bleeding and seals wounds. However, fibrin can also clump together with platelets, which can lead to thrombosis, heart attack, or stroke. Numerous in vitro experiments and clinical studies suggest that nattokinase can prevent and even dissolve such blood clots, thereby helping to improve blood circulation and the oxygen supply to tissues.
\nNattokinase therefore offers great hope for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with increased blood coagulability. The insidious thing about these conditions is that functional clotting problems often lead to internal damage long before the actual disease becomes noticeable. Here, nattokinase offers a range of health benefits through its blood pressure-lowering, anti-atherosclerotic, lipid-lowering, antiplatelet, and neuroprotective properties.
In naturopathy, the enzyme is therefore used, among other things, to stabilize blood pressure, to prevent or treat varicose veins, thrombosis, heart attack, and stroke, in cases of arteriosclerosis, but also for diseases that are not necessarily associated with the circulatory system, such as fibromyalgia, endometriosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, or infertility.
In many areas, nattokinase research is still in its infancy. Further exciting results can be expected in the coming years.
\n![\"Glowing](\"/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/krankheit-entzuendungen.png\")
More and more evidence points to a comprehensive interaction between the body’s own inflammatory and coagulation systems, which strongly influence each other. Oxidative stress is considered one of the main triggers for changes in blood clotting and for inflammation.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to its anticoagulant properties, studies have also shown that nattokinase has a positive effect on inflammation and oxidative stress. It could help reduce inflammation in the body and thus prevent and treat associated diseases.
\n![\"Hands](\"/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/krankheit-leber.png\")
There is evidence that nattokinase improves liver function and supports it in breaking down and eliminating harmful substances. Through its anti-inflammatory properties, the enzyme could thus help protect the liver and reduce chronic liver inflammation (hepatitis) as well as liver fibrosis.
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