Nattokinase is a perfect example. A serine protease enzyme, nattokinase is the most-researched heart-health enzyme and is a powerful fibrinolytic, meaning that it can support healthy blood flow by impeding clot formation and travel to organs.
What is NSK-SD®?
JBSL-USA’s nattokinase NSK-SD®, is a patented, branded, and studied enzyme produced from non-genetically modified soybeans fermented with a proprietary strain of Bacillus subtilis natto. In addition, all naturally occurring vitamin K2 is removed from NSK-SD® through a patented process, as K2 may interfere with warfarin and may increase blood coagulation.
“NSK-SD® boasts a scientific platform of 55 clinical studies of which 23 are human clinical trials exploring its efficacy in several areas,” said Vincent Hackel, chief executive officer of Guzen Development/JBSL-USA. Throughout the past 26 years, studies have allowed for the following health claims:
- Promotes overall cardiovascular health
- Promotes arterial health with strong fibrinolytic (thrombolytic) activity
- May promote normal blood pressure
- Promotes proper whole blood viscosity
- Increases blood circulation
- Promotes normal platelet aggregation
- Manages C-reactive protein (CRP)
NSK-SD® Cardio-Research Highlights
One of the most significant factors of concern about heart health is high diastolic and systolic blood pressure. In all six human studies, participants with varied blood pressure parameters (such as hypertension, risk of hypertension, high blood pressure and uncontrolled systolic hypertension) supplementation with NSK-SD® nattokinase was found to reduce systolic and diastolic readings.
Five human studies investigating NSK-SD’s role as a fibrinolytic in healthy adults all showed significant reductions in degradation of fibrins. “It is worth noting that immediately after an injury, a time when clotting is necessary, NSK-SD allows the body to heal without the potential for harm as it does not inhibit the formation of fibrin from fibrinogen,” said Hackel.
Three human studies on both healthy adults and a group showing spontaneous platelet aggregation caused by smoking or hyperlipemia, demonstrated that NSK-SD® supplementation helped inhibit platelet clumping. One study of healthy adults showed increased blood flow to the fingers and backs of hands, showing an improvement in blood viscosity, after just one dose of NSK-SD®.
Mechanistic research has found that NSK-SD® nattokinase promotes and protects overall cardiovascular health through the following activities:
- Enhances the production of Tissue Plasminogen Activator (t-PA)
- Reduces Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type 1 (PAI-1)
- Activates Pro-Urokinase
- Promotes normal clotting (directly degrades fibrin)
- Inhibits platelet and red blood cell aggregation
- Reduces production of C-reactive protein, a pro-inflammatory marker
In addition, NSK-SD® nattokinase:
- Is non-GMO, vegetarian and non-irradiated
- Has the highest proven potency of any vitamin K2-free nattokinase on the market
- Is recognized by the JHFA (Japan Health and Nutrition Food Authorization) and the JNKA (Japan Nattokinase Association) as authentic nattokinase
- Is the only EFSA-approved and Health Canada-approved nattokinase
- Is self-affirmed GRAS
JBSL will continue to generate two-to-three studies in 2025 to explore the value of NSK-SD® in heart health and in new areas of application. For example, a future potential area of NSK-SD® nattokinase product development opportunity is in the oral care category, with one study showing that it inhibits biofilm formation of cavity-forming streptococci. NSK-SD® nattokinase is proving itself to be a hearty enzyme.
Visit JBSL-USA at SupplySide West booth number 3842.