A traditional Japanese vegetable–derived cheese used for over 1,000 years, natto has been prized for both its popular taste and vascular support properties. Natto is produced by a fermentation process when Bacillus natto (also known as Bacillus subtilis natto) is added to boiled soybeans. Nattokinase, a fibrinolytic enyzme isolated from natto, helps to maintain healthy activity of the body's natural clotting and fibrinolytic processes. This enzyme has demonstrated enhanced oral fibrinolytic potential when compared with other fibrinolytic enzymes from over 200 foods. Fibrinolysis is a natural physiological process. As the body ages, however, endogenous fibrinolytic activity declines. One study suggested that nattokinase maintains healthy plasminogen activator inhibitor activity, supporting healthy fibrinolytic function. Nattokinase may also metabolize fibrin in much the same way as plasmin. In another study, nattokinase provided positive support for healthy circulation in animals. In an additional animal study conducted by Biotechnology Research Laboratories and JCR Pharmaceuticals of Kobe, Japan, nattokinase promoted healthy blood flow. Furthermore, researchers from JCR Pharmaceuticals, Oklahoma State University and Miyazaki Medical College examined the effect of nattokinase from natto food consumption in 12 healthy Japanese participants. The results suggested that natto supported healthy clotting function compared to placebo. In 1995, scientists at the Miyazaki Medical College and Kurashiki University in Japan demonstrated the potential for nattokinase to support blood vessel health in human subjects. Nattokinase is water–soluble and absorbed via alpha–2 macroglobulins in the intestines. It has demonstrated the ability to be absorbed without the need for enteric coating, as it is stable under gastric conditions. A single oral dose toxicity study of nattokinase in animals suggested that doses of nattokinase hundreds of times greater than that used for human supplementation has been shown to be safe. This product is contraindicated for individuals with a history of bleeding tendency or with conditions associated with bleeding. Due to potential synergistic effects, concurrent use with anticoagulant and blood pressure medications should be closely supervised by a health professional.
NSK–SD™ is a highly purified fibrinolytic enzyme that has demonstrated encouraging potential for supporting endogenous fibrinolytic activity and promoting healthy blood flow, circulation, and blood vessel function. Pure Encapsulations NSK– SD™ is standardized to contain a minimum of 20,000 FU (fibrinolytic units) per gram.
each vegetable capsule contains:
nattokinase (2000 FU) (soy) 100 mg.
vitamin C (as ascorbyl palmitate) 5 mg.
(hypo-allergenic plant fiber added to complete capsule volume requirement)
1 capsule 2 times per day, 12 hours apart, with or between meals.
