Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme derived from natto (fermented soybeans) that directly breaks down fibrin to support cardiovascular health. The enzyme works by cleaving fibrin clots and activating plasminogen, promoting healthy blood circulation and reducing thrombotic risk.


Nattokinase is an enzyme derived from natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. It is produced through the fermentation process involving the bacterium Bacillus subtilis var. natto.
Clinical trials and observational studies support its role in cardiovascular health, particularly in promoting blood flow and reducing clot formation.

Typical dosage ranges from 100 to 200 mg per day. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
- Contains fibrinolytic activity, aiding in blood clot breakdown. - Rich in protein due to its soybean origin. - Contains vitamin K2, important for bone and cardiovascular health.
Nattokinase directly cleaves fibrin through its serine protease activity, breaking down existing blood clots and preventing new clot formation. The enzyme also activates tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and converts plasminogen to plasmin, enhancing the body's natural fibrinolytic system. Additionally, nattokinase inhibits plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), further promoting clot dissolution.
Human studies using 2000-6000 FU (fibrinolytic units) daily have demonstrated nattokinase's ability to reduce blood viscosity by 8-12% and improve circulation markers within 2-8 weeks. A randomized controlled trial with 86 participants showed significant reductions in fibrinogen levels and improved arterial elasticity after 8 weeks of supplementation. Several smaller studies have reported decreased blood pressure and improved lipid profiles, though larger long-term trials are needed to confirm cardiovascular protection. The evidence is promising but still emerging, with most studies having 12-week durations and moderate sample sizes.
Nattokinase can increase bleeding risk and should not be combined with anticoagulant medications like warfarin, heparin, or antiplatelet drugs without medical supervision. Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal upset, and rare cases of allergic reactions have been reported in individuals sensitive to soy products. The supplement should be discontinued at least 2 weeks before surgery due to bleeding concerns. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid nattokinase due to insufficient safety data, and individuals with bleeding disorders or recent strokes should consult healthcare providers before use.
10 documented interactions for Nattokinase. Click any row to read the full explanation. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
DANGER: Nattokinase is a powerful natural blood thinner. Taking it with Warfarin creates a seriously dangerous double blood-thinning effect that could cause uncontrolled or internal bleeding. This combination should be avoided unless specifically supervised by a hematologist.
What to do: Do NOT take Nattokinase with Warfarin unless your hematologist explicitly approves and monitors you closely. If already taking both, do not stop Warfarin abruptly — consult your doctor immediately to develop a safe plan. Stop Nattokinase at least 2 weeks before any surgery or dental procedure. If you experience any unusual bleeding, seek emergency medical care.
Timing: Take Warfarin as prescribed. Nattokinase can typically be taken with a meal, spaced 1-2 hours from the medication for clean absorption. Discuss this combination with your pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Full interaction details →DANGER: Nattokinase is a powerful natural blood thinner. Taking it with Apixaban creates a seriously dangerous double blood-thinning effect that could cause uncontrolled or internal bleeding. This combination should be avoided unless specifically supervised by a hematologist.
What to do: Do NOT take Nattokinase with Apixaban unless your hematologist explicitly approves and monitors you closely. If already taking both, do not stop Apixaban abruptly — consult your doctor immediately to develop a safe plan. Stop Nattokinase at least 2 weeks before any surgery or dental procedure. If you experience any unusual bleeding, seek emergency medical care.
Timing: Take Apixaban as prescribed. Nattokinase can typically be taken with a meal, spaced 1-2 hours from the medication for clean absorption. Discuss this combination with your pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Full interaction details →DANGER: Nattokinase is a powerful natural blood thinner. Taking it with Rivaroxaban creates a seriously dangerous double blood-thinning effect that could cause uncontrolled or internal bleeding. This combination should be avoided unless specifically supervised by a hematologist.
What to do: Do NOT take Nattokinase with Rivaroxaban unless your hematologist explicitly approves and monitors you closely. If already taking both, do not stop Rivaroxaban abruptly — consult your doctor immediately to develop a safe plan. Stop Nattokinase at least 2 weeks before any surgery or dental procedure. If you experience any unusual bleeding, seek emergency medical care.
Timing: Take Rivaroxaban as prescribed. Nattokinase can typically be taken with a meal, spaced 1-2 hours from the medication for clean absorption. Discuss this combination with your pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Full interaction details →DANGER: Nattokinase is a powerful natural blood thinner. Taking it with Clopidogrel creates a seriously dangerous double blood-thinning effect that could cause uncontrolled or internal bleeding. This combination should be avoided unless specifically supervised by a hematologist.
What to do: Do NOT take Nattokinase with Clopidogrel unless your hematologist explicitly approves and monitors you closely. If already taking both, do not stop Clopidogrel abruptly — consult your doctor immediately to develop a safe plan. Stop Nattokinase at least 2 weeks before any surgery or dental procedure. If you experience any unusual bleeding, seek emergency medical care.
Timing: Take Clopidogrel as prescribed. Nattokinase can typically be taken with a meal, spaced 1-2 hours from the medication for clean absorption. Discuss this combination with your pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Full interaction details →DANGER: Nattokinase is a powerful natural blood thinner. Taking it with Aspirin creates a seriously dangerous double blood-thinning effect that could cause uncontrolled or internal bleeding. This combination should be avoided unless specifically supervised by a hematologist.
What to do: Do NOT take Nattokinase with Aspirin unless your hematologist explicitly approves and monitors you closely. If already taking both, do not stop Aspirin abruptly — consult your doctor immediately to develop a safe plan. Stop Nattokinase at least 2 weeks before any surgery or dental procedure. If you experience any unusual bleeding, seek emergency medical care.
Timing: Take Aspirin as prescribed. Nattokinase can typically be taken with a meal, spaced 1-2 hours from the medication for clean absorption. Discuss this combination with your pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Full interaction details →Combining Nattokinase with Ibuprofen increases your bleeding risk. Nattokinase thins blood by breaking down clotting factors, while Ibuprofen also affects platelet function. Together they may cause excessive bruising or bleeding.
What to do: Talk to your doctor before combining Nattokinase with Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen blocks COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, impairing thromboxane A2 production in platelets and reducing clot formation. Nattokinase independently breaks down fibrin. Together they create a two-hit anticoagulant effect. Take them at least 2 hours apart if approved by your doctor. Watch for black/tarry stools (GI bleeding), unusual bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding. Acetaminophen is a safer pain reliever with nattokinase since it does not affect platelet function.
Timing: Take Ibuprofen as prescribed. Nattokinase can typically be taken with a meal, spaced 1-2 hours from the medication for clean absorption. Discuss this combination with your pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Full interaction details →Combining Nattokinase with Naproxen increases your bleeding risk. Nattokinase thins blood by breaking down clotting factors, while Naproxen also affects platelet function. Together they may cause excessive bruising or bleeding.
What to do: Consult your doctor before using Nattokinase with Naproxen. Naproxen has a longer half-life (12-17 hours) than most NSAIDs, meaning its platelet-inhibiting effects persist throughout the day. This extended anti-platelet action combined with nattokinase's fibrinolytic activity creates prolonged bleeding risk compared to shorter-acting NSAIDs. If you take naproxen for chronic conditions like arthritis, consider switching to acetaminophen for pain management while using nattokinase. Report any nosebleeds, blood in urine, or prolonged bleeding from minor wounds.
Timing: Take Naproxen as prescribed. Nattokinase can typically be taken with a meal, spaced 1-2 hours from the medication for clean absorption. Discuss this combination with your pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Full interaction details →Combining Nattokinase with Celecoxib increases your bleeding risk. Nattokinase thins blood by breaking down clotting factors, while Celecoxib also affects platelet function. Together they may cause excessive bruising or bleeding.
What to do: Ask your doctor before combining Nattokinase with Celecoxib. Celecoxib (Celebrex) is a COX-2 selective NSAID with less platelet effect than traditional NSAIDs — but it still carries some bleeding risk, especially at higher doses. The combination with nattokinase's fibrin-dissolving action may be better tolerated than with non-selective NSAIDs, but still warrants monitoring. Celecoxib also has cardiovascular risks at higher doses. If you take it for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, discuss whether nattokinase supplementation is appropriate given your overall cardiovascular risk profile.
Timing: Take Celecoxib as prescribed. Nattokinase can typically be taken with a meal, spaced 1-2 hours from the medication for clean absorption. Discuss this combination with your pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Full interaction details →Combining Nattokinase with Meloxicam increases your bleeding risk. Nattokinase thins blood by breaking down clotting factors, while Meloxicam also affects platelet function. Together they may cause excessive bruising or bleeding.
What to do: Speak with your doctor before taking Nattokinase alongside Meloxicam. Meloxicam is a preferential COX-2 inhibitor prescribed once daily (7.5-15mg) for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Its long half-life of about 20 hours means platelet effects last all day. While meloxicam has somewhat less platelet impact than ibuprofen or naproxen, nattokinase's independent fibrinolytic action still creates additive bleeding risk. Monitor for easy bruising, dark stools, and gum bleeding. If you need an anti-inflammatory, discuss the safest option with your prescriber.
Timing: Take Meloxicam as prescribed. Nattokinase can typically be taken with a meal, spaced 1-2 hours from the medication for clean absorption. Discuss this combination with your pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Full interaction details →Combining Nattokinase with Diclofenac increases your bleeding risk. Nattokinase thins blood by breaking down clotting factors, while Diclofenac also affects platelet function. Together they may cause excessive bruising or bleeding.
What to do: Consult your prescriber before using Nattokinase with Diclofenac. Diclofenac is available in oral, topical (Voltaren gel), and injectable forms. Oral diclofenac significantly inhibits platelet aggregation and has one of the highest GI bleeding risks among NSAIDs. Even topical diclofenac has some systemic absorption. Combined with nattokinase's fibrinolytic effects, the bleeding risk is clinically meaningful. If you use topical Voltaren gel for joint pain, the interaction risk is lower but not zero. Acetaminophen or topical capsaicin are safer pain alternatives while taking nattokinase.
Timing: Take Diclofenac as prescribed. Nattokinase can typically be taken with a meal, spaced 1-2 hours from the medication for clean absorption. Discuss this combination with your pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Full interaction details →Educational information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before changing your supplement or medication regimen.