Unlocking Nature’s Enzymes: Nattokinase and Serrapeptase

Systemic enzymes play a crucial role in supporting circulation, tissue comfort, and healthy inflammatory response.*

In this webinar, Dr. Kate Leavens, ND, LAc, explores two of the most clinically relevant systemic enzymes — nattokinase and serrapeptase — and how they support cardiovascular and whole-body health through their proteolytic activity.*

Watch the Webinar Replay

In this educational presentation, Dr. Leavens covers:

• The physiological roles of serine proteases and their effects on digestion, coagulation, and tissue remodeling*
• Research demonstrating nattokinase’s support for healthy blood flow, lipid metabolism, and vascular function*
• How serrapeptase supports the body’s natural inflammatory resolution and tissue recovery processes*
• Mechanisms by which these enzymes help maintain healthy fibrin levels and promote circulatory balance*
• Clinical insights into Enzyme Science’s NattokinasePro™ and Serrapeptase Pro™ — practitioner-formulated enzyme supplements designed for systemic support*

Understanding Serine Proteases: The Body’s Natural Protein Regulators

Both nattokinase and serrapeptase belong to the serine protease enzyme family, which uses the amino acid serine in its active site to cleave peptide bonds. These enzymes play key roles in the body’s maintenance systems — influencing digestion, blood flow, immune regulation, and tissue remodeling.*

Their proteolytic nature allows them to break down non-living or damaged tissue while leaving healthy cells intact, supporting the body’s natural mechanisms for repair and recovery.*

Nattokinase: Cardiovascular and Circulatory Support

Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme derived from the traditional Japanese fermented food natto (fermented soybeans using Bacillus subtilis natto).

Clinically, it supports healthy blood flow, vascular function, and lipid metabolism, making it a valuable tool for practitioners addressing cardiovascular wellness.*

Key Research Highlights

• 2022 Chinese Clinical Study:
  Participants taking 10,800 fibrinolytic units (FU) daily for 12 months experienced significant decreases in carotid artery wall thickness and plaque size — up to a 36% reduction in arterial plaque size and an 18% reduction in LDL cholesterol levels.*
  HDL cholesterol increased by approximately 16% over the same period.*
• Randomized Controlled Trial on Blood Pressure:
  Supplementation with 2,000 FU/day for 8 weeks supported healthy blood pressure levels, lowering systolic readings by an average of 13 mmHg and diastolic by 5 mmHg compared to placebo.*

These studies suggest that nattokinase supports vascular elasticity, healthy blood lipid profiles, and circulatory balance.*

NattokinasePro™ by Enzyme Science

NattokinasePro™ combines a potent, vitamin K–free nattokinase (NSK-SD®) with supporting enzymes to promote healthy fibrin metabolism and optimal blood flow.*

Each capsule provides 4,000 fibrinolytic units (FU), standardized for consistent potency and processed to remove vitamin K2 — making it suitable for individuals monitoring vitamin K intake.*

Serrapeptase: Tissue Recovery and Inflammatory Balance

Serrapeptase (also known as Serratiopeptidase) is a proteolytic enzyme originally isolated from the Serratia species found in the intestines of silkworms.

It supports the breakdown of protein-based debris, promoting healthy tissue recovery, fluid balance, and comfort following physical stress or injury.*

Serrapeptase has been clinically studied for its ability to reduce post-operative swelling, promote comfort, and maintain mobility.*

Clinical Evidence

• Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis:
  Multiple trials have demonstrated serrapeptase’s ability to reduce facial swelling, trismus (jaw stiffness), and post-surgical discomfort following dental procedures.*
  
  In comparative studies, serrapeptase performed as effectively as corticosteroids in reducing post-operative swelling after the initial 24-hour period — without the side effects associated with steroid use.*
• In Vitro Research on Biofilm Integrity:
  Serrapeptase inhibited the formation of bacterial biofilms in both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains, reducing biofilm density by up to 88% in certain concentrations.*
  
  This supports its role in maintaining tissue health and normal immune balance in the presence of environmental stressors.*

Serrapeptase by Enzyme Science

Enzyme Science’s Serrapeptase delivers a high-potency, vegan-formulated enzyme designed for optimal absorption and activity without the need for enteric coating.*

Each capsule provides 60,000 SU (serrapeptase units) with added mineral cofactors to support enzyme tolerance and gastrointestinal comfort.*

Clinical Comparison: When to Choose Each Enzyme

 

Practitioners may also combine both enzymes for synergistic support of vascular and systemic health in appropriate patient contexts.*