Menu
X

Nattokinase for long COVID

Last updated on August 13, 2024, 09:08 am

NATTOKINASE

 

What is nattokinase?

Nattokinase is a substance found in the Japanese dish natto, a staple in the Asian nation for centuries. Natto is a “vegetable cheese” made of fermented soybeans [[1]]. Eating natto is linked to reduced death from heart disease, owing to natto’s activity reducing coagulation and clotting. Researchers found that a natto extract contains an enzyme that prevents viral infection, such as that from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Lastly, nattokinase, part of natto, degrades the spike proteins of the novel coronavirus without being toxic to cells. Therefore, scientists believe that nattokinase can be used to protect cells [[2]].

 

What does nattokinase do in the body?

In the body, nattokinase has several functions. It acts as a fibrinolytic, which means that it breaks up blood clots. It is also an anticoagulant, which means that it plays a role in helping prevent blood clots. Lastly, it degrades the spike proteins found in the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2. However, the degradation is not specific to the novel coronavirus, which means that nattokinase may break down other proteins, too [[3]].

                                                                                            

How can nattokinase help alleviate certain Long COVID symptoms and/or pathophysiology? 

The outstanding aspect of nattokinase is its vascular effects, which are relevant to Long COVID patients. Nattokinase’s role in clotting and preventing clotting can combat post-COVID clotting disorders. Strokes and cardiac incidents are more common post-COVID, and coagulation abnormalities can be part of Long COVID [[4]].

 

Nattokinase also degrades the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 [[5]]. This can be useful because the virus can be found in Long COVID patients for some time after the acute disease phase.

 

What else should I know about nattokinase?

Some people are allergic to nattokinase, which can lead to skin irritation. Also, those patients taking anticoagulants should consult a doctor who can closely supervise their clotting before starting a nattokinase regimen [[6]].