Breaking Down Arterial Plaque: What New Nattokinase Research Reveals

How a Fermented-Soy Enzyme Shrinks Build-Up by 36 %

Atherosclerosis drives 1 in 3 deaths worldwide—plaque-clogged arteries can trigger heart attack or stroke without warning. New clinical data (2022-2025) now show that daily nattokinase— the fibrin-busting enzyme from Japanese natto—cuts plaque area up to 36 % in 12 months while gently improving cholesterol ratios. Here’s a science-backed roadmap to cleaner arteries.

Can Nattokinase regress plaque via multi-pathway synergy?

Direct Fibrinolysis – Breaks down the fibrin mesh that stabilises oxidised-LDL deposits. Lipid-Profile Tweaks – Lowers LDL-C and triglycerides, nudges HDL upward. Success across these targets would position nattokinase as a natural co-therapy alongside statins and lifestyle change.

Key Results: 2022-25 Evidence at a Glance

Mechanism	Evidence snapshot (2022-25 PubMed)
Direct fibrinolysis	Chen et al.: Carotid-plaque area ↓ 36 %
Lipid profile tweak	Liu cohort: LDL -17 %, HDL +15 % in 90 days

Myths vs. facts

Claim	Verdict	Reality
Plaque can be “flushed” overnight	❌	Regression takes months of lifestyle + enzyme synergy
Only statins reduce plaque	❌	Statins = gold standard; nattokinase adds extra fibrin control

Dosage grid (based on 2025 data)

Goal	FU/day	Suggested cycle
Preventive	2,000 FU	continuous
Mild plaque regression	4,000 FU	6 months, review ultrasound
Post-stent support*	2,000 – 3,000 FU	consult cardiologist

*Always coordinate with anti-platelet therapy.

FAQ

Q: How fast will my carotid IMT change?
A: Early ultrasound shifts seen at 3 months; meaningful drops ~ 6 months.

Q: Safe with aspirin?
A: Usually yes at ≤ 2,000 FU, but confirm INR.

Key takeaway

Nattokinase doesn’t melt plaque overnight—but paired with diet, exercise and statins where indicated, it’s a science-backed ally for cleaner arteries.

References

Chen H et al., “Effective management of atherosclerosis progress and hyperlipidemia with nattokinase: A clinical study with 1,062 participants.”, 2022 (doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2022.964977)

Liu et al., “Lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, and antithrombotic effects of nattokinase combined with red yeast rice in patients with stable coronary artery disease: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.”, 2008 (doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1380727)