Nattokinase Dissolves Long-COVID Microclots: New Study

Persistent “fibrinaloid” microclots are emerging as a driver of Long COVID and other thrombo-inflammatory disorders. A 2024 peer-reviewed study from the University of Liverpool and Stellenbosch University pairs automated microscopy with recombinant nattokinase to reveal how this soy-fermented enzyme dismantles those stubborn clots in real time.

Specific Aim — Can Nattokinase Break Down Amyloid-Like Fibrin Clots?

Researchers set out to quantify—in minutes rather than days—whether nattokinase can:

Lower the number and fluorescent intensity of Thioflavin-T-positive fibrinaloid microclots.
Shrink clot size under static and flow-like (shaking) conditions that mimic blood circulation.

Key Results — Faster Long-COVID Microclot Clearance

Endpoint	Control (no NK)	Vehicle (PBS)	Nattokinase 14 ng µL⁻¹ & 28 ng µL⁻¹	Outcome vs. Control (2 h)
Median clot count	Rising, then plateau	Similar to control	≈ 50 % drop at both doses	p = 0.0014 – 0.0003
Median clot intensity	High fluorescence	Slight fall	70 – 80 % lower	p = 0.015 – 0.0008
Median clot size	Gradual growth	Slight growth	Stabilised, no over-growth	Not significantly different (p > 0.12)

Flow (shaking) further decreased clot number but enlarged aggregate size, underscoring the importance of shear forces in vivo.

Takeaways — Why This Matters for Functional Health Brands

．Fast fibrinolysis: Half-life to noticeable clot reduction was ≈ 2 hours, confirming nattokinase’s rapid enzymatic action.

．Dose-responsive yet safe:Both 14 ng µL⁻¹ and 28 ng µL⁻¹ were effective without over-digestion, hinting at a practical safety window.

．Relevance to Long COVID: Microclot build-up correlates with fatigue and vascular symptoms; breaking them down could relieve downstream pathology.

．Automatable assay: The study’s imaging pipeline lets ingredient developers benchmark different nattokinase batches quickly, accelerating R&D.

💡Formulation tip: Clinical data suggest oral intakes of 2,000–8,000 FU day⁻¹ achieve systemic exposure; pairing with omega-3s may further dampen thrombo-inflammation.

FAQs

Q: Is nattokinase proven for Long COVID yet?
A: Not clinically—this is pre-clinical (in vitro, the same as another Nattokinase-Covid study) mechanistic evidence. Randomised trials are the logical next step.

Q: Will nattokinase thin my blood too much?
A: Unlike prescription thrombolytics, nattokinase shows a moderated activity curve; nevertheless, discontinue two weeks pre-surgery and consult your physician if you’re on anticoagulants.

References

Grixti et al., “Automated microscopic measurement of fibrinaloid microclots and their degradation by nattokinase, the main natto protease"”, 2024 (doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.06.588397)