NSK-SD Nattokinase

A Comprehensive Scientific Review of Nattokinase

by Japan Bio Science Laboratories Company Limited
Ibaraki-Tanaka 4F, 1-1-59 Naka-Hozumi Ibaraki-Shi, Osaka 567-0034 Japan

I. Summary
This paper describes the biological activity and safety of a fibrinolytic enzyme called nattokinase. The paper focuses on a proprietary product produced by Japan Bio Science Laboratory Co, Ltd of Japan (JBSL), known as NSK-SD (Natural Super Kinase-Sprayed Dried). The activity and safety of NSK-SD has been demonstrated in human clinical studies. NSK-SD is a purified source of nattokinase, an enzyme with fibrinolytic activity. Nattokinase is isolated from the vegetable cheese natto, a food which was utilized as a folk remedy to prevent the effects of cardiovascular disease.

Activity
Purified nattokinase has been shown to degrade fibrin clots both directly and indirectly. Nattokinase degrades fibrin directly in clot lysis assays with activity comparable to plasmin. Nattokinase degrades fibrin indirectly by affecting plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), which is the primary inhibitor of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA). Importantly, nattokinase does not inhibit the formation of fibrin from fibrinogen, thus it does not inhibit the formation of blood clots. This is in contrast to other fibrinolytic agents: streptokinase and urokinase. In addition, nattokinase is orally active, while those agents must be administered intravenously. Human clinical studies have demonstrated the ability of nattokinase to decrease euglobin (clot) lysis time (ELT) up to 8 hours after oral intake of a dose of natto estimated at 6,000 fibrin degradation units (FU). In addition, euglobulin fibrinolytic activity (EFA; lysis area on a fibrin plate) was increased significantly up to12 hours following administration. In addition to fibrinolytic activity, nattokinase has demonstrated the ability to reduce elevated blood pressure in human volunteers with hypertension. Nattokinase has also demonstrated the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation, reduce rouleaux formation in blood cells and decrease blood viscosity.

Safety
The safety of NSK-SD has been documented in animal and human clinical studies. NSKSD is non-mutagenic in the Ames assay conducted with 5 strains of bacteria and in a cellbased chromosomal aberration study. It has been shown to be non-toxic in a series of rodent studies with administration of a single dose and repeat dosing for 28 and 90 days. The LD50 was determined to be more than 20,000 FU/kg body weight (more than 1,000 mg/kg). NSK II, a soft gel capsule produced by JBSL containing 100 mg of NSK-SD, has

been tested in a randomized, double-blind human clinical study with 31 healthy men and women given a dose of 3 capsules per day (2,000 FU/day) for 4 weeks. The result of which was that there were no significant adverse events. The safety of nattokinase has also been tested in combination with heparin in acute stroke victims. The safety of nattokinase has also been demonstrated when taken in combination with warfarin in those taking the drug as a maintenance prophylactic. The JBSL strain of bacteria used to make natto was safely given to mice with no sign of infectivity, pathogenicity or toxicity. There is a potential for an allergic reaction for those allergic to soybeans. As a caution, it would be prudent for those who are taking other fibrinolytic agents, or have a bleeding disorder, to seek the advice of their physician before taking any form of nattokinase.

Description
NSK-SD is a white (milk-white) colored powder with little to no smell. It has a nattokinase activity of more than 20,000 FU/g. The recommended intake level is 2,000 FU/day. All vitamin K2 (which may increase blood coagulation) has been removed. NSKSD is produced from non-genetically modified soybeans and a selected, patented strain of Bacillus subtilis natto. NSK-SD is stable in the pH range of 5.5 to 10 at 25 degrees C for 24 hours. NSK-SD in a soft gel capsule (NSK-II) retains 75 to 80% of activity when exposed to a pH of 2.0, mimicking gastric fluid, for 30 minutes. NSK-SD is stable at 50 degrees C for 1 hour. The optimal fibrinolytic activity occurs around 65 degrees C and pH 10.5. NSK-SD is stable under pressures up to 2000 kg/cm2 and can therefore be pressed into tablet form.

Use
NSK-II is sold as a dietary supplement, in capsule form, for oral use in the promotion of cardiovascular health. NSK-II has demonstrated fibrinolytic and hypotensive activity. NSK-II has also demonstrated the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation, reduce rouleaux formation in blood cells and decrease blood viscosity. The recommended intake level is 2,000 FU/day. The safety of NSK has been demonstrated in clinical and animal studies. In vitro assays do not indicate any mutagenic effects. Those with bleeding disorders or who are taking other fibrinolytic agents should seek the advice of a physician before taking any form of nattokinase. It is recommended that anybody diagnosed with cardiovascular disease be under the care of a physician.

II. Development of NSK-SD

Nattokinase is extracted from natto, a Japanese food made from fermented soybeans that has been called a vegetable cheese. Natto has been consumed as a food for more than 1,000 years. In 1980, a researcher at the University of Chicago discovered the fibrinolytic benefits of natto when he tested 173 different foods for their effects on dissolving thrombi (blood clots) associated with heart attack and stroke (Sumi, 1987). Natto is made by fermenting cooked soybeans with a particular bacterium: Bacillus subtilis natto. The soybeans are fermented at 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) for 14 to 18

hours until the dark drown beans are covered with a sticky, viscous, string-like material. Natto has a slightly musty flavor and characteristic odor. The usual serving of natto food is 50 g, which has fibrinolytic activity that has been measured as 2,000 CU. (This measurement is approximate as there are several strains of Bacillus subtilis natto that produce varying potencies of enzyme activity.) CU is a measurement of activity compared to the action of the endogenous fibrinolytic: plasmin. The CU measurement has been replaced with FU activity units with a ratio of 1.33. Thus, 50 g of natto food has approximately 1500 units of FU activity. Nattokinase is a serine protease with 275 amino acid residues and a molecular weight of 27,728 Daltons. Nattokinase has a high homology with the subtilisin enzymes and DNA sequencing shows 99.5 and 99.3% homology to subtilisin E and amylosacchariticus, respectively (Nakamura et al, 1992). JBSL produces a proprietary product made with a selected, patented strain of Bacillus subtilis natto. The current product, NSK-SD is sold in soft gel capsules, known as NSKII. The capsules contain 100 mg of NSK-SD with a minimum activity level of 2,000 FU. NSK-SD has replaced a previous product called NSK-FD (freeze-dried), which was a less purified product with an activity of 13,000 FU/g.

III. Blood Clotting Biochemistry & Pharmacology

Clotting mechanisms
Blood coagulation or blood clotting is the transformation of blood into a solid gel called a clot or thrombus. The clot consists of a lattice of a protein polymer known as fibrin in combination with activated platelets. Clotting occurs in response to injury in the blood vessel. The blood clot occurs as a result of a complex cascade of biochemical reactions. At each step of the cascade, an inactive plasma protein is converted to an enzyme or coenzyme, which in turn catalyzes the generation of the next enzyme in the sequence. At the end of this cascade, the plasma protein prothrombin is converted to the enzyme thrombin. Thrombin causes several polypeptides to be split from fibrinogen. The fibrinogen remnants then bind to each other to form fibrin. Fibrin is strengthened by cross linking caused by an enzyme called factor XIIIa. Two pathways can initiate the formation of fibrin: the intrinsic pathway in which everything needed is in the blood and the extrinsic pathway in which a cellular component (thromboplastin, also called tissue factor) is needed. The intrinsic pathway involves factor XII which becomes activated to factor XIIa following contact with damaged endothelium. Factor XIIa catalyzes the activation of XI to factor XIa, which in turn activates factor IX to factor IXa, and factor X to factor Xa, which is the enzyme that converts prothrombin to thrombin.

The extrinsic pathway begins with a protein called tissue factor (which is not a plasma protein). Tissue factor is located on the outer plasma membrane of various tissue cells including fibroblasts and other cells below the endothelium. Tissue factor binds to plasma protein factor VII, which is activated to factor VIIa, which in turn catalyzes the activation of factor X to Xa, and in turn factor IX. The liver plays a role in clotting by producing many of the plasma clotting factors. The liver also produces bile salts that are important for the intestinal absorption of vitamin K. The liver requires vitamin K for the production of fibrinolytic proteins and several clotting factors (factors II, VII, IX and X).

Anti-clotting mechanisms
Anti-clotting mechanisms include factors that limit clot formation and the fibrinolytic system that dissolves the clot once it is formed. Mechanisms that limit clot formation include plasma proteins such as tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), protein C, protein S and antithrombin III. TFPI is secreted mainly by endothelial cells and acts during the ignition phase of clotting. It binds to complexes between tissue factor and factor VIIa, inhibiting the ability of these complexes to generate factor Xa. Thrombin can bind to an endothelial cell receptor called thrombomodulin, eliminating its clot-producing effects. The bound thrombin then binds to a particular plasma protein, protein C. The binding of thrombin activates protein C, which in combination with another plasma protein inactivates factors VIIIa and Va. (Thrombin directly activates factors VIII and V and indirectly inactivates them via protein C). Antithrombin can inactivate thrombin after binding to heparin. There is an endogenous heparin present on the surface of endothelial cells. The fibrinolytic (thrombolytic) system contains a plasma proenzyme, plasminogen, which can be transformed to its active form by plasminogen activators. The active form of plasminogen is the enzyme plasmin. Once formed, plasmin digests fibrin thereby dissolving the clot. One example of a plasminogen activator is tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), which is secreted by endothelial cells. During clotting, both plasminogen and t-PA bind to fibrin and become incorporated throughout the clot. tPA is a weak enzyme that requires the presence of fibrin to catalyze the generation of plasmin from plasminogen.

Anti-clotting drugs
Aspirin inhibits the cyclooxygenase enzyme, preventing the generation of prostaglandins and thromboxanes. This effect is important as thromboxane A2, which is produced by platelets, causes platelet activation and aggregation. Low doses of aspirin cause a steady

state inhibition in platelet cyclooxygenase activity. In theory, it is not a large enough dose to inhibit the generation of prostacyclin by endothelial cells. Vitamin K is required for the synthesis of clotting factors by the liver. Drugs that interfere with the action of vitamin K are a class of pharmaceutical known as oral anticoagulants. The most well known is warfarin (Coumadin). Heparin, a naturally occurring endothelial cell co-factor for antithrombin III, can be administered as a drug which then binds to endothelial cells. Heparin facilitates the action of antithrombin III and reduces platelet function through inhibition of thrombin agonists. Plasminogen activators dissolve a clot after it is formed (known as thrombolytic therapy). Administration of t-PA or a proteolytic drug called streptokinase reduces the amount of tissue damage when injected into the blood within 3 hours of a heart attack or occlusive stroke.

IV. Benefits of NSK-SD (Nattokinase)

Reduction of elevated blood pressure Fibrinolytic activity Inhibit aggregation of platelets Reduce red blood cell Rouleaux formation Decrease blood viscosity Oral bioavailability

Reduction of Hypertension (Blood Pressure)

Blood pressure control is influenced by the renin-angiotensin hormonal complex. Angiotensinogen, a protein produced by the liver, is transformed in the blood to angiotensin I by the enzyme renin. Angiotensin I, in turn, is converted to angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II increases blood pressure through constriction of blood vessels. Two enzymes that exert control in this system, therefore, are rennin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Inhibition of ACE is a common mechanism for hypertensive medications. However, renin, an enzyme that is released by the kidneys, is proposed to be the rate-limiting factor in the renin-angiotensin system. Traditional knowledge is that natto in the diet tends to lower blood pressure. It has been suggested that the mechanism for this effect may be the inhibition of ACE (Maruyama & Sumi, 1998). However a recent clinical study found no difference in blood levels of ACE following treatment with nattokinase but did report a decrease in renin activity (Kim et al, in press). This later study suggests that the mechanism whereby nattokinase decreases blood pressure may be by inhibiting renin activity. Evidence for the effect of nattokinase on blood pressure comes from a randomized, placebo-controlled human clinical study conducted with volunteers with hypertension 5

administered NSK-SD for 8 weeks. Further support comes from a randomized, placebocontrolled crossover study conducted with volunteers with a variety of disease states and an open label study conducted with hypertensive individuals. In addition, a rodent study demonstrated a decrease in blood pressure in rats. Reduction of Hypertension: Animal Study Nattokinase was demonstrated to decrease blood pressure in Wistar Rats. The animals (400-450 g; male) were administered intraperitoneally 0.5 ml of a lyophilized extract (80% ethanol; equivalent to 25 mg natto roughly 0.8 FU total or 2 FU/kg body weight) and blood pressure was measured using the tail artery. The average systolic blood pressure of 6 rats decreased significantly 2 and 3 hours after administration of the natto extract by 12.6% and 13.2%, respectively (both p<0.05). The systolic blood pressure decreased from166 14 mmHg at baseline to 144 27 mmHg after 3 hours (Maruyama & Sumi, 1998). Reduction of Hypertension: Clinical Studies In an open label clinical study, 30g of lyophilized extract (80% ethanol; equivalent to 200 g natto, roughly 6,400 FU) was administered orally for 4 consecutive days to human volunteers with high blood pressure. In 4 of 5 volunteers the systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure decreased (measured in the supine position). The systolic average values decreased by 10.9% from 173.8 20.5 to 154.8 12.6 mmHg. The diastolic blood pressure decreased by 9.9% from 101.0 11.4 to 91.2 6.6 mmHg (Maruyama & Sumi, 1998). A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted with 20 men and women (ages 18-75) with a variety of disease states (essential hypertension, hypercoaguable states, auto-immune diseases and diabetes). Half of the study population received 4,000 FU (2,000 FU twice daily of NSK-II) and the other half received placebo. After 4 weeks the groups crossed over and received the alternate intervention. There was a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure compared to baseline for the NSK-II group (p=0.039) and no significant change in diastolic blood pressure compared to baseline. The placebo treatment did not cause any change in systolic or diastolic pressure (Krishnan Med Assoc, 2003). Another, more definitive, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 73 hypertensive participants (20-80-years-old) with an initial systolic blood pressure between 130-159 mmHg. The participants received 1 capsule NSK-II (2,000 FU/capsule) per day or placebo for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks of treatment there were significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to placebo (both p<0.05). Both treatment and placebo groups had some reduction in blood pressure, with the net decreases for the treatment group being 5.5 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 2.8 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure. There was also a net decrease in plasma renin activity (1.17 ng/ml/hr) in the treatment group compared to the control group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in ACE levels between the two groups (Kim et al, in press).

Fibrinolytic Activity
Nattokinase has been shown to degrade fibrin clots both directly and indirectly. Nattokinase degrades fibrin directly in clot lysis assays with activity comparable to plasmin. Kinetic assays suggest that it is 6 times more active than plasmin in degrading cross-linked fibrin. Nattokinase degrades fibrin indirectly by affecting plasminogen activator activity. Nattokinase does not directly stimulate plasminogen activator activity. Instead there are suggestions that it degrades plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), which is the primary inhibitor of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA). Importantly, nattokinase does not inhibit the formation of fibrin from fibrinogen, thus it does not inhibit the formation of blood clots in response to injury. Human clinical studies have demonstrated an ability to decrease euglobin (clot) lysis time (ELT) up to 8 hours after oral intake of a dose of natto estimated at 6,000 FU. In addition, euglobulin fibrinolytic activity (EFA: lysis area on a fibrin plate) was increased significantly up to12 hours following administration. Nattokinase has demonstrated the ability to dissolve experimentally-induced thrombi in animal experiments using dogs and rats. In addition, nattokinase has been shown to prevent thickening of vascular intima in a rat model. Details of the results summarized above are given below. Fibrinolytic Activity: In Vitro Initially, fibrinolytic activity was demonstrated when the vegetable cheese natto was applied directly to fibrin. The fibrinolytic activity was approximately 40 CU (plasma units)/g wet weight and the isolated protease was named nattokinase (Sumi et al, 1987). (Fibrinolytic activity of 40 CU is equal to 30 FU: Fibrin Degradation Units). Further experiments using a clot lysis assay (cross-linked fibrin) revealed that purified nattokinase had 4 to 5 times the fibrinolytic activity of plasmin. Nattokinase cleaved fibrinogen and fibrin, producing similar degradation products as those produced by plasmin. When the kinetics of nattokinase and plasmin were measured, nattokinase was three times less active in the cleavage of fibrinogen compared to plasmin (Kcat/Km) but six times more efficient in the cleavage of cross-linked fibrin (Fujita et al, 1995). Test preparations of pure nattokinase and NSK-SD (bulk powder plus capsule contents) were tested in a series of in vitro experiments in human plasma. Test concentrations (0.2 to 1.6 FU/ml) were calculated as twice the plasma concentration of the highest recommended dose (4,000 FU) assuming 100% bioavailability in a 5-liter average blood volume (JBSL is currently completing human bioavailability studies). In this system, the functional ability of fibrinogen to form fibrin in response to thrombin was not altered by concentrations of 0.2 to 0.8 FU/ml nattokinase. Only at the highest concentrations of 0.8 and 1.6 FU/ml did nattokinase reduce the quantity of fibrinogen. This finding suggests that nattokinase will not affect the bodys ability to respond to tissue wounding, when taken at usual intake levels (Ero and Lewis, 2008). Unlike urokinase, nattokinase does not stimulate fibrinolysis by directly stimulating plasminogen activator activity (Fujita et al, 1995). Instead, it is reported to degrade an important inhibitor of plasminogen activator activity. Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is the primary inhibitor of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA). Nattokinase

cleaved active recombinant PAI-1 into low molecular weight fragments at concentrations of 0.02-1.0 nM (half maximal activity at 0.1 nM). In reducing the activity of the inhibitor, nattokinase enhanced t-PA induced lysis of the fibrin clot in a dose-related manner (0.061 nM) (Urano et al, 2001). In contrast with the above study, another group conducting an in vitro test in human plasma reported that nattokinase (0.8 and 1.6 FU/ml) slightly increased the presence of PAI-1 (Ero and Lewis, 2008). Fibrinolytic Activity: Animal Studies The fibrinolytic activity of nattokinase was tested in dogs using an experimental thrombosis model, infusing bovine fibrinogen and thrombin into the animals. Three dogs were treated with nattokinase and 6 dogs were given placebo, serving as controls. Four capsules of nattokinase (250 mg /capsule; 2.13 CU/mg; calculated to be a total of approximately 1,600 FU) or placebo were given orally. Angiograms were obtained before induction of the thrombus and from 2.5 to 24 hours afterwards. In the control group, there was no sign of lysis 18 hours after induction of thrombosis. By contrast, the dogs treated with nattokinase had complete restoration of blood circulation within 5 hours (Sumi et al, 1990). The fibrinolytic activity of nattokinase was also tested in a rat model, in which thrombus was formed in the common carotid artery by damaging the endothelial cells of the vessel wall with acetic acid. In this model, urokinase or t-PA (given IV, constant rate, 20 minutes) restored blood flow (45%) over 60 minutes. There was no restoration of blood flow with saline. Nattokinase was tested in this model in doses of 0.02, 0.04 and 0.12 mcmol/kg (IV) and its activity was compared to plasmin and elastase. Nattokinase caused a dose-related recovery of blood flow (18, 42 and 62%) after 60 minutes. When the activity of nattokinase and plasmin were compared on a molar basis, nattokinase was 4fold more efficient than plasmin. There was no recovery with elastase. Degradation of cross-linked fibrin was determined through the presence of D-dimer gamma-gamma chain remnants in the plasma. D-dimer remnants were detected in the blood after treatment with nattokinase as well as with urokinase and t-PA. The feasibility of using nattokinase therapeutically for fibrinolysis would depend upon its ability to digest fibrin without destroying fibrinogen. Values for residual plasma fibrinogen following administration of a dose of 0.12 mcmol/kg of plasmin, elastase or nattokinase were 33, 42 and 29%, respectively. When the dose of nattokinase was reduced by one-third to the approximate activity level of plasmin, then the residual fibrinogen level was 53%. This is a greater amount of residual fibrinogen than the 33% remaining after treatment with plasmin at a comparable activity level. These results imply that nattokinase may be safer than plasmin at an appropriate dose level (Fugita et al, 1995). Thickening of vascular intima is thought to be part of the progression of arteriosclerotic plaques that can lead to heart attack and stroke. The ability of nattokinase to inhibit the progression of intimal thickening was tested in a rat model. In this model, endothelial damage to the femoral artery was induced by intravenous injection of rose-bengal followed by irradiation with transluminal green light. Twenty-one days after endothelial injury significant intimal thickening was observed. Administration of nattokinase (50 or 100 CU/animal, calculated as 38 and 75 FU/animal) was started 3 weeks before

endothelial injury and then continued for another 3 weeks. Nattokinase reduced the development of intimal thickening from an area of 1.281.14 mm2 in the control group to 0.790.60 mm2 and 0.710.27 mm2 in the low- and high-dose groups. The difference between the thickening in the control group and the high-dose group was significant (p<0.05). When the intima/media ratios were compared for the three groups, both treatment groups were different from the control group (p<0.05). There was no difference between the control and treatment animals in the time taken to develop occlusion following injury. However, differences were observed in the morphology of the mural thrombi. In the control group the center of the vessel reopened with mural thrombi attached to the vessel walls. In the nattokinase groups, thrombi near the vessel walls showed lysis and most thrombi were detached from the vessel wall surface. The control group had thrombi attachment lengths measuring 858 430 mm at 8 hours after injury. Nattokinase reduce the attachment length in a dose-dependent manner with the measurement of 173 105 mm for the high-dose group, a significant difference p<0.05. Bleeding times for the three groups were not different (Suzuki et al, 2003). Fibrinolytic Activity: Clinical Studies Preliminary evidence that nattokinase would have an effect in humans was reported by Dr Sumi and co-workers in 1990. Twelve healthy volunteers (21-55 years old) were given a single dose of 200 g natto (estimated to be 6,000 FU) or a control of boiled soybeans in a cross-over single-dose designed study with a 2-week interval. Blood was collected from 2 to 24 hours after ingestion. Euglobin (clot) lysis time (ELT) decreased significantly 2, 4 and 8 hours after intake of natto compared to the soybean control. Euglobulin fibrinolytic activity (EFA) was determined by measuring the lysis area on a fibrin plate. EFA increased significantly 2, 4, 8 and 12 hours after intake of natto compared to the soybean control. In another experiment the volunteers were given 2 enteric-coated capsules containing nattokinase (650 mg/capsule; 2.13 CU/mg) 3 times a day following meals (calculated to be a total of 3,000 FU per day) for 8 days. Blood was collected each day. EFA increased gradually but not significantly over that time. The degradation products from fibrin and fibrinogen (FDP) in the serum were also measured. The FDP levels in the serum spiked on the first day and then decreased slowly over the 8 days. The levels were significantly different from baseline on days 1 through 4 (Sumi et al, 1990). In another study, a single oral dose of 30 g lyophilized natto (ca. 200 g original wet weight; estimated to have 6,000 FU) was given to 5 volunteers (51-86 years old) and blood samples taken from 2 to 24 hours after intake. Fibrinolysis was demonstrated for 4 to 8 hours after intake. EFA increased significantly after 4 hours and FDP measurements increased significantly 6 and 8 hours after administration. EFA increased from 1.9 2.7 mm2 at baseline to 4.5 3.3 mm2 after 2 hours, 13.3 7.2 mm2 after 4 hours and 8.7 7.4 after 8 hours. The FDP levels at baseline, 6 hours and 8 hours were 0.750.52, 5.50 2.74 and 2.751.37 mcg/ml respectively. The FDP was further decreased following additional intakes on the second and forth day (Sumi et al, 1996; Sumi & Maruyama, 1998). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 30 adults (men and women; average age 59) explored the administration of nattokinase to patients taking warfarin for maintenance

purposes. The theory behind the combination of the two agents was that the addition of nattokinase might help stabilize the fibrinolytic effect of warfarin. The treatment group was given 2 capsules (1700 FU) nattokinase (NSK II) per day after breakfast for 26 weeks. As a result, there were significantly decreased rate-of-changes in prothrombin and prothrombin-INR compared to placebo (p<0.05). Treatment was especially effective for those over 60 years of age. Activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time were closer to reference values compared to the placebo group after 4 months (p<0.05). In addition, lower rates of change were observed for activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, prothrombin-INR time (Ninokiya, 2006).

Reduction of Platelet Aggregation, Rouleaux formation and Blood Viscosity

In vitro experiments and human studies suggest that nattokinase may improve blood flow, decrease blood viscosity, reduce the stickiness of red blood cells and inhibit platelet aggregation. RBC Aggregation; Blood Viscosity: In vitro The effects of nattokinase on red blood cell aggregation and blood viscosity were measured in an in vitro experiment. Blood samples incubated with nattokinase, final concentrations of 15.6, 31.3, 62.5 and 125 activity units/ml, resulted in 21.9%, 25.9%, 49.7% and 62.0% inhibition of red blood cell aggregation, respectively, compared to the control. Nattokinase reduced blood viscosity at lower shear rates but there were no changes in viscosity with high shear rates (Pais et al, 2006). Platelet and RBC Aggregation: Case-studies The effect of NSK-SD on platelet aggregation was determined in 4 subjects given a dose of 4,000 FU. Blood was drawn and platelet aggregation was measured ex-vivo before and after administration of nattokinase. Aggregation in platelet-rich plasma was induced with either collagen (1 g/ml) or ADP (2 M). Blood from three men, 31, 34 and 59 years old showed about 50% inhibition of ADP-induced aggregation 6 hours after administration of nattokinase, with little effect observed in collagen-induced aggregation. Another individuals blood, from a 39-year-old male, showed effects 12 hours after administration of nattokinase: 50% inhibition of collagen-induced aggregation, along with a smaller effect on ADP-induced aggregation (Takaoka presentation, 2005). NSK II in a dose of 2,000 FU/day for 7 days was given to two subjects with red blood cells that were determined to be in active rouleaux formation (red cell stacking) by microscopic examination. The red blood cells were examined before treatment, after 1 week of treatment and then 3 weeks later. One subject was a 35-year-old male, smoker, and the other a 42-year-old female who was a non-smoker. Treatment with NSK II returned the red blood cells to normal in both cases after 1 week of treatment. Three weeks after discontinuing treatment there were signs of the red blood cells returning to their original rouleaux state. However, they had not returned to their baseline condition. Reduction of Blood Viscosity: Clinical Study

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The effect of nattokinase on blood flow was studied in a placebo-controlled crossover design clinical study with 15 healthy subjects 30-49 years old (7 men and 8 women). The participants were given 3 capsules NSK II (2,000 FU per capsule; total 6,000 FU) in a single dose (Group A) or placebo (Group P). There was a 2-week wash-out period before switching treatments. Blood flow was measured using the PeriScan PIM II method. In Group A there was a significant increase in blood flow in the right and left middle fingers 80, 120 and 180 minutes after intake of nattokinase (p<0.01). Compared to Group P (placebo) there was a significant effect 180 minutes after intake (Group P 0.10 0.11V compared to Group A 0.42 0.08V; p=0.034). Group A also had an increase in blood flow in the back of the right and left hands at 40, 80, 120 and 180 minutes compared to baseline (p<0.01). When the participants were subdivided according to their BMI, those with a BMI over 23 treated with nattokinase had a statistical increase in blood flow compared to those given placebo (p=0.046) (Food Style, 2006).

Bioavailability
The bioavailability of nattokinase was demonstrated in a rat study that measured transport of nattokinase across the intestinal tract. A dose of 80 mg purified nattokinase/kg was administered intraduodenally to the animals and blood was drawn at intervals. Nattokinase was detected in the plasma 3 and 5 hrs after administration. In addition, a half-hour after administration of nattokinase, fibrinogen degradation products were measured in the plasma. Coagulation time, determined as plasma recalcification time, was prolonged compared to baseline at the 3 and 5 hour time points following administration of nattokinase (Fujita et al, 1995).

V. Safety
Summary
Nattokinase is an enzyme present in a common Japanese food called natto. It has thus been consumed in a food without adverse effect for more than 1,000 years. NSK, produced by JBSL, is a purified product that has been tested for safety in a number of studies elaborated below. NSK-SD was demonstrated to be non-mutagenic in the Ames assay with 5 strains of bacteria and in a chromosomal aberration study conducted in CHL/IU cells. NSK-FD and NSK-SD have been found to be non-toxic in a series of rodent studies with administration of a single dose and repeat dosing for 28 and 90 days with a dose of 20,000 FU/kg. The LD50 was determined to be more than 20,000 FU/kg body weight (more than 1,000 mg/kg). The safety of NSK II has been tested in a randomized, double-blind human clinical study with 31 healthy men and women given a dose of 3 capsules per day (2,000 FU/day) for 4 weeks. The safety of nattokinase has also been tested in combination with heparin in acute stoke victims and in combination with warfarin in those taking it as a maintenance prophylactic. In both these studies nattokinase was safely administered along with the other fibrinolytic agents. There is one case report of a woman who experienced a cerebellar hemorrhage that may have been linked to intake of nattokinase, but her situation was complicated due to family history, high blood pressure and concurrent

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administration of low-dose aspirin. In addition there were no details given regarding the strength and dose of the nattokinase that she took. The bacteria used to make natto were safely given to mice with no sign of infectivity, pathogenicity or toxicity. In summary, nattokinase appears to be safe to take at the recommended dose. There is a potential for an allergic reaction for those allergic to soybeans. It would be prudent for those who are taking other fibrinolytic agents, or have a bleeding disorder, to seek the advice of their physician before taking nattokinase

Traditional Use
Nattokinase is an enzyme present in a common Japanese food called natto. It has thus been consumed in a food without adverse effect for more than 1,000 years (Sumi, 1987).

Mutagenicity profile
Nattokinase was demonstrated to be non-mutagenic in the Ames assay with 5 strains of bacteria and in a chromosomal aberration study conducted in CHL/IU cells. The mutagenic potential of nattokinase (20,000 FU/g) was tested in five strains of bacteria: Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA1537, TA100, TA1535 and Escherichia coli WP2uvrA. Nattokinase was tested at 6 dose levels, the top level being 5,000 mcg/plate. Negative and positive controls were included. Positive controls included those without metabolic activation: AF-2 (2-(2-furyl)-3-(5-nitro-2-fyryl)acrylamide, 9-aminoacridine and sodium azide, as well as 2-aminoanthracene with metabolic activation (S9 liver homogenate enzymes). A dose ranging study, from 5,000 mcg/plate to 15.5 mcg/plate revealed neither mutagenicity nor growth inhibition. The main test using doses of 5,000g to 156g/plate did not reveal any colony counts exceeding 2 times the negative control at any dose level (Kobuchisawa Labs, 2003). Tests for cell growth inhibition and chromosomal aberration were conducted using CHL/IU cells originating from the lung of a female Chinese hamster. Nattokinase SD (20,000 FU/g) was found to inhibit cell growth abruptly at 0.156 mg/ml and higher concentrations. The chromosomal aberration test was performed at concentrations lower than those that caused inhibition of cell growth. Nattokinase SD was incubated with the cells for 6 hours (short term) with and without metabolic activation (S9) and for 25 hours (long term). The period of 25 hours was selected as it is 1.5 times the cell cycle for the CHL/IU cells. The chromosomal aberration test was conducted short term without metabolic activation at three doses (0.156, 0.110 and 0.078 mg/ml) and with metabolic activation at three slightly lower concentrations (0.110, 0.078 and 0.055 mg/ml). The long term test was conducted using the latter concentrations. Both positive and negative controls were included. The results of the experiments were that chromosomal aberration was observed at less than 5% at all dose-levels and there were no dose-related trends. The researchers concluded that nattokinase did not produce chromosomal aberrations in CHL/IU cells at the concentrations tested (Kobuchisawa Labs, 2003).

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Animal Studies
Acute Single-Dose Study NSK-FD freeze-dried powder (approximately 10,000 FU/g) was tested for toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats given a single oral dose. A group of 10 rats (5 male and 5 female) was given 2,000 mg (20,000 FU) /kg bodyweight and another group, with the same number of animals, was given placebo. The animals were observed for 14 days and at the end of that time they were examined for gross pathology. The study methodology was based upon guidelines established by the Japanese Pharmaceutical Ministry of Health and Welfare (1997). As a result of treatment, there were no deaths. One day after dosing, diarrhea was observed in 2 males and soft stools in 3 males and all females. No abnormalities were observed in the remainder of the 14 days. Normal bodyweight gains proceeded during the observation period. No abnormalities were observed at necropsy (BILIS, 1999). Repeat-Dose 28-Day Study A repeat-dose study of 28 days was conducted using Sprague-Dawley rats. A dose of 167 mg/kg/day nattokinase (20,000 FU/g nattokinase; 3,340 FU/kg bw) was administered orally to 6 males and 6 females. Another group, with the same number of animals, was given placebo. The amount of nattokinase was calculated as being equivalent to 100 times the usual intake of natto (50 g) taken by a 60 kg person. The animals were observed for clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, urinalysis and opthalmological health. The study methodology was based upon guidelines established by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare (1997). At the end of 28 days the animals were bled for hematological and blood chemistry analysis, as well as euthanized for necropsy and histopathological examination. As a result there were no toxic effects attributed to nattokinase (Kobuchisawa Labs, 2002). Repeat-Dose 90-Day Study A repeat dose of 90 days (13 weeks) was also conducted using Sprague-Dawley rats. This study studied three oral doses of 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg/day nattokinase (21,900 FU/g) and also included a control group. The 4 groups of animals consisted of 24 animals each: 12 males and 12 females. The study methodology was based upon guidelines established by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare (1997). At the end of the study there were no deaths, no nattokinase-related changes in clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, ophthalmological health, urinalysis (including water consumption), hematology, blood chemistry or pathology (Bozo Res Ctr, 2004).

Clinical Studies
The safety of NSK II was tested in a randomized, double-blind human clinical study with 31 healthy men and women (20-64 years old; BMI between 18 and 28) (Kazuya et al, 2006). Nine volunteers (5 men and 4 women) took a placebo and 22 volunteers (10 men and 12 women) took NSK. The dose was three capsules (2,000 FU) per day for 4 weeks followed by a 2-week observation period. The volunteers visited the clinic at the beginning of the study, after 4 weeks of treatment and then 2 weeks after that. During visits to the clinic a health interview was conducted, weight blood pressure and pulse rate were measured. In addition, blood was taken and urine was collected. Subjective

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symptoms were noted in a daily diary. No significant adverse effects were reported for either group. Mild adverse events reported for the placebo group were diarrhea (4 individuals) and back pain (1 individual). Mild adverse effects reported for the treatment group were diarrhea (3 individuals), common cold (2 individuals), constipation (1), pimples (1), stomach pain (1), menstrual cramps (1), constipation (1), and headache (1). Body weight increased by a small amount in both the placebo and treatment groups and it was not considered to clinically relevant. There were also minor changes in hematological profiles in both groups that were also not deemed clinically significant. There was no effect on blood pressure or pulse and no significant changes in urine analysis. The researchers concluded that taking 3 capsules (630 mg) daily of NSK II for 4 weeks is safe. An open label study evaluated the safety of nattokinase as an additional oral fibrinolytic agent for those who had had stroke. The study included 12 adults (men and women; average age 53.3) who presented to the hospital in a conscious state with acute mild to moderate ischaemic stroke of non-cardiac origin. All patients were administered heparin s.c. (7,600 IU/day) and an anti-platelet drug (low dose aspirin 150 mg-325 mg or Clopidogrel). They were also treated for 7 days with nattokinase (6,000 FU/day; 3 doses of 2,000 FU). The subjects were then monitored for 3 months (90 days). No deaths occurred during the course of the study. There were no reported incidents of haemorrhagic transformation of the infarct as confirmed by CT scan. The outcomes of the patients were evaluated using three internationally recognized scales: National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, Modified Rankin Scale and Barthel Index. According to these scales, 5 patients had an overall favorable response. Coagulation and fibrinolytic assays were performed on days 1, 2 and 7. Significant changes compared to day 1 were are follows: bleeding time increased on day 7, clotting time increased on days 2 and 7, prothrombin time decreased on day 7, activated partial thromboplastin time decreased on day 2, and D-dimmer levels decreased on days 2 and 7. There were three adverse events that may possibly have been attributed to nattokinase: 1) prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, 2) moderate hematemesis and 3) an abnormal liver function test. All of these events were temporary. The study authors declared that the study showed that nattokinase could be safely administered to stroke patients as an adjunct to standard medical treatments (JBSL Study Report, 2004). A further study explored the safety of the administration of nattokinase to patients taking warfarin for maintenance purposes. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 30 adults (men and women; average age 59). The treatment group was given 2 capsules (1700 FU) nattokinase (NSK II) per day after breakfast for 26 weeks. There were no adverse effects reported due to the combination of the two agents and the authors suggested that parallel administration of nattokinase and warfarin may be possible (Ninokiya, 2006). Case Report A case report was published recently describing a 52-year old woman in Taiwan who experienced an acute cerebellar hemorrhage that may have been linked to consumption of 400 mg nattokinase for 7 consecutive days (Chang et al, 2008). The report was

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complicated by the fact that the patient was taking low-dose aspirin and anti-hypertensive agents. She also had high blood pressure and a family history of cerebral hemorrhage. No information was given on her prognosis or progress after discontinuing nattokinase. The brand and activity of the nattokinase was also not reported.

Safety of Bacillus subtilis natto

The safety of the bacteria used to make natto, Bacillus subtilis, was tested in mice (ICRstrain; 5-weeks old). A single oral inoculation of control or 7.55 x 108 CFU were given to two groups of 10 animals each (5 males and 5 females in each group). The mice were observed for 14 days after inoculation. As a result, no deaths occurred, there were no abnormalities in general health, body weight, no treatment-related abnormalities in the histopathology examination during autopsy and no bacteria in any of the tissues examined during autopsy. The researchers concluded that the bacteria used in the production of NSK-SD held no potential for infectivity, pathogenicity or toxicity (Gifu Research Labs, 2003).

Allergenicity report
The excipients in NSK-SD include materials from soybeans, which as a potential allergyprovoking ingredient must be declared as such in labels (Japan Bio Science Ingredient Report).

MSDS
A Material Safety data Sheet for NSK-SD is available and it describes the material as not having a Hazards Classification.

VI. How NSK-SD differs from competitors proteins

The characteristics of nattokinase are dependent on the strain of the bacteria and the characteristics of the soybeans used to produce it, as well as the industrial processing techniques. JBSL has discovered and patented a strain of Bacillus subtilis natto that produces maximal yield and potency of nattokinase when exposed to a select soybean crop using proprietary processing and growth techniques. The distinctiveness of nattokinase products can be described with physical characteristics of the protein, activity of the protein and vitamin K2 content. Several competitors products were compared to NSK-SD and found to have different characteristics. Proteins such as nattokinase can be characterized as to mass, charge and purity using gel electrophoresis. Nattokinase manufactured as NattoGold by Nu Science Trading, LLC, as well as Nattokinase NSP-2 and Ultra Nattokinase NSP-2 produced by Vesta Ingredients, Inc, were compared to NSK-SD using several gel electrophoresis techniques (SDS-PAGE, IEF and 2-DIGE). The SDS-PAGE run depicted differences in the molecular weight and the IEF revealed differences in electric charge (pI). The 2-DIGE compared the proteins in the same gel using fluorescent dyes. The results show that the molecular weights and pIs of the competitors products were different from that of NSK-

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SD. These results suggest that the proteins are different. These physical differences could result in functional differences. The functional profile of the nattokinase protein in NSK-SD was compared to that of nattokinases marketed by DNP International Co, Inc and Vesta Ingredients, Inc. The assay measured the degradation products created by incubating the nattokinase enzymes with oxidized insulin B-chain protein at 370C. The resulting degraded proteins were characterized using HPLC. The results were that the degradation patterns of the oxidized insulin B-chain differed with the different products. The fibrinolytic activity of NSK-SD was compared to that of competitors products and the results are depicted in the table below. Nk-CP, a Nattokinase product manufactured by Daiwa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. in Japan was found to have 647 FU/g compared to over 20,000 FU/g for NSK-SD (JBSL Analysis Report, March 4, 2004). Nattokinase manufactured as NattoGold by Nu Science Trading, LLC had an activity level of 15,600 FU/g. Nattokinase NSP-2 and Ultra Nattokinase NSP-2 produced by Vesta Ingredients, Inc had activities of 11,400 and 19,000 FU/g, respectively. When vitamin K2 content was measured, NattoGold, Nattokinase NSP-2 and Ultra Nattokinase NSP-2 all had significant amounts of vitamin K2 while NSK-SD had none. Product NkCP NattoGold Nattokinase NSP-2 Ultra Nattokinase NSP-2 NSK-SD Activity (FU/g) 647 15,600 11,400 19,000 24,900 Vitamin K2 (g/g) -0.49 1.93 2.64 none

VII. References
BILIS (Environmental Biological Life Science research Center, Inc). Final report: Singleoral dose toxicity study of biozyme NSK-FD powder in rats. Feb 26, 1999 Bozo Research Center, Inc. Report: 13-week oral toxicity study of Nattokinase DS (NSKSD) in rats. B-5170; June 16, 2004 Chang YY, Liu JS, Lai SL, Wu HS, Lan MY. Cerebellar hemorrhage provoked by combined use of nattokinase and aspirin in a patient with cerebral microbleeds. Intern Med. 2008; 47(5):467-9. Ero MP, Lewis BH. Coagulation profile of nattokinase. A study report by Machaon Diagnostics, Inc. Feb. 20, 2008 Food Style. Improvement of blood flow increase by ingestion of NSK-II. Food Style. 21 2006 Vol 8

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Fujita M, Hong K, Ito Y, Fujii R, Kariya K, Nishimuro S. Thrombolytic effect of Nattokinase on a chemically induced thrombosis model in rat. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 1995; 18(10):1387-1391 Fujita M, Hong K, Ito Y, Misawa S, Takeuchi N, Kariya K, Nishimuro S. Transport of Nattokinase across the rat intestinal tract. Biol.Pharm. Bull. 1995; 18(9):11941196 Fujita M, Ito Y, Nishimuro S. Characterization of Nattokinase-degraded products from Human Fibrinogen or cross-linked fibrin Fibrinolysis 1995; 9:157-164 Gifu Research Labs. Final report: pathogenicity study of nattokinasr DS (NSK-SD) producing bacteria in mice. Study No. JBS-03-MOPG-549. June 9, 2003 Japan Bio Science laboratory Co, Ltd. Clinical Study report: an open clinical pilot study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of natural superkinase as an add-on oral fibrinolytic agents to low molecular weight heparin & anti-platelet in acute ischaemic stroke. DS-NK007. Feb 28, 2004 Kazuya O, Shigeo I, Kenichi S. Report of Research: an oral safety study of nattokinase containing food, Natural Super Kinase II: a randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind study. Progress in Medicine 2006; 26(5):5 Kim JY, Gum SN, Paik JK, Lim HH, Kim KC, Ogasawara K, Inoue K, Park S, Jang Y, lee JH. Effect on nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized controlled trial. (in press) Kobuchisawa Labs. Final Report: Chromosomal Aberration Test. FBM 02-8767 April 25, 2003 Kobuchisawa Labs. Final Report: Oral repeated dose 28-day toxicity study of Nattokinase DS in rats. FBM 02-2704 Sept 19, 2002 Kobuchisawa Labs. Final Report: Reverse-Mutation Assay in bacteria. FBM 02-8766 Feb 28, 2003 Krishnan Medical Association SC. Effect of NSK-SD on blood pressure by oral administration. July, 12, 2003 Maruyama M, Sumi H. Effect of natto diet on blood pressure. Japan Technology Transfer Association (JTTAS)1998; pg 1-3 Nakamura. T. Nucleotide sequence of the subtilisin Nat Gene, and N, of Bacillus subtilis(Natto) Biosci, Biotech. Biochem. 56(11) 1869-1897. 1992 Ninokiya J. Clinical Study report: Investigative research for effects of ingestion of natural Super Kinase II; a nattokinase soft gel capsule. Japan Medical School, July 15, 2006 Pais E, Alexy T, Holsworth RE Jr, Meiselman HJ. Effects of nattokinase, a profibrinolytic enzyme, on red blood cell aggregation and whole blood viscosity. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2006;35(1-2):139-42. Sumi H, Banba T, Kishimoto N. Strong pro-urokinase activators proved in Japanese soybean cheese Natto Nippon Shokuhin Kagaku Kaishi. 1996; 43(10):1124-1127 1996 Sumi H, Hamada H, Nakanishi k, Hiratani H. Enhancement of fibrinolytic activity in plasma by oral administration of nattokinase. Acta Haematol. 1990; 84:139-143 Sumi H, Maruyama M. Enhancement of fibrinolytic system and thrombolytic effect by natto diet. JTTAS 1998; pg 5-10

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Sumi. H. A novel fibrinolytic enzyme(Nattokinase) in the vegetable cheese natto, a typical and popular soybean food in the Japanese diet Experientia. 43, 1987 Suzuki Y, Kondo K, Matsumoto Y, Zhao BQ, Otsuguro K, Maeda T, Tsukamoto Y, Urano T, Umemura K. Dietary supplementation of fermented soybean, natto, suppresses intimal thickening and modulates the lysis of mural thrombi after endothelial injury in rat femoral artery. Life Sci. 2003 Jul 25;73(10):1289-98. Takaoka S. Powerpoint presentation: Function of nattokinase (NSK) excluding thrombolytic prevention: from the view point of platelet aggregation inhibitory action, 2005 Urano T, Ihara H, Umemura K, Suzuki Y, Oike M, Akita S, Tsukamoto Y, Suzuki I, Takada A. The profibrinolytic enzyme subtilisin NAT purified from bacillus subtilis cleaves and inactivates plasminogen activator inhibitor. J. Bio. Chem.. 2001; 276(27):24690-24696

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