Dr. Joseph Mercola
April 15, 2023
Story-at-a-Glance
- Lumbrokinase, serrapeptase and nattokinase are proteolytic enzymes
that act as natural anticoagulants by breaking down fibrin that forms
blood clots
- Fibrinolytic enzymes are antihypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic,
lipid-lowering and anti-platelet agents, which also have neuroprotective
effects
- Nattokinase at a dose of 10,800 fibrinolytic units (FU) a day for 12
months “effectively managed the progression of atherosclerosis and
hyperlipidemia” in one study
- Just one 2,000 FU dose of nattokinase enhanced fibrinolysis and
anti-coagulation, activating multiple fibrinolytic and anti-thrombotic
pathways simultaneously
- Lumbrokinase is nearly 30 times stronger than nattokinase and 300
times stronger than serrapeptase; if you are using a fibrinolytic
enzyme, my strong personal preference and recommendation is to use
lumbrokinase
- Fibrinolytic agents, sometimes referred to as thrombolytic agents,
are capable of dissolving blood clots that may block your veins or
arteries. In general, cleaner arteries are a benefit to your
cardiovascular health, which is one reason why fibrinolytic enzymes like
lumbrokinase, nattokinase and serrapeptase should be on your radar.
- In your body, enzymes regulate the rate of numerous biological
reactions, speeding them up so necessary functions like digestion,
muscle contractions and other aspects of cellular metabolism can occur.1
- Lumbrokinase, serrapeptase and nattokinase are proteolytic enzymes
that act as natural anticoagulants by breaking down fibrin that forms
blood clots. Fibrin, a clotting material that restricts blood flow, is
found both in your bloodstream and connective tissue such as your
muscles. Fibrin accumulation is also responsible for scar tissue.
It is important to understand that when using these enzymes for
fibrinolytic therapy they need to be taken on an empty stomach, at least
one hour before or two hours after meals containing protein. Otherwise,
these enzymes will be wasted in the digestion of the protein in your
food and won’t serve their fibrinolytic purpose.
Fibrinolytic Enzymes Help Manage Heart Disease
Fibrinolytic enzymes are antihypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic,
lipid-lowering and anti-platelet agents, which also have neuroprotective
effects.2 Much
research into fibrinolytic enzymes has focused on nattokinase (NK), an
active ingredient in natto, or fermented soybeans. It’s likely due to
its high nattokinase content that natto consumption is linked to a
decreased risk of heart disease mortality and increased longevity in the
Japanese population.3
Nattokinase, produced by the bacteria Bacillus subtilis during fermentation of soybeans to produce natto,4 is a strong thrombolytic,5 comparable to aspirin6 but
without the potential side effects. It is important to note, however,
that lumbrokinase is nearly 30 times more potent than nattokinase — and
300 times more potent than serrapeptase.7,8,9
So, while all of the fibrinolytic enzymes are effective and
beneficial, you’ll need much higher doses of nattokinase and,
especially, serrapeptase, than lumbrokinase to achieve similar effects.
If you are using a fibrinolytic enzyme, my strong personal preference
and recommendation is to use lumbrokinase.
That said, you can get an idea of these enzymes’ health potential via
studies done on any of the types. One such study involved 1,062 people
with mild hyperlipidemia and/or mild atherosclerosis. They took
nattokinase at a dose of 10,800 fibrinolytic units (FU) a day for 12
months, which “effectively managed the progression of atherosclerosis
and hyperlipidemia with a significant improvement in the lipid profile.”10
Significant reduction in carotid artery intima-media thickness, a
measure of the extent of atherosclerotic vascular disease, was noted,
with improvement rates ranging from 66.5% to 95.4%. Those who smoked,
drank alcohol or had a higher BMI experienced the greatest
lipid-lowering effects. No adverse effects were noted from the
nattokinase.
It’s also interesting to note that regular exercise further improved
nattokinase’s beneficial effects, and it also worked synergistically
with consumption of vitamin K2 and aspirin. At a lower dose of 3,600 FU
per day, nattokinase was ineffective at lowering lipids or suppressing
the progression of atherosclerosis, highlighting the importance of
proper dosing and “challenging the recommended dose of 2,000 FU per
day,” the researchers explained. Further:11
“The available data suggest that the
antiatherosclerotic effects of NK are due to the collective effects of
the combination of the antithrombotic, anticoagulant, antioxidant and
lipid lowering properties of NK or the natto extract containing NK … A
possible mechanism [for NK’s lipid-lowering effects] is through NK
proteolytic activity on certain protein targets involved in lipid
metabolism, resulting in changes in lipid metabolism.”
A Single Dose of Fibrinolytics Has Anticoagulant Benefits
A study involving 12 men revealed that just one 2,000 FU dose of nattokinase enhanced fibrinolysis and anticoagulation.12 It activated multiple fibrinolytic and antithrombotic pathways simultaneously, the researchers explained.13 At six and eight hours after the nattokinase was taken, D-dimer concentrations were significantly elevated.
D-dimer is a protein fragment produced by the body when a blood clot
dissolves. It’s typically undetectable or present only at very low
levels, buts its level may significantly rise when the body is forming
and breaking down blood clots,14 as occurred after one dose of nattokinase in this study. The researchers added:15
“Based on NK’s unique, comparatively strong
fibrinolytic/anticoagulant activity, stability in the gastrointestinal
tract and long bioavailability in vivo, NK would appear to offer
potential advantages over other currently used agents for treatment
and/or prevention of selected diseases processes …
NK might have an impact on not only
fibrinolytic/anticoagulant pathways but also other risk factors for
thrombosis, which imply as a NK’s possibility for prevention and/or
treatment of the diseases.”
As mentioned, fibrinolytic enzymes inhibit platelet aggregation and
the formation of blood clots similarly to aspirin. In an animal study, a
500 mg/kg dose of nattokinase fully prevented a blocked artery, as did
aspirin at a dose of 30 mg/kg, demonstrating its effectiveness at
improving blood flow:16
“The results indicate that nattokinase extracted from
fermented soybean inhibit platelet aggregation by blocking thromboxane
[a vasoconstrictor] formation, and thereby delay thrombosis following
oxidative arterial wall injury. Therefore, it is suggested that
nattokinase could be a good candidate without adverse effects for the
improvement of blood flow.”
Brain benefits are also apparent from fibrinolytic enzymes, including
nattokinase and serrapeptase (SP). In a study on rats, administering
either enzyme for 45 days successfully modulated several markers of
Alzheimer’s disease.17 A
significant increase in brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) was
also noted. BDNF is a member of brain growth factors that contributes to
neuroplasticity, which greatly enhances cognitive performance.18,19
Fibrinolytic Enzymes for COVID-19
Another candidate for application of fibrinolytic therapy is
COVID-19, as coagulopathy appears to play a role in severe COVID-19.
Researchers wrote in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis:20
“There is evidence in both animals and humans that
fibrinolytic therapy in acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress
syndrome (ARDS) improves survival, which also points to fibrin
deposition in the pulmonary microvasculature as a contributory cause of
ARDS.
This would be expected to be seen in patients with
ARDS and concomitant diagnoses of DIC [disseminated intravascular
coagulation] on their laboratory values such as what is observed in more
than 70% of those who die of COVID‐19.”
The researchers reported three case studies of patients with severe
COVID‐19 respiratory failure who were treated with tissue plasminogen
activator (TPA), a serine protease enzyme found on endothelial cells
that’s involved in fibrinolysis, or the breakdown of blood clots.21
All three patients benefited from the treatment, with partial
pressure of oxygen/FiO2 (P/F) ratios, a measure of lung function,
improving from 38% to 100%.22 An
evaluation of organ tissues from people who died from COVID-19 also
revealed extensive lung damage, including clotting, and long-term
persistence of virus cells in pneumocytes and endothelial cells.23
The findings indicate that virus-infected cells may persist for long
periods inside the lungs, contributing to scar tissue. In an interview
with Reuters, study co-author Mauro Giacca, a professor at King’s
College London, described “really vast destruction of the architecture
of the lungs,” with healthy tissue “almost completely substituted by
scar tissue,”24 which could be responsible for cases of “long COVID,” in which symptoms persist for months.
“It could very well be envisaged that one of the reasons why there
are cases of long COVID is because there is vast destruction of lung
(tissue),” he told Reuters. “Even if someone recovers from COVID, the
damage that is done could be massive.”25 Dissolving scar tissue is another area in which enzymes, particularly proteolytic enzymes, may be useful.
The potential for blood clots is one reason why board-certified
internist and cardiologist Dr. Peter McCullough uses full-dose aspirin —
325 milligrams a day — in almost everyone with long COVID syndrome who
doesn’t have a major blood clot, in addition to other medications.26
However, a safer and likely equally effective alternative to aspirin
is lumbrokinase and serrapeptase. You can alternate between the two
enzymes — one day take lumbrokinase and the next take serrapeptase —
because you’ll need to be on it for about three months and you can
develop a sensitivity to them over time if you use them daily without
interruption.
A Breakdown of the Top Three Fibrinolytics
Fibrinolytic enzymes are ideal for targeted usage; as mentioned, if
you intend to use them daily, be sure to alternate through the following
types so you don’t develop a sensitivity or allergy to them. Also,
remember that they need to be taken on an empty stomach, at least one
hour before or two hours after meals containing protein.
1. Lumbrokinase — As I said earlier, this enzyme is about 300 times stronger than serrapeptase and nearly 30 times stronger than nattokinase,27 making
it my top recommendation if you are using a fibrinolytic enzyme.
Extracted from earthworms, lumbrokinase is a highly effective
antithrombotic agent that reduces blood viscosity and platelet
aggregation28 while also degrading fibrin, which is a key factor in clot formation.
I recommend that everyone keep some high-quality lumbrokinase in your
emergency kit. I recently had a significant bruise from a weight
training injury. I took a high dose of lumbrokinase for a week and it
cleared right up.
I also took lumbrokinase recently after being stung by three wasps on
my forehead just before bed, which swelled to nearly the size of half a
tennis ball. It occurred to me since wasp venom contains proteins that
fibrinolytic enzymes can break down so I took half a dozen and went to
sleep.
I was beyond surprised to see nearly all the swelling decrease. If
you are going to try this the sooner you take it to the time you are
bitten, the better it will likely work as it denatures the venom
proteins before they do their damage to your body.
2. Serrapeptase — Also
known as serratiopeptidase, serrapeptase is produced in the gut of
newborn Bombyx mori silkworms, allowing them to dissolve and escape from
their cocoons. Research has shown it can help patients with chronic
airway disease, lessening viscosity of sputum and reducing coughing.29 Serrapeptase also breaks down fibrin and helps dissolve dead or damaged tissue without harming healthy tissue.30
3. Nattokinase — Nattokinase has been shown to break down blood clots and reduce the risk of serious clotting31 by dissolving excess fibrin in your blood vessels,32 improving
circulation and decreasing blood viscosity. Interestingly, in one in
vitro study, the thrombolytic activity of equivalent amounts of
nattokinase and TPA were found to be identical33 — TPA, remember, is the enzyme that led to improvement in the three COVID-19 case studies.34
Sources and References
- 1 Britannica, Enzyme
- 2, 3 Front. Cardiovasc. Med., 22 August 2022, Intro
- 4 Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Mar; 18(3): 523
- 5, 32 Biol Pharm Bull. 1995 Oct;18(10):1387-91
- 6 Lab Anim Res December 2013; 29(4): 221-225
- 7, 27 Townsend Letter May 2018
- 8 Enzymatic Activity Comparison of Common Fibrinolytic Enzymes 2011
- 9 Lumbrokinase Reference List May 2018
- 10, 11 Front. Cardiovasc. Med., 22 August 2022
- 12, 13 Scientific Reports volume 5, Article number: 11601 (2015)
- 14 Lab Tests Online, D-dimer
- 15 Scientific Reports volume 5, Article number: 11601 (2015), Discussion
- 16 Lab Anim Res. 2013 Dec; 29(4): 221–225
- 17 Hum Exp Toxicol. 2013 Jul;32(7):721-35. doi: 10.1177/0960327112467040
- 18 Med. Hypotheses. 2017;106:1–5
- 19 Neurosci. Lett. 2016 Sep 6;630:247-253
- 20, 22, 34 J Thromb Haemost. 2020 May 11; doi: 10.1111/jth.14828
- 21 Diapharma, Tissue Plasminogen Activator
- 23 EBioMedicine November 3, 2020
- 24, 25 Reuters November 3, 2020
- 26 The Texan November 3, 2020
- 28 Trials volume 23, Article number: 285 (2022), Introduction
- 29 Respirology 2003 Sep;8(3):316-20
- 30 International Journal of Surgery, 2013 Apr;11(3):209-217
- 31 Scientific Reports 2015; 5: 11601
- 33 Scientific Reports. Article Number 6210. April 18, 2018
Connect with Dr. Joseph Mercola
Source: https://truthcomestolight.com/are-fibrinolytics-key-to-preventing-clogged-arteries/
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