What Nattokinase Is
Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic serine protease produced when Bacillus subtilis natto ferments boiled soybeans. First isolated in 1980 by Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi, it has become one of the most commercially established cardiovascular ingredients in the supplement category. It is supplied as a fine off-white to pale-yellow powder and is standardized by enzymatic activity rather than by weight — fibrin degradation units per gram (FU/g). Mainstream commercial grades run 2,000–20,000 FU/g; high-potency programmes specify 35,000–100,000 FU/g. CAS 9014-01-1 (Bacillus subtilis alkaline protease family); INCI is not applicable to oral use, while cosmetic grades are listed as Bacillus Ferment Extract.
Mechanism of Action
Nattokinase acts on the fibrin matrix directly. It hydrolyses fibrin at multiple cleavage sites, converting insoluble fibrin polymer into soluble degradation products — and unlike plasminogen activators, it does not depend on a cofactor cascade to exert this activity.
Evidence also suggests it supports endogenous fibrinolysis by promoting tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) release from endothelial cells while attenuating plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). The combined effect supports healthy fibrin balance, blood viscosity and microcirculation. Because the active is a protein, delivery design matters: enteric or delayed-release systems protect activity through gastric transit, and potency loss during tableting and heat exposure is the primary technical risk buyers should qualify against.
Five Key Application Areas
- Cardiovascular support capsules — the core volume segment; 20,000 FU/g is the reference specification for clinical-dose positioning.
- Enteric-coated and delayed-release formats — higher-margin delivery systems that preserve enzymatic activity through the stomach.
- Healthy-aging and circulation stacks — formulated alongside omega-3, CoQ10, phospholipid-bound serine or citrus flavonoids.
- Functional foods and ready-to-drink beverages — GRAS self-affirmation has opened stick packs, fortified drinks and clinical nutrition.
- Private-label and OEM programmes — capsule, tablet and sachet formats for pharmacy and e-commerce channels.
VeraVita Supply
VeraVita Biotech supplies fermentation-derived nattokinase at ≥99% purity of the assay-verified active fraction, with potency certified in FU/g by validated assay. COA and MSDS are available on request, and full OEM/ODM support covers custom potency, carrier systems and packaging formats. For specifications, samples and pricing, contact info@veravitabio.com.