The Pipe Cleansing Potential of Proteolytic Enzymes 💚

By Graeme Sait

In Part Two of this feature article, I will discuss some tools that can ensure unimpeded blood flow and associated life extension. Here, I will focus on an invaluable enzyme-based approach for potential removal of fibrin, plaque and accumulated AGEs from your internal pipework. Two of the key players here include serrapeptase and nattokinase.

Serrapeptase is an enzyme created by Serratia bacteria in the gut of silkworms. It is used to dissolve the silkworm cocoon and allow the emergence of the moth. This is an enzyme that dissolves non-living tissue, particularly that based on protein and fibrous material. The obvious implication here relates to the potential of this enzyme to clear clots, fibrin and protein deposits from our 100,000 km of pipework. However, serrapeptase was first utilised therapeutically for its anti-inflammatory qualities. It seems that the enzyme can modulate the Cox 1 and Cox 2 enzymes responsible for inflammation, in much the same way as NSAIDs, but without the negative impact.

The Japanese were the first to use serrapeptase as an anti-inflammatory, and it is now utilised in many preparations for conditions like migraines, arthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel and osteoporosis. It is also used for chronic sinusitis, and it is a mucolytic agent that improves the breathing of asthmatics and those with bronchial issues. 

This enzyme has also been shown to dissolve the biofilms, which makes it very difficult to treat some bacterial infections successfully with antibiotics. The enzyme can be used alone for this purpose, but it is particularly effective when used in conjunction with antibiotics.

The late German Physician Dr Hans Nieper was a passionate advocate of serrapeptase. He used the enzyme to successfully treat arterial blockages in many of his coronary patients and claimed efficacy against stroke. He demonstrated that this enzyme was more effective than EDTA treatments in the removal of arterial plaque. He also repeatedly reported the shrinking of varicose veins using serrapeptase.

 There is limited research, relative to AGEs (refer to Part 1 of this article), but some studies have reported the potential to break down the collagen and cross-linking associated with the formation of AGEs.

The fibrinolytic capacity of serrapeptase is certainly well recognised in animal studies, but more research is required to quantify the benefits for humans.

The second enzyme we will look at is derived from Natto, a traditional fermentation technique for soybeans, involving Bacillus subtilis, and another strain of this beneficial bacterium, called Natto. 

How often does this multi-function marvel, Bacillus subtilis, rear its noble head? In the soil, Bacillus subtilis fixes nitrogen, solubilises phosphate, and creates chitinase, which can control both pathogens and insects. In the plant, it elicits an immune response and an associated growth response. In humans, it is the basis of an increasingly popular protective therapy called spore biotics. Now, we discover an involvement in an invaluable proteolytic enzyme. 

Natto has been consumed in several Asian cultures for over 2000 years. It is believed to be a key contributor to the longevity of the Japanese population. A 2017 paper reported research from the “Takayama study”. Here, it was demonstrated that high Natto intake was associated with markedly reduced risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and significantly decreased risk of mortality from ischemic heart diseases. When we consider that 31% of all global deaths can be attributed to CVD, it seems like the inclusion of Natto in the diet might be a bit of a no-brainer.

Natto has other benefits. Like most fermented foods, it contains large amounts of Vitamin K2. A lack of vitamin K2 can cause calcium deposits in arteries, the aorta, and soft tissues rather than in bones. 

Nattokinase was first identified in 1980 by Japanese researcher Dr Hiroyuki Sumi, who was researching thrombolytic enzymes to dissolve dangerous blood clots. He tested over 200 substances before recognising that Natto possessed a substance with unparalleled potency.

Since then, the studies of nattokinase have been many and varied. The potent fibronolytic, antithrombotic activity has been well documented, but it is the other proven benefits that are fascinating. All of these relate to cardiovascular health, which highlights the remarkable proactive therapeutic potential of this enzyme.

In both animal and human studies, nattokinase has been shown to be anti-hypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic, lipid-lowering, anti-platelet/anticoagulant, and neuroprotective. I won’t detail all of these studies, but I’ll give a couple of examples to get you excited.

 In a 2017 study by Ren et al, subjects were given 6500 FUs of nattokinase for 26 weeks. This supplementation effectively suppressed the progression of atherosclerosis by significantly reducing carotid plaque size. However, the enzyme treatments also reduced total cholesterol and LDL-C. They also lowered triglycerides and increased HDL-C in hyperlipidaemic patients.

 In a 2008 Korean study by Kim et al,  nattokinase supplementation resulted in a reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In a 2004 study, by Shar et al, there was a clear neuroprotective effect in patients suffering from acute ischaemic stroke. 

There are simply no drugs available with the multiple pharmacological properties associated with nattokinase. It is remarkably safe, cheap, orally available, and it remains active in the blood for a long period. It strikes me that we are looking at a hugely important, proactive protection against the disease that kills us most commonly.

Ten Enzyme tips and strategies.

1) The first thing to look for, in supplements involving both serrapeptase and nattokinase, is that the pills are enteric coated. That coating ensures that they make their way through the harsh, early stages of the digestive system, without damage.

2) Then, there is the question of therapeutic application rates. It’s important to understand the measurement terms. For example, 100 mg of nattokinase is equivalent to 2000 fibrinolytic units or FU. A standard suggested dosage rate is 100 mg (2000 FUs ) twice a day. However, some of the research studies have involved 6000 FU per day, or higher,

Serrapeptase potency is measured in Serrapeptase units or SPU. A typical therapeutic dose would involve 120,000 SPU, twice a day.

3) Both of these enzymes should be taken between meals on an empty stomach. This ensures they are not wasted on digesting the protein in your food, rather than the unwanted protein and fibre deposits in your blood and elsewhere.

4) Gingko biloba can thin blood, so it should not be used in conjunction with nattokinase, as the effect may be overdone. Similarly, you should be careful about taking nattokinase if you are taking aspirin or other blood-thinning agents

5) Lipase would be a good inclusion in your protective regime, now that you have become enzyme aware. Many of us are in the process of exhausting our genetic endowment for lipase production, and this has obvious implications for fat-based plaque, triglycerides, cholesterol and potentially the fat component of AGEs. Interesting, there is an absolutely delicious food source that can effectively serve as a lipase supplement. I’m talking about one of the nicest flavours on the planet, cream. However, there is an important proviso here. It must be raw cream, because the pasteurisation process removes the substantial lipase component found in raw cream. Cream is, of course, almost pure fat, so it comes equipped with a huge dose of lipase to digest that fat. The raw cream can also be better for those who suffer from lactose intolerance because it naturally contains lactase, the enzyme that digests the milk sugar, lactose. Once again, lactase is destroyed during the high heat involved in pasteurisation. I am lactose intolerant, and yet I can drink raw milk until the cows come home, if you’ll excuse the pun.

6) Serrapeptase is particularly effective against inflammation and pain when combined with other natural anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric, ginger and Boswellia. 

7) Similarly, nattokinase can be combined with garlic for a synergistic impact upon lowering blood pressure.

8) Finally, it is important to be patient with supplementation of both of these enzymes, as it can sometimes take several weeks to see results.

I trust you now have a better understanding of the potential of proteolytic enzymes. I believe there is much to be gained from from their inclusion in a proactive wellness regime. These enzymes can both be source on-line from iHerb.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy, productive Spring.

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