Supplements · General functional
Nattokinase
ナットウキナーゼ (Nattō kināze)
Also known as: Natto enzyme, Bacillus subtilis natto protease
At a glance
| Category | Supplements |
|---|---|
| Common Japanese notations | ナットウキナーゼ, 納豆キナーゼ |
| CAS number | 133876-92-3 |
| Origin | Fermented (Bacillus subtilis var. natto) |
| Typical functions | Smooth blood flow (FFC endpoint) |
| Regulatory status in Japan | FFC-accepted for smooth blood flow endpoints. Industry body JNKA sets purity and activity standards. |
Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic serine protease (EC 3.4.21.62) identified in 1980 by Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi from the sticky coating of natto. Japanese manufacturers — led by JBSL since 1998 — have developed high-activity concentrates (measured in Fibrinolytic Units, FU) that are now widely used in cardiovascular-positioned supplements globally.
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Cardiovascular-positioned supplements
- Functional capsules
What it is
A 275-amino-acid serine protease produced exclusively by Bacillus subtilis var. natto during soybean fermentation. Molecular weight approximately 27,700 Da. Activity is measured in FU (Fibrinolytic Units) using the fibrin-plate method.
Imitation products sold in several overseas markets use different enzymes (subtilisin NAT, Korean chungkookjang kinase, fungal proteases). Buyers should verify B. subtilis natto origin and the presence of the JNKA mark. Vitamin K2-reduced grades are available for formulations requiring compatibility with anticoagulant medications.
Typical uses in Japanese products
Cardiovascular-positioned supplements (capsules, tablets) — the primary application.
Functional foods with FFC notifications on smooth blood flow.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Accepted as a Foods with Function Claims (FFC) ingredient for smooth blood flow endpoints; JNKA mark requires 2,000+ FU per daily dose.
Confirm vitamin K2 removal if targeting users on warfarin-type medications; clinical precaution required regardless of supplement status.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| USA | Dietary supplement under DSHEA. Safety/labeling disclosures apply. |
|---|---|
| EU | Food supplement category; novel food evaluation may apply for specific extract preparations. Verify with current EFSA guidance. |
| China / Korea / Taiwan | Registered supplement ingredient; verify local labeling norms. |
Example products
Example finished products and brands will be added after ingredient-list verification. Avoid citing medical-disease claims; restrict descriptions to FFC-accepted wording.
All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
Related ingredients
References
- Japan Nattokinase Association (JNKA) standards
- FFC database — Consumer Affairs Agency
Last updated: 2026-04-23. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.