Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of nattokinase supplementation on blood pressure in subjects with pre-hypertension or stage 1 hypertension. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 86 participants ranging from 20 to 80 years of age with an initial untreated systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 130 to 159 mmHg received nattokinase (2,000 FU/capsule) or a placebo capsule for 8 weeks. Seventy-three subjects completed the protocol. Compared with the control group, the net changes in SBP and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were -5.55 mmHg (95% confidence interval [CI], -10.5 to -0.57 mmHg; p<0.05) and -2.84 mmHg (CI, -5.33 to -0.33 mmHg; p<0.05), respectively, after the 8-week intervention. The corresponding net change in renin activity was -1.17 ng/mL/h for the nattokinase group compared with the control group (p<0.05). In conclusion, nattokinase supplementation resulted in a reduction in SBP and DBP. These findings suggest that increased intake of nattokinase may play an important role in preventing and treating hypertension.

• Authors: Ji Young Kim, Si Nae Gum, Jean Kyung Paik, Hyo Hee Lim, Kyong-Chol Kim, Kazuya Ogasawara, Kenichi Inoue, Sungha Park, Yangsoo Jang, Jong Ho Lee
• Journal: Hypertension research : official journal of the Japanese Society of Hypertension (Hypertens Res) Vol. 31 Issue 8 Pg. 1583-8 (Aug 2008) ISSN: 0916-9636 [Print] England
• PMID: 18971533 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Placebos
• Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A
• Subtilisins
• Renin
• nattokinase

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Blood Pressure
• Dietary Supplements
• Female
• Humans
• Hypertension (blood, diet therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A (blood)
• Placebos
• Renin (blood)
• Soy Foods
• Subtilisins (administration & dosage)
• Treatment Outcome