Can Nattokinase Improve Heart & Metabolic Health? with Dr. Ben Bikman

[DavidPS]

Professor Bikman reviewed the literature on natto and nattokinase in this video. Nattokinase has been often cited as a substance to treat long covid.

Youtube Video

[LucH]

@DavidPS said in Can Nattokinase Improve Heart & Metabolic Health? with Dr. Ben Bikman:

DavidPS
about 3 hours ago

Professor Bikman

DavidPS mentioned Pr. Bikman’s allegation: a shortcut to the truth.
“Nattokinase has been often cited as a substance to treat long covid.”
NB: I haven’t listened to the video.
Nattokinase enzyme is a natural clot buster. It induces lysis of dead tissue (fibrin plaque) and is able to reach / deconstruct biofilms where virus and bacteria go to escape immune reaction, entering in dormancy, waiting for an optimal instant (weakness).
Often used in association with serrapeptidase (or serrapeptase).

What is Serrapeptase? How does Serrapeptase work?
Serrapeptase is said to reduce pain and inflammation in three different ways:

1. Serrapeptase breaks down fibrin, which is a protein involved in blood fluidity and coagulation.
2. Serrapeptase reduces fluids associated with inflammation. This allows rapid drainage far from the inflammation site and leads to faster recovery times after an injury or surgery.
3. Finally, the Serrapeptase has the ability to partially relieve pain by blocking the release of bradykinin in damaged tissues. Bradykinine is a protein responsible for triggering a painful response.
   Comment Luc: OK but not so effective in reducing the inflammation. The mechanisms of action of Serrapeptase (SP), on the sites of the various inflammatory processes consist fundamentally in a reduction in exudative phenomena (swelling with effusion of liquid) and inhibition of the release of inflammatory mediators. Thus interesting as extra agent. A facilitator (That makes it easier to recover).

Biofilm and Serrapeptase
A proliferation of bacteria prevents the mucosa of the small intestine from absorbing vitamins and minerals. This situation can prevent the large intestine from absorbing fats and amino acids. When they are invaded by a bacterial film, the intestines cannot return the bile salts to the liver, and the excess cholesterol is not recycled (...)
Note 1: Serrapeptase (SP) is easier to find than Nattokinase (NP).
Note 2: SP and NP are facilitators. They facilitate access by clearing the area where possible. These enzymes are capable of targeting damaged/dead tissue and sparing healthy tissue.
They should not be combined with aspirin or other blood thinners. I’d advise to limit the use when you perceive the goal has been achieved (lysis). Not too long. Let the body rebuild healthy tissue, progressively.
Note 3: The lysis has been performed in vitro, not in vivo. Apparently on dead cells.
doi: 10.3390/molecules27175405 2022
Degradative Effect of Nattokinase on Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2
Excerpt:
In this study, we examined the effect of nattokinase on the S protein of SARS-CoV-2. When cell lysates transfected with S protein were incubated with nattokinase, the S protein was degraded in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that S protein on the cell surface was degraded when nattokinase was added to the culture medium. Thus, our findings suggest that nattokinase exhibits potential for the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection via S protein degradation.

Comment
Nattokinase enzymes could be used in association with other molecules to support recovery. It may avoid exacerbate inflammation and help to manage.
=> Nattokinase has been shown to inhibit function of the spike protein. If taken for 4-5 months (long enough for all the infected blood cells to die).

[yerrag]

@LucH

I had a bad experience with using a very strong dose of serrapeptidase. I may still use it, but at low doses. It probably explains why Wobenzyme uses low doses, but as of the past years many makers have come out with high doses of proteolytic enzymes saying there are no side effects giving users the impression it is okay to use large dosing. And posters on the other forum would post using large doses but never report on the negative effects except me. But these users probably didn't feel the negative effects just as I didn't feel them even though the effects are subtle. In my case I happen to take a CBC and noticed my wbc jumped from 8 to 11, and my blood pressure jumped up greatly from 180/120 to 260/160 over a few months. I had to use antimicrobial essential oils in suppositories used over a 2 week period repeatedly to make my BP go back down to 180/120, and this was over a 2 year period.

Yet so far in these 2 forums I have not heard of anyone sharing any negative thoughts (or perhaps I missed it) on the use of large doses of proteolytic enzymes. And reviews on Amazon don't either. It makes me wonder if I'm living in another world.

But here is what the Delphi Ray Peat AI would say on the subject:

The use of strong proteases like serrapeptidase for removing plaque is an interesting topic, but it requires careful consideration of the broader physiological context. Serrapeptidase is often promoted for its ability to break down fibrin and other protein-based components of plaque or scar tissue, and while this enzymatic activity might seem beneficial in certain contexts, it’s important to understand the potential systemic effects.

Proteases are tightly regulated in the body because their unrestrained activity can lead to unintended consequences, including tissue damage and inflammation. The body has evolved complex systems to balance proteolytic activity, using inhibitors and activators to ensure that enzymes like proteases are only active where and when they are needed. Introducing a strong exogenous protease like serrapeptidase could disrupt this balance.

Plaque, particularly in blood vessels, is not just a simple accumulation of fibrin or protein, it’s a complex structure involving lipids, calcium, inflammatory cells, and extracellular matrix components. While serrapeptidase might degrade some protein components of plaque, it’s unlikely to address the underlying causes of plaque formation, such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, or metabolic dysfunction. Moreover, the degradation of plaque components could release inflammatory mediators or destabilize the plaque, potentially increasing the risk of rupture and thrombosis.

From a bioenergetic perspective, it’s more effective to address the root causes of plaque formation by improving metabolic function, reducing systemic inflammation, and supporting the integrity of the vascular system. This involves optimizing thyroid function, balancing hormones like progesterone and pregnenolone, and avoiding dietary factors that promote oxidative stress and inflammation, such as polyunsaturated fats. Saturated fats, adequate protein (especially from sources like gelatin), and protective nutrients like vitamin E can help to stabilize the vascular environment and reduce the factors that contribute to plaque formation.

While serrapeptidase might have some localized benefits in specific situations, its systemic use should be approached with caution. The body’s natural proteolytic systems, when supported by good metabolic health, are generally sufficient to manage fibrin and other protein deposits without the risks associated with introducing a strong exogenous enzyme. If you’re considering serrapeptidase, it would be wise to evaluate its potential effects in the context of your overall health and metabolic state. Let me know if you’d like to explore alternative approaches to vascular health or specific dietary strategies to support your goals.

[LucH]

Yerrag mentioned (case report):

1. Serrapeptidase is often promoted for its ability to break down fibrin and other protein-based components of plaque or scar tissue, and while this enzymatic activity might seem beneficial in certain contexts, it’s important to understand the potential systemic effects.
   => OK. Right.
2. The body has evolved complex systems to balance proteolytic activity, using inhibitors and activators to ensure that enzymes like proteases are only active where and when they are needed. Introducing a strong exogenous protease like serrapeptidase could disrupt this balance.
   => The homeostasis can’t always take place when we’re overloaded and the membranes are oxidized. It must be undertaken with an appropriate dosage and during a limited period, as I said.
3. The degradation of plaque components could release inflammatory mediators or destabilize the plaque, potentially increasing the risk of rupture and thrombosis.
   => OK, right.
4. From a bioenergetic perspective, it’s more effective to address the root causes of plaque formation by improving metabolic function, reducing systemic inflammation, and supporting the integrity of the vascular system. This involves optimizing thyroid function, balancing hormones like progesterone and pregnenolone, and avoiding dietary factors that promote oxidative stress and inflammation, such as polyunsaturated fats. Saturated fats, adequate protein (especially from sources like gelatin), and protective nutrients like vitamin E can help to stabilize the vascular environment and reduce the factors that contribute to plaque formation.
   => Well seen.
   But there is no medical consensus on how to achieve a vascular homeostasis. Unless you’re a member of this forum …
5. While serrapeptidase might have some localized benefits in specific situations, its systemic use should be approached with caution. The body’s natural proteolytic systems, when supported by good metabolic health, are generally sufficient to manage fibrin and other protein deposits without the risks associated with introducing a strong exogenous enzyme.
   => Nobody recommends a systemic usage. Of course, if we all had a good metabolic health, we won’t need to lyse biofilm or fibrin plaque. Moderation in time and optimal dosage should be advised. Saying that or nothing is the same, as a conclusion. But it’s necessary to remind it since “some free experimenters” cannot help but shake the coconut tree and see what will happen (irony).

[yerrag]

@LucH

Thanks. There are caveats and gotchas and fine prints as well as times when these are overlooked by sellers, marketers, YouTube "experts" that are a dime a dozen, and there are people who just wing it and cross their fingers and go banzai. And unknowingly commit harikiri. Just hoping they don't.