Nattokinase
Enzyme
Overview
- Nattokinase is a serine‑protease enzyme produced during the fermentation of soybeans with Bacillus natto, the bacterium that creates the traditional Japanese food “natto.”
- In nutraceutical form, it is marketed primarily for its fibrinolytic (blood‑clot‑dissolving) activity.
- It may help maintain normal vascular function and support cardiovascular health.
Chemistry
- Enzyme Type: Nattokinase (EC 3.4.21.107) is a single-chain serine protease belonging to the subtilisin family.
- Structure: Its mature form consists of 275 amino acids (≈27 kDa) with a catalytic triad of Asp-32, His-64, and Ser-221 (chymotrypsin-like).
- Primary Structure:
MDSLGKYY...(full sequence available in UniProt P19121). - IUPAC Name: The enzyme’s IUPAC name is not assigned (as it is a protein).
- Key Structural Features:
- β-sheet core.
- A calcium-binding site that stabilizes the active conformation.
- An N-terminal leader peptide removed during maturation.
- Optimal Activity: The enzyme exhibits optimal activity at pH 7–9 and 37 °C, retaining >70 % activity after 2 h at 60 °C, which underlies its stability in supplement formulations.
Sources & Quality
- Source: Commercial nattokinase is extracted from Bacillus natto cultured in soy-bean fermentations.
- Production:
- The fermentation broth is harvested.
- The enzyme is purified by ammonium-sulphate precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography, and spray-drying.
- Produces a powder with ≥2,000 FU/g.
- Recombinant Nattokinase: Some manufacturers produce recombinant nattokinase (rNK) using E. coli or Pichia pastoris expression systems to increase purity and reduce batch-to-batch variability.
- Quality Standards: Quality-grade supplements are required to meet GMP standards and contain <5 % heavy-metal contamination (per USP <231>) and no detectable soy protein allergens (if purified).
- Third-Party Testing: Third-party testing (e.g., NSF, USP) ensures activity claims (FU) match label, and ensures absence of microbial endotoxins.
- Recommendations: Selecting products with transparent certificates of analysis (COA) and a stable, acid-resistant capsule is recommended for optimal bioavailability.
Where to Buy Nattokinase
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