Data Recorded in Real Life Support the Safety of Nattokinase in Patients With Vascular Diseases

This real-world observational study tracked nattokinase used as an adjunct or standalone treatment in patients with vascular conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, phlebitis, and venous insufficiency.

Across 153 patients, the supplement was associated with improved vascular symptoms and — importantly — no adverse drug reactions or interactions, and no recurrence of vascular events during follow-up. The authors frame it as supporting nattokinase’s safety and potential usefulness as an adjunct.

The limitations are decisive, and the authors acknowledge them. There was no placebo control and no randomization, so the symptom improvements cannot be separated from natural recovery, concurrent treatment, or expectation. The study speaks more credibly to tolerability than to efficacy.

We rate the evidence moderate, leaning toward limited for any efficacy claim. It is reassuring on short-term safety in this small group, but placebo-controlled trials — like the larger Hodis study, which found no atherosclerosis benefit — are needed before nattokinase can be considered effective for vascular disease.