Advances in Nattokinase Research: Therapeutic Potential and Applications

The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in recent years has brought thrombolytic drugs into the focus of researchers, drug makers, and the general public alike. Nattokinase (NK), an alkaline serine protease secreted by Bacillus subtilis natto, exhibits strong thrombolytic activity, reduces blood viscosity, and enhances blood vessel elasticity. With its advantages of high stability, good absorption, long half-life, low cost and fewer side effects, it is considered an ideal natural medicine for preventing and treating blood clots, with promising potential in the field of health food development. This review systematically summarizes research on nattokinase relating to its physicochemical properties, thrombolytic and anticoagulant mechanisms, physiological function, fermentation technology, activity determination, and isolation and purification methods, as well as the latest research on the targeted delivery system of nattokinase. Furthermore, we elaborate on the key future research directions of NK, involving strain optimization, purification technology upgrade, targeted delivery improvement and clinical application verification, in order to provide theoretical support for in-depth research in this field and its application.