What are the benefits of natto Serra? A synergistic guide to its powerful enzymes

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

In Japan, a long-standing tradition of consuming the fermented soybean dish natto is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a longer average lifespan. This remarkable effect is largely attributed to the enzymes nattokinase and serrapeptase, a powerful combination known as natto Serra, which has garnered significant interest for its potential health benefits.

Quick Summary

Natto Serra combines the proteolytic enzymes nattokinase and serrapeptase, derived from fermented soybeans and bacteria, respectively. Together, they support cardiovascular and respiratory health, reduce inflammation, and help break down non-living tissue like fibrin, which aids circulation and healing.

Key Points

Supports Cardiovascular Health: Natto Serra contains nattokinase, a powerful enzyme that dissolves fibrin to improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and help prevent blood clots.
Reduces Inflammation: The serrapeptase in natto Serra is a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down inflammatory proteins, helping to reduce pain and swelling throughout the body.
Improves Respiratory Function: By reducing mucus viscosity, the enzymes can help clear airways and alleviate symptoms of conditions like chronic sinusitis and asthma.
Dissolves Scar Tissue: Serrapeptase helps break down non-living tissue and scar tissue, aiding the body's natural healing and repair processes.
Promotes Healthy Circulation: The combined fibrinolytic and proteolytic activity of nattokinase and serrapeptase enhances blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients more efficiently.
Requires Medical Consultation: Natto Serra has significant blood-thinning effects and can interact with medications, making it essential to consult a healthcare provider before use.

The combination of nattokinase and serrapeptase, often referred to as natto Serra, represents a potent blend of proteolytic enzymes with a range of scientifically investigated health benefits. While nattokinase is primarily known for its blood-thinning and cardiovascular support, serrapeptase is valued for its powerful anti-inflammatory and tissue-clearing properties. This synergistic effect is at the heart of what makes natto Serra an intriguing supplement.

The Cardiovascular Benefits of Natto Serra

Cardiovascular health is one of the most prominent areas where natto Serra shows promise. The enzyme nattokinase, in particular, plays a critical role in promoting healthy circulation. Its fibrinolytic activity, or the ability to break down the protein fibrin, helps dissolve blood clots and prevents their formation. This action is central to reducing the risk of conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), stroke, and heart attack.

Supporting healthy blood pressure

Nattokinase has also been shown to act as a natural ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor. By blocking this enzyme, it can help lower blood pressure, which reduces strain on the heart and blood vessels. Several studies, including a randomized controlled trial on subjects with prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension, have documented significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure after supplementing with nattokinase.

Combating atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries due to fatty plaque buildup, is a major risk factor for heart disease. The antioxidant properties of nattokinase can help slow the progression of this condition. One clinical study even found that nattokinase outperformed the statin medication simvastatin in reducing arterial plaque, although it was less effective at managing total cholesterol.

The Anti-inflammatory and Respiratory Benefits

Serrapeptase, the other key enzyme in natto Serra, is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Originally isolated from the silkworm, it is a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down non-living protein tissue, including scar tissue and inflammatory proteins.

Reducing inflammation and pain

The anti-inflammatory properties of serrapeptase are beneficial for various conditions. For example, it has been effectively used to reduce swelling following surgery or traumatic injuries. The enzyme's ability to clear inflammatory waste products can also help manage chronic inflammatory conditions.

Promoting sinus and respiratory health

Excessive mucus viscosity is a common issue in respiratory conditions like chronic sinusitis, asthma, and bronchitis. Research has shown that both serrapeptase and nattokinase can help reduce the viscosity of mucus and sputum, making it easier to clear airways. Furthermore, studies have found that nattokinase can shrink nasal polyps by breaking down the fibrin that contributes to their formation, offering a therapeutic option for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

A Comparison of Nattokinase and Serrapeptase

While often combined, nattokinase and serrapeptase have distinct mechanisms and primary benefits, though they work synergistically to promote overall health. The table below highlights their key differences and complementary actions.


Feature	Nattokinase	Serrapeptase
Source	Fermented soybeans (Bacillus subtilis natto)	Serratia marcescens bacterium (often lab-created)
Primary Mechanism	Fibrinolytic (dissolves blood clots) and ACE inhibitor	Proteolytic (breaks down non-living tissue and inflammatory proteins)
Main Benefits	Supports blood flow, reduces blood pressure, prevents clots, combats atherosclerosis	Reduces inflammation, clears mucus, manages pain, helps break down scar tissue
Key Action	Supports circulatory system by addressing blood viscosity	Supports immune and respiratory systems by clearing cellular debris and mucus
Synergy	Complements serrapeptase by preventing new clot formation	Augments nattokinase by clearing damaged tissue and reducing inflammation

Important Considerations and Potential Side Effects

While natto Serra is generally considered safe, it is a potent supplement and not suitable for everyone. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before use, especially given the following points:

Blood-thinning effects: The primary function of nattokinase is to thin the blood and dissolve clots. Therefore, it should not be taken by individuals on anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications like warfarin, aspirin, or ibuprofen, as this can increase the risk of excessive bleeding and bruising.
Surgery: Due to its effects on blood clotting, nattokinase supplements should be discontinued at least one week before any planned surgery, including dental procedures.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is insufficient research on the safety of nattokinase and serrapeptase during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so they are not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.
Allergies: Individuals with soy allergies should avoid natto Serra supplements derived from soy.
Digestive issues: Some individuals may experience mild digestive side effects like bloating or gas.

Conclusion

The combination of nattokinase and serrapeptase in natto Serra offers a compelling range of benefits, particularly for cardiovascular and respiratory health. Nattokinase's ability to dissolve blood clots and lower blood pressure, paired with serrapeptase's potent anti-inflammatory and tissue-clearing actions, creates a synergistic effect that promotes overall wellness. While preliminary studies are promising, it's vital to remember that these are powerful enzymes with potential side effects and interactions. Always consult a healthcare professional before incorporating natto Serra into your health regimen to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your specific needs. For more comprehensive information on the clinical aspects and research, consult the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website for published studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Natto Serra is a dietary supplement that combines two proteolytic enzymes: nattokinase, derived from fermented soybeans (natto), and serrapeptase, produced by a species of bacteria.

The nattokinase in the supplement helps dissolve fibrin, a protein involved in blood clots, which improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure. This action helps lower the risk of cardiovascular events like strokes.

Yes, the serrapeptase component is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It works by breaking down inflammatory proteins and non-living tissue, which helps reduce pain and swelling.

Yes, research indicates that the enzymes in natto Serra can reduce the viscosity of mucus and sputum. Nattokinase has also been shown to help shrink nasal polyps, which benefits individuals with chronic respiratory issues like sinusitis and asthma.

Individuals on blood-thinning medications (like warfarin or aspirin), those with bleeding disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with soy allergies should not take natto Serra without consulting a physician.

Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate way to take Natto Serra for your individual needs. They can provide guidance on frequency and timing. Taking supplements on an empty stomach is sometimes suggested, and enteric-coated capsules can help protect the enzymes from stomach acid.

Side effects are generally mild but can include digestive issues like nausea or bloating. The most significant risk is increased bleeding, especially in those on blood thinners. Anyone with a soy allergy could also have a reaction.