Good question, Lance.... and an extensive topic since, as you note, there are several types of these enzymes that have varied properties and targets.
Start with this previous post
[
www.afibbers.org]
First, it’s important to recognize that the nomenclature for describing these systemic enzymes varies significantly depending on the source/bottler….and can be both confusing and misleading. There are other systemic, proteolytic and fibrinolytic enzymes that also have similar benefits to accomplish the goal of lowering inflammatory stimulators, reducing blood viscosity and helping to avoid adverse clotting…. such as pycnogenol, serrapeptase, bromelain, papain and so on. Certainly all can help lower inflammation which ultimately helps to reduce hyperviscosity… or the ‘thick, sticky blood’ characteristic everyone needs to avoid.
Certainly for afibbers specifically, the prevention of clot formation is the target so it’s the fibrinolytic enzyme property or benefit is primary and keeping the inflammatory factors low is equally important.
Following are some of the points and criteria I’ve used to “reassure myself” that either Nattokinase or Lumbrokinase are the most beneficial for afibbers based on the science according to the enzyme professionals.
My experience has been with the fibrinolytic enzyme, nattokinase (See CR Sessions 39 and 40)… and the various posts offered on reducing clot risks. At that time, I was very interested in finding something safe and effective as a replacement for warfarin/Coumadin… since I was not able to use that and remain in the safe INR range. While I was researching nattokinase (NK), I had the good fortune to be able to converse with Ralph Holsworth, D.O. who was actively setting up the use of NK here in the US. He provided me with data, studies, and his experience with a variety of conditions that were helped by this enzyme including the safe use as a warfarin replacement. I used NK safely and successfully for almost 8 years prior to my first ablation and then afterwards for 11 years until I was prescribed Eliquis for ablations 2 and 3.
Prior to Eliquis, I used a variety of fibrinolytic and proteolytic systemic enzymes because I was convinced of the benefits and efficacy of systemic enzymes for reducing inflammatory response, helping prevent cardiac fibrosis, modulating immune responses and especially keeping inflammatory markers such as C-reactive Protein, etc. in the safe, low range.
Dr. Holsworth is quoted in this explanatory paragraph about the function of nattokinase:
“Nattokinase is a particularly potent treatment because it enhances the body’s natural ability to fight blood clots in several different ways and has many benefits including convenience of oral administration, confirmed efficacy, prolonged effects, cost effectiveness, and can be used preventatively. It is a naturally occurring, food dietary supplement that has demonstrated stability in the gastrointestinal tract. The properties of nattokinase closely resemble those properties of plasmin so it dissolves fibrin directly! More importantly, it also enhances the body’s production of both plasmin and other clot dissolving agents, including urokinase. Nattokinase may actually be superior to conventional clot-dissolving drugs such as urokinase, and streptokinase, which are only effective therapeutically when taken intravenously within 12 hours of a stroke or heart attack. Nattokinase, however, may help prevent the conditions leading to blood clots with an oral daily dose of as little as 2,000 fibrin units (FU).” quote from Nattokinase and Cardiovascular Health, by Dr. Holsworth.
Also, see this chart and following comments by Dr. Holsworth
[
www.cardiokinase.com]
Also, I’ve mentioned previously, that Garry F. Gordon, MD, DO, MD(H) had an active website forum for healthcare practitioners and Dr. Gordon often talked about his tremendous success with using the lumbrokinase enzyme. He talked often about never having patients develop clots or strokes when using his favorite Bolouke (lumbrokinase) enzyme. The Bolouke was more expensive than the nattokinase so I didn’t change. Lumbrokinase offers a safe, effective alternative for those who can’t take nattokinase because of the soy origins.
[
www.afibbers.org]
[
www.canadarna.com]
[
www.iprogressivemed.com]
Also for details clarification ….Here’s one previous explanatory post on dose measurements.
What is the Difference between Fibrin Units (FU) and International Units (IU)?
A Fibrin Unit is an old standard of measurement that used to be associated with nattokinase, but is not currently endorsed by Dr. Sumi
Cardiokinase features the more widely-accepted International Units
Comparative testing has confirmed that 25 IU (100 mg) of Cardiokinase is equal 2500 FU of the old nattokinase which was only 2000 FU per 100 mg, making Cardiokinase much more potent.
-------
Why is Fibrinolytic Activity Important?
Fibrin is a protein that naturally forms in the blood after trauma or injury. The body can also produce fibrin when there is no trauma or injury. When this type of unhealthy formation occurs, there are major implications for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. The fibrinolytic activity of Cardiokinase™ can help to:
• Minimize the formation of an inadvertent blood clot
• Decrease blood sluggishness (anti-viscogenic)
• Improve circulation (release of tissue-plasminogen activator—t-PA)
• Maintain healthy effects on blood pressure
• Establish blood cells that are less likely to stick to vessel walls, especially veins,
decreasing the development of unhealthy clots
[
www.pureprescriptions.com]
Related post on Nattokinase plus more:
[
www.afibbers.org]
This identification comes from Klaire Labs, producer of professional-quality nutraceuticals.
SYSTEMIC ENZYMES
The following are suggestions for the use of systemic enzymes:
• Evaluate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and discuss the importance of normal body weight and a heart-healthy diet.
• Consider nattokinase (NK) as a potent natural ingredient to support healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
• For individuals with muscle soreness or arthritis, bromelain may help to reduce inflammation.
• Consider Serratia peptidase (SP) supplementation for individuals with bronchitis or rhinosinusitis.
• No single enzyme is sufficient to degrade undesirable biofilm. Mixtures of polysaccharide-specific enzymes along with proteases have the best chance of disrupting the biofilm matrix that embeds gut organisms.
• Systemic enzyme supplements should be taken between meals.
[
www.afibbers.org] Scroll down to CR 39 and 40 on Nattokinase.
This website lists the properties and merits of Serrapeptase.
[
www.globalhealingcenter.com]
Michael Murray, ND…report on proteolytic enzymes including Serrapeptase.
www.laleva.org/eng/2004/05/natural_health_the_healing_power_of_proteolytic_enzymes.html
I hope this helps.
Jackie