In our previous article, we introduced you to our ingredient Nattiase®, a fermented soya extract titrated with nattokinase.
In the present article, we explain more fully the health benefits of Nattiase® and how this ingredient can be used to optimise your formulas. If you would like to discover more about the origin and properties of Nattiase®, please feel free to read our previous article.
Nattokinase has proven to be four times more potent than plasmin at dissolving fibrin22, thereby promoting a normal blood coagulation process. Furthermore, it plays a part in improving the lipid profile by increasing the level of good cholesterol (HDL-C) while maintaining blood pressure within the normal range.
With regard to quality and regulatory compliance, the production site has been certified ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000. Nattiase® fully complies with the EC 2015/2283 Novel Food regulation in Europe. The maximum recommended dose has been set at 100 mg/day of nattokinase, in line with the reference dose approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), i.e. 2,000 FU/day. FU or fibrinolytic unit is the standardised measurement of nattokinase.
Under the Novel Food Regulation, only nattokinase whose enzymatic activity is between 20,000 and 28,000 FU/d is authorised. Any other nattokinase having an enzymatic activity in excess of this standard is not authorised in Europe.
What are the health benefits and which ingredients can Nattiase® enhance your new formulas with?
With its maximum daily dose of 100mg (2000 FU), Nattiase® can easily be incorporated into many complex formula.
In the remainder of this article, we suggest different combinations of ingredients, where, by virtue of its properties (see insert), Nattiase® reinforces the desired health benefits into four main areas: cardiovascular, heavy legs, cerebral microcirculation, and sports nutrition.
Cardiovascular benefits
In the context of developing a dietary supplement containing a combination of plant extracts, Nattiase® can optimise innovative formulas aimed at cardiovascular benefits, in particular to promote normal blood circulation.
Ginger
Here, combining it with ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) would be an attractive option, in line with the improvement in the lipid profile provided by Nattiase®. Ginger has high levels of phenolic compounds, terpenes, and polysaccharides.
The antioxidant activity of ginger molecules has been confirmed in numerous preclinical studies1. Clinical trials confirm that consuming or supplementing with ginger has a beneficial effect on certain cardiovascular parameters, in particular serum lipids2, the metabolic profile3, and also on blood pressure4.
Artichoke
Also along these lines, artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) makes a compelling candidate for use in combination with Nattiase®. Artichoke is rich in a number of valuable metabolites.
The one with the greatest benefit for cardiovascular health is luteolin, a polyphenolic compound found in the large leaves. This plays a key role in the blood pressure regulation mechanism by controlling the production of nitric oxide (NO)5. In addition, artichoke extracts have a positive effect on lipid metabolism by reducing the production of endogenous cholesterol and triglycerides while promoting their excretion or natural redistribution throughout the body.
This effect is attributable to the stimulation of bile secretion, which in turn results in a physiological reduction in cholesterol in the liver and plasma6. Since Nattiase® improves the lipid profile by increasing the level of good cholesterol (HDL-C), it would be a suitable candidate to work in synergy with artichoke extract.
Benefits for combating heavy legs
Given its beneficial effect on blood fluidity, Nattiase® can be incorporated into formulations targeting the “Blood System” or “Heavy Legs”, in conjunction with other ingredients in particular:
Melilot
It known as Sweet-clover and Kumoniga (Melilotus officinalis Pall): It has traditionally been used to promote healthy blood circulation in the micro-vessels and to relieve the sensation of heavy legs7 thanks to its phenolic compounds, comprising phenolic acids such as melilotic and caffeic acid, as well as flavonoids such as kaempferol, with their antioxidant properties8. Melilot (sweet clover) also naturally contains coumarins, with blood-thinning properties, as well as triterpene saponosides such as melilotigenins and soyasapogenins, which have surfactant properties.
Red vine
Red vine (Vitis vinifera L.), whether extracted from the leaves, the fruit, or the seeds of the fruit, performs an antioxidant action that helps to support venous circulation and maintain normal capillary health and function.9,10,11,12
Blackcurrant
Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) is a well-known antioxidant rich in anthocyanins. It contains a powerful polyphenol that has been shown to have a number of far-reaching effects on the health of the circulatory system. Its effects lie particularly in improving blood flow, thereby controlling arterial pressure and intraocular pressure13, as well as increasing peripheral blood flow14, whilst also having a beneficial effect on improving the endothelial function via the activation of nitric oxide (NO)15.
Stinging nettle
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.): Its application in traditional medicine dates back well over 2,000 years.16 It stimulates the release of nitric oxide by endothelial cells, thereby activating potassium channels and producing a vasodilatory effect to optimise blood circulation.16
Beneficial effect on cerebral microcirculation
A third area in which Nattiase® could be used in a formulation would be cerebral microcirculation to boost brain function. In this instance, Nattiase® would be combined with plants for which the mechanism of action has been extensively studied, such as Ginkgo biloba, whose applications generally focus on cerebral and peripheral circulation.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgolides are its major active molecules, acting on the platelet-activating factor and facilitating blood circulation. Ginkgo can therefore induce arterial and venous vasoactive responses associated with increases in tissue perfusion, cerebral blood flow, peripheral blood flow, and ocular blood flow.17
These formulas may also include micronutrients, in particular vitamins C, B1, B3, B5, B6, B8, B9, B12 and the minerals zinc, iron, iodine and magnesium, all of which have an effect on cognitive or psychological functions.18
Benefits in the field of sports nutrition
Lastly, the final area of focus is sports nutrition: nattokinase combines with L-arginine to help improve blood circulation. The latter is known to be a precursor of nitric oxide (NO), which favours the function of the vascular endothelium, thereby regulating blood flow.
NO also plays a role in mitochondrial respiration, glucose uptake during exercise, and muscle contraction19. Similarly for L-carnitine, given its pivotal importance in fatty acid oxidation and energy metabolism, studies have shown its ergogenic properties in improving exercise capacity in athletes20.
Plant extracts can also play a valuable role in boosting endurance and physical performance, particularly ginseng extract (Panax ginseng) 21.
In this way, a combination of Ginseng, L-arginine, L-carnitine, and Nattiase® is ideal for use in an energy and performance formula.
The importance of vitamins in this type of formula should be highlighted in the fight against fatigue (vitamin C). Another important factor is the contribution they make to amino acid synthesis (vitamin B9). Combined with normal energy metabolism (vitamin B3).
Integrating Nattiase® into an innovative galenic formulation.
Recognised for its beneficial health properties on blood fluidity and cardiovascular health, nattokinase has a particularly original and relevant application in the form of soft capsules.
In Japan, it is often coupled with ingredients such as fish oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids, in particular docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), both of which contribute to normal heart function. This synergistic pairing offers significant potential for simultaneously enhancing eye and cardiovascular health.
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