Nattokinase and Lung Nutrients
By Lynn Toohey, PhD
Because of a constant interaction with environmental and microbial/bacterial assaults and a constant release of toxins and by-products taking place in the alveoli (gas exchange from the air and blood), there is an extensive immune response within the lung tissue. Several nutrients can help lung tissue better prepare for daily assaults.
Nattokinase is a powerful and healthful enzyme created through the bacterial fermentation of steamed soybean (it is derived from soy, but nattokinase is an enzyme and not a protein), and it is present in a traditional Japanese food called natto. Nattokinase promotes a good balance of bacteria in the gut and a healthy microbiome. It also has a reputation for being good support for lung health and the blood vessel structure that delivers nutrients to the lungs.
An often-overlooked part of lung tissue balance is the natural process of fibrin accumulation and degradation, which can become unbalanced. Imbalances can reduce airway flow, lung oxygen perfusion, and lung expansion. Sometimes, plasma proteins (including fibrinogen) will leak into the alveolar space in combination with excessive free radical formation. Extensive studies show that nattokinase is very good support for a healthy balance of fibrin, mucus, and scar tissue.1
Because of the efficacy of nattokinase when it comes to supporting a healthy, low viscosity of blood, it is wise to monitor use when on blood thinning drugs.
Boswellia serrata (AKBA 20%) is another nutrient that helps prepare the lungs to be their healthiest when confronted with environmental assaults. Boswellia serrata has proven to be excellent support for lung immune health, specifically having a strong effect on the leukotriene and the TNFα pathways, which is important to maintain a healthy inflammatory response.1 Researchers report that AKBA, a triterpenoid and the main component of boswellic acid, “is a medicinal plant with immense potential.”2
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is another support nutrient for respiratory tissue because of its direct antioxidant effect on free radicals and its indirect effect on the generation of glutathione (the body’s potent antioxidant and detoxifier). Studies indicate that NAC produces a healthy cellular environment with a high antioxidant status that is preferable to low antioxidant status when the lungs encounter cigarette smoke assaults.3 The NIH reported favorably on the safety profile of NAC, along with its beneficial support for all lung pathways.4
Quercetin belongs to the flavonoid family (it is sometimes referred to as the most powerful flavonoid) and exhibits many synergistic benefits to lung tissue. Quercetin supports mast cell response, histamine response, free radicals, and airway flow.5 Quercetin can quench many reactive oxygen species and prevent lipid peroxidation of tissue membranes.6
Stinging nettle has been found to have a supportive effect on the homeostasis of many lung pathways, including eosinophils, leukocytes, lymphocytes, and lipid peroxidation.7 The combination of stinging nettle and quercetin is particularly helpful with the histamine cycle and TH2 cytokines pathways.
People of ancient Rome called mullein “lungwort” for its ability to support many lung pathways. The primary benefits of mullein include support for a healthy inflammatory response in the mucosal tissue and production of mucilage that coats and soothes mucosal tissue. The ursolic acid within mullein has powerful properties that support respiratory health and bacterial/viral balance.8
In summary, the lungs are critical organs and must be kept healthy to ensure longevity and well-being. They are exposed to a multitude of toxic assaults daily, and it is wise to make sure that the lungs have what they need to provide a healthy cellular environment. While many nutrients are helpful for this, several have been selected here for their popularity, efficacy, and safety.
Dr. Lynn Toohey organizes seminars and consults as a nutritional expert at Nutri-West (www.nutriwest.com). Toohey also authored the Functional Health Evaluation program that analyzes blood tests and raw DNA data (www.FHEcloud.com). You can reach Dr. Toohey at drtooheynutriwest@ gmail.com with any questions.
References
1. Sheng Y, Yang J, Wang C, Sun X, Yan L. Microbial nattokinase: from synthesis to potential application. Food Funct. 2023 Mar 20;14(6):2568-2585. doi: 10.1039/d2fo03389e. PMID: 36857725.
2. Lv M, Shao S, Zhang Q, Zhuang X, Qiao T. Acetyl-11-Keto-β-Boswellic acid exerts the anti-cancer effects via cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction and autophagy suppression in non-small cell lung cancer cells. Onco Targets Ther. 2020 Jan 23;13:733-744. doi: 10.2147/OTT.S236346. PMID: 32158225; PMCID: PMC6986255.
3. Dekhuijzen PN, van Beurden WJ. The role for N-acetylcysteine in the management of COPD. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2006;1(2):99-106. doi: 10.2147/copd.2006.1.2.99. PMID: 18046886; PMCID: PMC2706612.
4. Calverley P, Rogliani P, Papi A. Safety of N-acetylcysteine at high doses in chronic respiratory diseases: a review. Drug Saf. 2021 Mar;44(3):273-290. doi: 10.1007/s40264-020-01026-y. Epub 2020 Dec 16. PMID: 33326056; PMCID: PMC7892733.
5. Gerin F, Sener U, Erman H, Yilmaz A, Aydin B, Armutcu F, Gurel A. The effects of quercetin on acute lung injury and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in the rat model of sepsis. Inflammation. 2016 Apr;39(2):700-5. doi: 10.1007/s10753-015-0296-9. PMID: 26670180.
6. Joskova M, Franova S, Sadlonova V. Acute bronchodilator effect of quercetin in experimental allergic asthma. Bratisl Lek Listy. 2011;112(1):9-12. PMID: 21452772.
7. Irani M, Choopani R, Esmaeili S, Dargahi T, Athari SM, Athari SS. Effect of nettle seed on immune response in a murine model of allergic asthma. Revue Française d’Allergologie. 2020;60(5):417-422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reval.2020.03.007. Pages 417-422.
8. Blanco-Salas J, Hortigón-Vinagre MP, Morales-Jadán D, Ruiz-Téllez T. Searching for scientific explanations for the uses of Spanish folk medicine: a review on the case of mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae). Biology (Basel). 2021 Jul 2;10(7):618. doi: 10.3390/biology10070618. PMID: 34356473; PMCID: PMC8301161.
