What is lumbrokinase good for?
Discovery and function
In a similar fashion to serrapeptase, which was first discovered in the digestive tract of silkworms, lumbrokinase was first discovered and extracted from the digestive tract of earthworms.In 1991, after almost a decade of research, Dr. Hisashi Mihara and other scientists in Japan managed to extract a group of fibrinolytic enzymes from earthworms belonging to the species Lumbricus rubellus, after which lumbrokinase is named. They discovered that these enzymes are capable of degrading several types of fibrin, which is why the enzyme is often compared with the thrombolytic drugs used for dissolving blood clots.
However, many of these existing drugs, such as urokinase and streptokinase, are known to carry the risk of severe bleeding and potentially fatal blood loss, which is often given as one reason fibrinolytic enzymes such as lumbrokinase are showing potential as safer alternatives.
When should I take lumbrokinase?
Lumbrokinase is a protein enzyme that can be absorbed from the small intestine, and because stomach acid can damage unprotected protein, many products are enteric-coated and the usual rule is to take it between meals, at least two hours since the last meal and about half an hour before the next one. If your supplement isn't enteric coated, make sure to take it with a large glass of water so that the acid is neutralized long enough for it to pass undamaged from the stomach into the small intestine.
What should I avoid taking lumbrokinase with?
Avoid taking lumbrokinase at the same time as nattokinase or serrapeptase
Lumbrokinase, nattokinase and serrapeptase are all fibrinolytic enzymes, which means they break fibrin down by the same route, and all have potent blood-thinning properties, so don't take either of them at the same time as one another, or the blood-thinning effect could become excessive.Who should avoid taking lumbrokinase?
Before taking lumbrokinase supplements, check with your trusted healthcare professional if any of the following apply to you:
- Bleeding disorders
- Upcoming or recent surgery
Bleeding and surgery
Lumbrokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme, so a bleeding disorder, a low platelet count, or surgery in the coming weeks are the reasons to stop rather than continue, because the enzyme adds to the blood's difficulty in forming a clot. A routine that already includes a prescription anticoagulant or antiplatelet is the other combination to raise with your prescriber before incorporating lumbrokinase supplements into your routine.Remember to always discuss any vitamins or supplements with your trusted healthcare professional if you are suffering from any health conditions.
Possible side effects of lumbrokinase
Possible side effects from taking lumbrokinase supplements may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Bleeding
If you are experiencing negative side effects from taking lumbrokinase supplements, stop taking them immediately and reach out to your trusted healthcare professional.
Drug interactions with lumbrokinase
The medicines listed below are the ones most often named in interaction reports for lumbrokinase, but it is by no means a comprehensive list:
- Blood thinners
Blood-thinning medication
Due to its blood-thinning and anticoagulant effect, it is advisable to not take lumbrokinase in conjunction with any blood-thinning medication, as the potential combined result could be excessive.If you are taking any prescription drugs or medication, check with your trusted healthcare professional before taking lumbrokinase supplements.
Can I take lumbrokinase while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Lumbrokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme, and pregnancy already shifts clotting toward a pro-coagulant state that protects against bleeding at delivery. An enzyme that breaks fibrin down works against that balance, and no human pregnancy trials exist. It isn't a pregnancy supplement.
Remember to always discuss any vitamins or supplements with your trusted healthcare professional while pregnant or breastfeeding, or while attempting to conceive.
Where should I store lumbrokinase?
For optimal shelf life, it is recommended to keep lumbrokinase supplements stored in the cupboard. Always make sure the bottle or container is tightly closed, and kept away from sources of light, heat and humidity.
Lumbrokinase data sources & further reading
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