{"title":"Lumbrokinase","description":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n  \"itemListElement\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n      \"position\": 1,\n      \"name\": \"Home\",\n      \"item\": \"https:\/\/plenthera.com\/\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n      \"position\": 2,\n      \"name\": \"Categories\",\n      \"item\": \"https:\/\/plenthera.com\/collections\/\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n      \"position\": 3,\n      \"name\": \"Lumbrokinase\",\n      \"item\": \"https:\/\/plenthera.com\/collections\/lumbrokinase\/\"\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"CollectionPage\",\n  \"name\": \"Lumbrokinase at Plenthera\",\n  \"description\": \"Lumbrokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme complex from earthworms (Di Long). At Plenthera as Doctor's Best Lumbrokinase 20 mg in vegetarian capsules.\",\n  \"url\": \"https:\/\/plenthera.com\/collections\/lumbrokinase\/\",\n  \"inLanguage\": \"en\",\n  \"isPartOf\": {\n    \"@type\": \"WebSite\",\n    \"name\": \"Plenthera\",\n    \"url\": \"https:\/\/plenthera.com\/\"\n  },\n  \"about\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n    \"name\": \"Lumbrokinase\",\n    \"alternateName\": [\n      \"Di Long\",\n      \"Earthworm fibrinolytic enzyme\"\n    ],\n    \"description\": \"Lumbrokinase is a group of fibrinolytic enzymes from the earthworm Lumbricus rubellus, researched for the breakdown of fibrin.\"\n  }\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is lumbrokinase?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Lumbrokinase is a complex of fibrinolytic enzymes from earthworms (mainly Lumbricus rubellus). In Traditional Chinese Medicine the dried earthworm is known as Di Long; the enzyme complex was isolated in Japan in 1991.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can lumbrokinase be taken with blood thinners?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Not without medical consultation. Lumbrokinase has a fibrinolytic action; in combination with blood thinners (warfarin, acenocoumarol, DOACs) or platelet aggregation inhibitors such as acetylsalicylic acid, the risk of bleeding may increase.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How much lumbrokinase per day?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Common in supplements is 20-40 mg per day; with Doctor's Best, 1 to 2 capsules of 20 mg, preferably between meals. Follow the label and consult a doctor if you take medication.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is the difference between lumbrokinase and nattokinase?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Both are fibrinolytic enzymes. Lumbrokinase comes from earthworms and is more active per milligram; nattokinase comes from fermented soy (natto), is plant-based and more extensively researched.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003carticle\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWritten by the Plenthera team (trained in orthomolecular nutrition). Scientifically reviewed in September 2026. Last updated: 18 September 2026.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLumbrokinase is a complex of fibrinolytic enzymes from earthworms. The dried earthworm (Di Long) has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine; the enzyme complex itself was isolated from Lumbricus rubellus by Japanese researchers in 1991 and subsequently standardised. Per milligram, lumbrokinase is the most active natural fibrinolytic enzyme available as a supplement. At Plenthera you will find Doctor's Best Lumbrokinase 20 mg in vegetarian capsules. Important: if you use blood thinners, before surgery or with clotting disorders, always seek medical advice first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cnav aria-label=\"Table of contents\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTable of contents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#vergelijking\"\u003eLumbrokinase vs nattokinase — which suits you?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#wat-is-lumbrokinase\"\u003eWhat is lumbrokinase?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#wetenschap\"\u003eWhat does science say about lumbrokinase?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#vormen\"\u003eThe lumbrokinase forms at Plenthera\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#hoe-gebruik\"\u003eHow do you use lumbrokinase?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#mythes\"\u003eMyths and misconceptions about lumbrokinase\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#combineren\"\u003eCombining lumbrokinase with other supplements\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#faq\"\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#bronnen\"\u003eSources\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/nav\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"vergelijking\"\u003eLumbrokinase vs nattokinase — which suits you?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAspect\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLumbrokinase\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNattokinase\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSource\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEarthworms (Lumbricus rubellus)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNatto — soy fermented with Bacillus subtilis natto\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eActivity per mg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh — hence low doses (20-40 mg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLower — doses of 100-200 mg (2,000-4,000 FU)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBreaks down fibrin directly and activates plasminogen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBreaks down fibrin directly\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVegan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo — of animal origin (the capsule is vegetarian)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes — plant-based\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eResearch in humans\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMore limited, mainly Chinese studies\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMore extensive\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrice\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigher\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLower\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are looking for a plant-based alternative, take a look at \u003ca href=\"\/en-mt\/collections\/nattokinase\"\u003enattokinase\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"wat-is-lumbrokinase\"\u003eWhat is lumbrokinase?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLumbrokinase is the collective name for a group of fibrinolytic enzymes (serine proteases) from earthworms, mainly Lumbricus rubellus. The enzyme complex breaks down fibrin — the protein that gives blood clots their structure — and is therefore being researched in connection with blood circulation.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Traditional Chinese Medicine, the dried earthworm has been used for centuries under the name Di Long (\"earth dragon\"). In 1991, Mihara and colleagues isolated from Lumbricus rubellus a group of six fibrinolytic enzymes (EFE, earthworm fibrinolytic enzymes), together called lumbrokinase. Earthworms probably developed this enzyme system to break down their food in the soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLumbrokinase differs from nattokinase in having a dual mechanism: the enzyme breaks down fibrin directly (fibrinolytic) and converts plasminogen into plasmin, the body's own fibrin-degrading enzyme. As a result, activity per milligram is high and the usual doses are low: 20-40 mg per day, compared with 100-200 mg for nattokinase. Manufacturers express activity in units on fibrin plates or as a standardised extract in milligrams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause lumbrokinase affects fibrinolysis, the same caution applies as with nattokinase: with blood thinners (warfarin, acenocoumarol, DOACs), platelet aggregation inhibitors such as acetylsalicylic acid, before surgery or with clotting disorders, do not use without consulting a doctor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"wetenschap\"\u003eWhat does science say about lumbrokinase?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResearch into lumbrokinase focuses on fibrinolysis: in laboratory studies the enzyme complex breaks down fibrin and fibrinogen and activates plasminogen. Animal studies and a number of mainly Chinese clinical studies investigate lumbrokinase in connection with blood circulation and blood viscosity. These studies are relatively small and not all placebo-controlled; large, independent studies are still lacking. An overview of the state of research is given by Cooper \u0026amp; Balamurugan (2010).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA practical question is whether the enzyme survives the stomach. Research suggests that lumbrokinase is relatively stable at low pH and is partly absorbed intact; here too, the human evidence is limited. We therefore describe only the mechanism and the lines of research.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLumbrokinase is a food supplement, not a medicine. If you take medication, before surgery or with a tendency to bleed: consult your doctor or pharmacist beforehand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"vormen\"\u003eThe lumbrokinase forms at Plenthera\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoctor's Best Lumbrokinase 20 mg — 60 vegetarian capsules (also 3×60 as a value pack)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStandardised lumbrokinase extract in 20 mg capsules, in a vegetarian capsule (the enzyme itself is of animal origin). Easy to dose: 1 capsule for the usual 20 mg, 2 capsules for 40 mg. Also available as a value pack of 3×60 capsules.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther forms on the market\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLumbrokinase is also available as the Canadian brand Boluoke (standardised on enzyme activity) and in combination formulas with nattokinase or serrapeptase. These are not currently in our range; for plant-based fibrinolytic enzymes, see the category \u003ca href=\"\/en-mt\/collections\/nattokinase\"\u003enattokinase\u003c\/a\u003e and for serrapeptase the category \u003ca href=\"\/en-mt\/collections\/serrapeptase\"\u003eserrapeptase\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"hoe-gebruik\"\u003eHow do you use lumbrokinase?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA simple basic approach for lumbrokinase:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart with 1 capsule of 20 mg per day; the usual range in supplements is 20-40 mg per day (1-2 capsules). Follow the label.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTake lumbrokinase between meals, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after eating — so that the enzyme is not used for digesting protein from the meal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you use blood thinners or platelet aggregation inhibitors: consult a doctor beforehand, even at low doses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBefore surgery or a dental procedure: stop at least 2 weeks beforehand and inform the practitioner.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding or with a known tendency to bleed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnzymes are not medicines: with heart or blood vessel complaints, regular medical care remains the basis.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"mythes\"\u003eMyths and misconceptions about lumbrokinase\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMyth 1: \"Lumbrokinase is a natural blood thinner that can replace medication.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncorrect and risky. Lumbrokinase breaks down fibrin; blood thinners such as warfarin inhibit the production of clotting factors and acetylsalicylic acid inhibits the platelets. These are different mechanisms with different doses and monitoring. Never stop prescribed medication in favour of a supplement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMyth 2: \"More milligrams of lumbrokinase work better.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLumbrokinase is so active per milligram that low doses (20-40 mg) are common. Higher doses are not better substantiated and mainly increase the risk of bleeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMyth 3: \"Lumbrokinase and nattokinase are the same.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth are fibrinolytic enzymes, but they differ in source (earthworm versus fermented soy), mechanism (lumbrokinase also activates plasminogen) and dosage. Nattokinase is plant-based and more extensively researched; lumbrokinase is more active per milligram.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMyth 4: \"Because it is a natural product, anyone can use it safely.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncorrect. With blood thinners, before surgery, during pregnancy or with clotting disorders, lumbrokinase is not suitable without medical consultation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"combineren\"\u003eCombining lumbrokinase with other supplements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLumbrokinase is often combined within the heart and blood vessels theme. Popular combinations:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-mt\/collections\/omega-3-vetzuren\"\u003eOmega 3\u003c\/a\u003e: EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart (with a daily intake of 250 mg EPA and DHA).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-mt\/collections\/q10\"\u003eQ10\u003c\/a\u003e: a coenzyme that plays a role in cellular energy metabolism; being researched in connection with the heart and blood vessels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-mt\/collections\/magnesium\"\u003eMagnesium\u003c\/a\u003e: magnesium contributes to normal muscle function and to normal energy-yielding metabolism.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-mt\/collections\/kurkuma\"\u003eTurmeric\u003c\/a\u003e: curcumin is being researched for its antioxidant properties; note that curcumin can affect the platelets — only combine with lumbrokinase after consultation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-mt\/collections\/vitamine-k\"\u003eVitamin K2\u003c\/a\u003e: vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting and therefore works in a different direction from lumbrokinase. Combining is possible, but coordinate this with a doctor, especially if you take medication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-mt\/collections\/nattokinase\"\u003eNattokinase\u003c\/a\u003e: sometimes used together with lumbrokinase; stacking two fibrinolytics increases the risk of bleeding — only under supervision.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"faq\"\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is lumbrokinase?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA complex of fibrinolytic enzymes from earthworms (mainly Lumbricus rubellus), known in TCM as Di Long and scientifically isolated in 1991.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does lumbrokinase work?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt breaks down fibrin directly and activates plasminogen, the body's own fibrin-degrading system. Researched in connection with blood circulation; human data are limited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much lumbrokinase per day?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon is 20-40 mg per day: 1-2 Doctor's Best capsules of 20 mg. Follow the label.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen should you take lumbrokinase?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetween meals, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after eating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan lumbrokinase be taken with blood thinners?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot without medical consultation — the risk of bleeding may increase with warfarin, acenocoumarol, DOACs and acetylsalicylic acid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference from nattokinase?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLumbrokinase is of animal origin, more active per milligram and also activates plasminogen; nattokinase is plant-based, more extensively researched and dosed higher.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs lumbrokinase vegan?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. The enzyme comes from earthworms. The Doctor's Best capsule is vegetarian, but the contents are of animal origin. Plant-based alternative: nattokinase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes lumbrokinase have side effects?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenerally well tolerated at the usual dose. Possible: an increased tendency to bleed, especially in combination with other agents that affect clotting, and occasional mild stomach complaints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould I stop before surgery?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, at least 2 weeks beforehand, and inform the treating doctor or dentist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I recognise good-quality lumbrokinase?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA standardised extract with a stated amount per capsule, a reliable manufacturer and a clear statement of the source (Lumbricus rubellus).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"bronnen\"\u003eSources\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMihara H. et al., \"A novel fibrinolytic enzyme extracted from the earthworm, Lumbricus rubellus\", Jpn J Physiol (1991).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCooper E.L. \u0026amp; Balamurugan M., \"Unearthing a source of medicinal molecules\", Drug Discov Today (2010).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRegulation (EU) 432\/2012 — authorised health claims (EPA\/DHA, magnesium, vitamin K).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisclaimer:\u003c\/strong\u003e This text is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Lumbrokinase is a food supplement, not a medicine. If in doubt or if you take medication, we recommend consulting a doctor or orthomolecular therapist first.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"doctors-best-lumbrokinase-20mg-60-vcaps","title":"Lumbrokinase 20 mg – 60 vegetarian capsules","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDoctor's Best Lumbrokinase delivers a standardised enzyme extract from the earthworm Lumbricus rubellus, traditionally used in East Asian food tradition. The raw material is obtained through a purification process — only the enzyme complex, no worm parts. For those seeking a proteolytic enzyme from a traditional Eastern source. Jar of 60 vegetarian capsules, sufficient for 30 days at two capsules per day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Doctor's Best","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56769453654361,"sku":"9288","price":59.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0941\/6127\/3177\/files\/doctor-s-best-lumbrokinase-60-v-caps-20mg-1.jpg?v=1773933599"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0941\/6127\/3177\/collections\/doctor-s-best-lumbrokinase-60-v-caps-20mg-3.jpg?v=1776088097","url":"https:\/\/www.plenthera.com\/en-mt\/collections\/lumbrokinase.oembed","provider":"Plenthera","version":"1.0","type":"link"}