Overview

Bromelain is a group of enzymes found in pineapple juice and in the pineapple stem. People use it as a medicine.

Bromelain is used for pain, muscle soreness, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Enzymes

Primary Functions:

Pain, muscle soreness

Also Known As:

Ananas, Ananus ananus, Ananas comosus

How Does It Work?

Bromelain seems to cause the body to produce substances that fight pain and swelling (inflammation).

Bromelain also contains chemicals that interfere with the growth of tumor cells and slow blood clotting.

Uses

Muscle soreness caused by exercise. Taking bromelain by mouth after intense exercise does not prevent muscle soreness. It also doesn't reduce pain or weakness or improve flexibility.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

• For osteoarthritis: a combination product (Phlogenzym), which contains rutin 100 mg, trypsin 48 mg, and bromelain 90 mg, given as 2 tablets 3 times daily has been used.

Bromelain Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of taking bromelain?

People use bromelain topically, to remove dead skin from burns, and orally, to reduce inflammation and swelling — particularly of the nasal passages. Bromelain is also used as a digestive aid, for osteoarthritis, and to reduce soreness in aching muscles.

Is it safe to take bromelain daily?

Bromelain has shown health benefits at doses as low as 160 milligrams (mg) a day. For most conditions, research suggests that the best results occur at doses of 750 to 1,000 mg a day. * This is usually split into more than one dose, such as 500 mg taken twice daily.

What are the side effects of bromelain?

Bromelain may cause some side effects, such as diarrhea and stomach and intestinal discomfort. Bromelain may also cause allergic reactions, especially in people who have other allergies. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking bromelain.

Is bromelain good for joint pain?

This pineapple-derived compound has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, but it's not a magic remedy for arthritis. In addition to treating ailments like digestive issues, sinusitis, bronchitis, and muscle soreness, bromelain is used as a home remedy for arthritis.

What foods are high in bromelain?

You can get papain and bromelain by eating raw papaya and pineapple, respectively. You can also buy these proteolytic enzymes in concentrated supplement form. Though pineapples and papayas are the most common sources of proteolytic enzymes, other dietary sources include: Kiwifruit.

Is bromelain anti inflammatory?

People use bromelain topically, to remove dead skin from burns, and orally, to reduce inflammation and swelling — particularly of the nasal passages. Bromelain is also used as a digestive aid, for osteoarthritis, and to reduce soreness in aching muscles

Is bromelain safe for kidneys?

Pregnant women and people with bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, and liver or kidney disease should not take bromelain. Bromelain may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. You should stop taking bromelain at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Is bromelain good for lungs?

It's logical that the beneficial effects of bromelain on lung function are a result of its protease activity. Bromelain's anti-inflammatory effects could reduce both the local and systemic inflammation that contribute to a variety of lung- and breathing-related conditions.

Does bromelain raise blood pressure?

Most studies in humans report few side effects. However, one study showed an increased heart rate in individuals with high blood pressure who were taking a high dose of bromelain. If you have high blood pressure, consult with your health-care professional before taking a bromelain supplement.

What is turmeric and bromelain good for?

Turmeric is a spice that contains an important compound called curcumin. Turmeric Bromelain from webber naturals can be taken to relieve acute inflammation within the digestive tract or other areas of the body, as well as ongoing support for inflammatory joint and digestive conditions.

Does bromelain cause weight gain?

While the presence of bromelain in pineapples does not make them special for a weight loss diet, the fact that they are a low-calorie fruit does. So if you include pineapples in your diet and start to lose weight, it is not because of bromelain, but because of the high fibre and low calories feature of the fruit.

Where is bromelain naturally found?

Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found in the pineapple plant. Pineapple is native to the Americas but is now grown throughout the world in tropical and subtropical regions. Historically, natives of Central and South America used pineapple for a variety of ailments, such as digestive disorders.

Can you take too much bromelain?

Bromelain has shown health benefits at doses as low as 160 milligrams (mg) a day. For most conditions, research suggests that the best results occur at doses of 750 to 1,000 mg a day. This is usually split into more than one dose, such as 500 mg taken twice daily.

Is Pineapple bad for arthritis?

Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and the enzyme bromelain, which has been linked to decreased pain and swelling in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, Sandon says. So add this tropical fruit to your diet every chance you get. Bromelain may also interfere with the action of antibiotics and sedatives.

How much bromelain should I take for inflammation?

There is no standard dose for bromelain. For swelling, some experts have recommended a range of 80 milligrams to 300 milligrams of extract taken two to three times daily. One or two 200-milligram bromelain tablets are used for knee pain.

Do bananas contain bromelain?

Foods that contain natural digestive enzymes include pineapples, papayas, mangoes, honey, bananas, avocados, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, kiwifruit and ginger. Adding any of these foods to your diet may help promote digestion and better gut health.

Is bromelain in canned pineapple?

According to NutritionData.com, canned pineapple in juice has only about 60 percent as much vitamin C as fresh, raw pineapple. Canning pineapple also destroys a key anti-inflammatory enzyme called bromelain – which is one of the best benefits of consuming the sweet fruit.

Does bromelain break down collagen?

Bromelain breaks down collagen, a long protein that binds together human and animal tissue. Bromelain also cannot harm the human digestive system because the enzyme will be denatured, or deactivated, by the strong acid in the stomach. Bromelain is also used to tenderize meat.

Can bromelain cause heart palpitations?

Bromelain has been known to cause allergic reactions such as asthma, rhinitis, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The botanical is contraindicated in children, people with allergies to pineapple or bee stings, individuals with a history of heart palpitations, and patients taking blood thinners.

How much bromelain should I take daily?

How much bromelain should you take? There is no standard dose for bromelain. For swelling, some experts have recommended a range of 80 milligrams to 300 milligrams of extract taken two to three times daily. One or two 200-milligram bromelain tablets are used for knee pain.

Does bromelain kill viruses?

Evidence from test tube and animal studies suggests that bromelain can kill some viruses and bacteria. More research, including human studies, is needed to see whether it truly works.

Clinical Studies

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• ^ a b c d e f g Maurer HR. Bromelain: biochemistry, pharmacology and medical use. Cell Mol Life Sci. (2001)
• ^ Harrach T, et al. Isolation and partial characterization of basic proteinases from stem bromelain. J Protein Chem. (1995)
• ^ Purification and characterization of multiple forms of the pineapple-stem-derived cysteine proteinases ananain and comosain.
• ^ Irene D, et al. Resonance assignments and secondary structure of a phytocystatin from Ananas comosus. Biomol NMR Assign. (2012)
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• ^ Ketnawa S, Chaiwut P, Rawdkuen S. Extraction of bromelain from pineapple peels. Food Sci Technol Int. (2011)
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• ^ White RR, et al. Bioavailability of 125I bromelain after oral administration to rats. Biopharm Drug Dispos. (1988)
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• ^ Roxas M. The role of enzyme supplementation in digestive disorders. Altern Med Rev. (2008)
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• ^ a b Borrelli F, et al. Inhibitory effects of bromelain, a cysteine protease derived from pineapple stem (Ananas comosus), on intestinal motility in mice. Neurogastroenterol Motil. (2011)
• ^ a b Hale LP, et al. Treatment with oral bromelain decreases colonic inflammation in the IL-10-deficient murine model of inflammatory bowel disease. Clin Immunol. (2005)
• ^ CD44 antibody against In(Lu)-related p80, lymphocyte-homing receptor molecule inhibits the binding of human erythrocytes to T cells.
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• ^ a b Mahajan S, et al. Stem Bromelain-Induced Macrophage Apoptosis and Activation Curtail Mycobacterium tuberculosis Persistence. J Infect Dis. (2012)
• ^ Hale LP, Greer PK, Sempowski GD. Bromelain treatment alters leukocyte expression of cell surface molecules involved in cellular adhesion and activation. Clin Immunol. (2002)
• ^ Fitzhugh DJ, et al. Bromelain treatment decreases neutrophil migration to sites of inflammation. Clin Immunol. (2008)
• ^ Mynott TL, et al. Bromelain, from pineapple stems, proteolytically blocks activation of extracellular regulated kinase-2 in T cells. J Immunol. (1999)
• ^ a b Kalra N, et al. Regulation of p53, nuclear factor kappaB and cyclooxygenase-2 expression by bromelain through targeting mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in mouse skin. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. (2008)
• ^ a b Bhui K, et al. Bromelain inhibits COX-2 expression by blocking the activation of MAPK regulated NF-kappa B against skin tumor-initiation triggering mitochondrial death pathway. Cancer Lett. (2009)
• ^ Majima M, et al. Determination of bradykinin-(1-5) in inflammatory exudate by a new ELISA as a reliable indicator of bradykinin generation. Inflamm Res. (1996)
• ^ Ogino M, et al. Increased migration of neutrophils to granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in rat carrageenin-induced pleurisy: roles of complement, bradykinin, and inducible cyclooxygenase-2. Inflamm Res. (1996)
• ^ Wittenborg A, et al. Comparative epidemiological study in patients with rheumatic diseases illustrated in a example of a treatment with non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs versus an oral enzyme combination preparation. Arzneimittelforschung. (2000)
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• ^ Akhtar NM, et al. Oral enzyme combination versus diclofenac in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee--a double-blind prospective randomized study. Clin Rheumatol. (2004)
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• ^ Miller PC, et al. The effects of protease supplementation on skeletal muscle function and DOMS following downhill running. J Sports Sci. (2004)
• ^ Neumayer C, et al. Combined enzymatic and antioxidative treatment reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury in rabbit skeletal muscle. J Surg Res. (2006)
• ^ Roep BO, et al. Modulation of autoimmunity to beta-cell antigens by proteases. Diabetologia. (2002)
• ^ Kempf K, et al. Effect of combined oral proteases and flavonoid treatment in subjects at risk of Type 1 diabetes. Diabet Med. (2009)
• ^ a b c Metzig C, et al. Bromelain proteases reduce human platelet aggregation in vitro, adhesion to bovine endothelial cells and thrombus formation in rat vessels in vivo. In Vivo. (1999)
• ^ a b Heinicke RM, van der Wal L, Yokoyama M. Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia. (1972)
• ^ Felton GE. Fibrinolytic and antithrombotic action of bromelain may eliminate thrombosis in heart patients. Med Hypotheses. (1980)
• ^ a b c d Ley CM, et al. A review of the use of bromelain in cardiovascular diseases. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. (2011)
• ^ Juhasz B, et al. Bromelain induces cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury through Akt/FOXO pathway in rat myocardium. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. (2008)
• ^ Gaciong Z, et al. Beneficial effect of proteases on allograft arteriosclerosis in a rat aortic model. Nephrol Dial Transplant. (1996)
• ^ a b Seligman B. Oral bromelains as adjuncts in the treatment of acute thrombophlebitis. Angiology. (1969)
• ^ Gutfreund AE, Taussig SJ, Morris AK. Effect of oral bromelain on blood pressure and heart rate of hypertensive patients. Hawaii Med J. (1978)
• ^ Seneviratne AN, Sivagurunathan B, Monaco C. Toll-like receptors and macrophage activation in atherosclerosis. Clin Chim Acta. (2012)
• ^ Lauer D, Reichenbach A, Birkenmeier G. Alpha 2-macroglobulin-mediated degradation of amyloid beta 1--42: a mechanism to enhance amyloid beta catabolism. Exp Neurol. (2001)
• ^ Baumhackl U, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of oral hydrolytic enzymes in relapsing multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. (2005)
• ^ a b c d e f g h Dave S, et al. Inhibition of adipogenesis and induction of apoptosis and lipolysis by stem bromelain in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. PLoS One. (2012)
• ^ Seltzer AP. Adjunctive use of bromelains in sinusitis: a controlled study. Eye Ear Nose Throat Mon. (1967)
• ^ Ryan RE. A double-blind clinical evaluation of bromelains in the treatment of acute sinusitis. Headache. (1967)
• ^ Taub SJ. The use of bromelains in sinusitis: a double-blind clinical evaluation. Eye Ear Nose Throat Mon. (1967)
• ^ A DOUBLE-BLIND CLINICAL EVALUATION OF BROMELAINS IN THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE SINUSITIS.
• ^ Braun JM, Schneider B, Beuth HJ. Therapeutic use, efficiency and safety of the proteolytic pineapple enzyme Bromelain-POS in children with acute sinusitis in Germany. In Vivo. (2005)
• ^ NEUBAUER RA. A plant protease for potentiation of and possible replacement of antibiotics. Exp Med Surg. (1961)
• ^ Grabovac V, Bernkop-Schnürch A. Improvement of the intestinal membrane permeability of low molecular weight heparin by complexation with stem bromelain. Int J Pharm. (2006)
• ^ a b Guggi D, Bernkop-Schnürch A. Improved paracellular uptake by the combination of different types of permeation enhancers. Int J Pharm. (2005)
• ^ Renzini G, Varengo M. Absorption of tetracycline in presence of bromelain after oral administration. Arzneimittelforschung. (1972)
• ^ Bradbrook ID, Morrison PJ, Rogers HJ. The effect of bromelain on the absorption of orally administered tetracycline. Br J Clin Pharmacol. (1978)
• ^ Volatile Components of Pineapple.
• ^ Montero-Calderón M, Rojas-Graü MA, Martín-Belloso O. Aroma profile and volatiles odor activity along gold cultivar pineapple flesh. J Food Sci. (2010)
• ^ a b c MOSS JN, FRAZIER CV, MARTIN GJ. BROMELAINS. THE PHARMACOLOGY OF THE ENZYMES. Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther. (1963)
• Klein G, et al. Efficacy and tolerance of an oral enzyme combination in painful osteoarthritis of the hip. A double-blind, randomised study comparing oral enzymes with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Clin Exp Rheumatol. (2006)
• Brien S, et al. Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. QJM. (2006)
• Stone MB, et al. Preliminary comparison of bromelain and Ibuprofen for delayed onset muscle soreness management. Clin J Sport Med. (2002)
• Walker AF, et al. Bromelain reduces mild acute knee pain and improves well-being in a dose-dependent fashion in an open study of otherwise healthy adults. Phytomedicine. (2002)
• Tilwe GH, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of oral enzyme therapy as compared to diclofenac in active osteoarthrosis of knee joint: an open randomized controlled clinical trial. J Assoc Physicians India. (2001)