Learn about the Benefits of Bromelain

Bromelain

Bromelain, found in pineapple, is a mixture of enzymes. In the late 1800s, it was isolated from the pineapple (derived from the juice and stem) and in 1957, it was introduced as a medicinal agent. Bromelain is available in capsule and tablet form.

Benefits of Bromelain

Arthritis

Bromelain can help reduce inflammation in cases of rheumatoid arthritis. It activates compounds that are responsible for breaking down fibrin. Fibrin forms a matrix around the inflamed area, thus blocking blood vessels and preventing adequate tissue drainage (causing swelling). Another anti-inflammatory effect of bromelain is blocking the production of kinins. The production of kinins occur during inflammation, causing pain and increasing swelling.

Bromelain can also help in the treatment of gout and osteoarthritis.

Surgery and Physical Injuries

Bromelain can prevent swelling after surgery or trauma and can also help reduce inflammation, swelling, and bruising in cases of trauma.

In one study, involving 146 boxers, 74 received bromelain and 72 did not. All signs of bruising were completely cleared within 4 days in 58 boxers of the 74 who received bromelain. In the other 16 boxers, it took 8-10 days. Out of the 72 boxers who did not take bomelain, only 10 showed no signs of bruising at the end of 4 days and the remainder took 7-14 days.[1]

Upper Respiratory Infections

In cases of bronchitis, bromelain can help suppress coughs and reduce the viscosity of sputum by fluidifying and decreasing bronchial secretions.

Bromelain also has good to excellent results when treating acute sinusitis. It is approved by the German Commission E to treat sinus and nasal swelling after ear, nose, and throat trauma or surgery.

Other benefits include:

• removing dead tissue from 2nd and 3rd degree burns when applied topically
• reducing swelling from insect bites and stings
• treating carpal tunnel syndrome due to inflammation
• preventing the development of hard and lumpy skin around varicose veins
• inhibiting HIV proteases (in test tube studies, it has been shown to have better activity than anti-HIV drugs) - more research is needed.[2]

Bromelain Side Effects

Bromelain side effects can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, irritation to mucus membranes, and excessive menstrual bleeding.

To get the best benefits of bromelain, it should be taken between meals.

References

• [1] Practitioner 203 (1960): 206
• [2] Biochemical Biophys Res Commun 227 (1996): 125-30

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