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Bromelain

Bromelain is shown to reduce arthritis pain and swelling. Side effects are not common and it is found to be safe. Why wouldn't you want to use this first?

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here are many research studies to demonstrate its potential health benefits. It has an excellent safety record and it's protein-digesting ability makes it a versatile enzyme for the body.

If you suffer from arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), it is worth giving bromelain a try. There are very few side effects and it is shown to work as well as some prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.

Table of Contents

Facts about Bromelain
Suggested Benefits and Traditional Uses
Side Effects, Toxicity and Warnings
Common Drug Interactions
Foods sources
Dosage & How to Take It

Evidence of Benefits (Leaf rating system)

	Arthritis / Osteoarthritis Research studies show that it may be as effective as common anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aspirin (ASA), Aleve (naproxen) and Advil (ibuprofen) for treating osteoarthritis. Click here to see a list of natural remedies for treating osteoarthritis.
	Sports injuries / Bruises / Burns / Post-surgery Pain The German Commission E recommends its use to help with sports injuries, bruising, swelling and post-surgery pain control.
	Rheumatoid Arthritis Research studies suggest that this supplement can be helpful in reducing pain from people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
	Ulcerative Colitis There is some evidence that people with ulcerative colitis showed benefits and reduced symptoms by taking this natural supplement.
	Digestion / Stomach Upset / Heartburn / Stomach Ulcer Its protein-digesting ability helps with maintaining proper digestion. It seems to speed up the healing of stomach ulcers.
	Infection Studies done in laboratory setting suggest that bromelin can kill bacteria and viruses.
	Cancer Prevention In animal studies, this supplement stimulates the production of cytokine, a substance that is known to stop the development of cancer cells. More research will be required to find out if this applies to humans.
	HIV / AIDS In laboratory settings, bromelin seems to stop an enzyme (protease) that the virus needs to replicate itself to infect healthy T cells. It seems to prevent the virus from attaching to the health T cells as well.
	Scleroderma No research studies could be located for using bromelain to treat scleroderma.
	Warts No research studies could be located for using bromelain to treat warts.
	PMS (premenstrual syndrome) No research studies could be located for using bromelain to treat PMS.

Facts about Bromelain

What other names is it known by?

It is also known as bromelin, pineapple enzyme, pineapple extract or bromelainum in different parts of the world.

What is it?

It is a name describing proteolytic enzymes extracted from the stem and fruit of the pineapple. It was isolated from pineapple in 1876.

Research studies show that it is an enzymes that breaks down protein. It is also shown to stop or slow down the growth of cancer cells and prevent the blood from clotting.

Further studies show that it blocks the formation of fibrin and other chemicals that leads to swelling, inflammation and pain at the injury site.

Many more studies further shows that it can speed up healing of the soft tissues.

Suggested Benefits and Traditional Uses

Orally

allergies
amyloidosis
anti-inflammatory benefits
arthritis
atherosclerosis
blood clot prevention
bronchitis
bruises
burns
bursitis
cancer prevention
carpal tunnel syndrome
Crohn's disease
cuts
diabetes
digestion aid
enhanced antibiotic absorption
gastric ulcers
gastric upset
gout
HIV/AIDS.
inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
injured joints
muscle soreness
nasal and sinus congestion
osteoarthritis
PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
rheumatoid arthritis
scleroderma
sinusitis (sinus infection)
sports injuries
ulcerative colitis
warts

Topically (on the skin)

bruises
burns
inflammation reduction
local swelling
post-surgery pain
soft tissue injuries
sports injuries
wound healing

Side Effects, Toxicity and Warnings

Side effects such as stomach upset and diarrhea has been reported.

It is possible that people with allergies to pineapple could have an allergic reaction to it. If you have a known allergy to pineapple, avoid taking this. This may lead to skin reactions or an asthma attack.

Safety - Research studies conducted showed that it is safe and has few reported side effects at the appropriate dosages.

Pregnancy and Lactation - Avoid taking during pregnancy as there are no information available.

Common Drug Interactions

warfarin / blood-thinning medications - caution

This supplement has antiplatelet activity (preventing blood from clotting), it could increase the risk of bleeding. Have your warfarin levels monitored when starting or stopping bromelin supplement.

Foods that contain Bromelain

Dietary source of bromelin includes pineapple.

Dosage & How to Take It

The German Commission E suggests dosage from 80 to 320 mg taken two to three times daily.

It is available as tablets, enteric coated tablets, capsules (in many strengths), powder and cream formulations (in strengths up to 35%). When taking the supplement for the first time, it is best to start with a lower dosage and to increase slowly.

Digestion Aid: 500 mg daily (divided into two or three doses).

Traumatic injuries / Bruises: 500 mg four times daily on an empty stomach.

Arthritis/Osteoarthritis: 250 to 1000 mg twice daily.
Other dosages used include:

Knee Pain: 200 to 400 mg daily.

Muscle Soreness: 300 mg three times daily

Selected References for Bromelain
Updated: March 13, 2010

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