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Bromelain, a protease enzyme found in pineapples, aids digestion, reduces inflammation, and heals wounds. It can also fight bacteria and viruses, benefit organs, and relieve pain from arthritis. However, it may cause side effects and interact negatively with certain medications.
Bromelain refers to plant extracts obtained from the stem or fruit of Ananas comosus, a member of the Bromeliaceae family commonly known as pineapples. Specifically, these substances are known as protease enzymes because they initiate the proteolysis or digestion of proteins. Medicinally, bromelain is taken orally to aid in digestion and, when taken on an empty stomach, to reduce inflammation. It is also used topically to heal wounds and burns. In addition, this enzyme is approved and recommended by the German Commission E as a treatment after nose, throat or ear surgery to relieve inflammation.
As an oral supplement, bromelain has been found to be effective in reducing the discomfort associated with upset stomach and heartburn. It is particularly effective when taken together with amylase and lipase, enzymes that break down starches and fats, respectively. Some studies also indicate that bromelain can fight the bacteria responsible for diarrhea.
Researchers suspect that bromelain may exhibit additional antibacterial activity, as well as antiviral activity. In fact, studies have shown that bromelain deters some viruses and bacteria in vitro. Studies based on animal models have produced similar results. Thus, bromelain may be a possible adjunctive treatment for urinary tract infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Bromelain may also provide healthful benefits to certain organs, such as the kidneys, liver and heart. These organs are susceptible to damage from amyloidosis, which occurs due to a buildup of amyloid deposits. The reasoning behind this theory comes from the fact that amyloid is protein based and is supported by early studies. However, more research in this area is needed to confirm the preliminary results.
One of the best known medicinal uses of bromelain is to relieve pain and inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and bursitis. In fact, its effectiveness has been compared to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) typically prescribed for these conditions. There is also evidence that long-term bromelain supplementation may improve symptoms associated with some connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma.
Bromelain therapy may not be suitable for some individuals. For example, an allergy to pineapples or other plants in the Bromeliad family will definitely disqualify eligibility. Because bromelain also has mild blood-thinning properties, those with high blood pressure, kidney disease, and menstrual irregularities should avoid it. Additionally, bromelain has been known to produce mild side effects in some people, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Bromelain can also interact negatively with some medications. As mentioned above, bromelain can speed bleeding, so it shouldn’t be taken with warfarin, aspirin, or other blood-thinning medications. Bromelain can also interfere with antibiotic therapy. Specifically, it increases the absorption of tetracycline and increases the circulation of amoxicillin and tetracycline.
