Bromelain is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes found in pineapples (Ananas comosus). Bromelain supplements contain active substances that aid digestion and help reduce inflammation.
Uses
Bromelain is useful in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, but it is particularly effective in relieving inflammation associated with infection and physical injuries.
Studies have shown that bromelain may help in the treatment of the following:
Surgical Procedures and Sports Injuries
Although studies show mixed results, bromelain supplements may reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain following surgery and physical injuries. In fact an authoritative body in Germany called the Commission E (similar to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved the use of bromelain for these purposes.
Wounds and Burns
Some studies of animals indicate that bromelain (applied to the surface of the skin) may be useful in removing dead tissue from third-degree burns (particularly burns that go through all layers of the skin). This application has not yet been tested on people, but traditional and current day practices in Japan, Hawaii and Taiwan include use of topical bromelain to clean wounds and burns. Similarly, some clinicians may recommend this topical agent to reduce swelling from insect bites or stings.
Nasal and Sinus Congestion
Although not all experts agree, bromelain supplements may help suppress cough, reduce nasal mucus associated with sinusitis, and relieve the swelling and inflammation caused by hay fever. Bromelain is approved by the German Commission E for the treatment of sinus and nasal swelling following ear, nose, and throat surgery or trauma.
Digestion
The protein-digesting enzymes found in bromelain help promote and maintain proper digestion and may relieve symptoms of stomach upset or heartburn, particularly when used in conjunction with other enzymes such as amylase (which digests starch) and lipase (which digests fat). Similarly, an animal study suggests that the antibacterial effects of bromelain may help to control diarrhea caused by bacteria. Studies in people are needed.
Arthritis and other Inflammatory Conditions
Bromelain supplements may be as effective as some commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications (such as ibuprofen and diclofenac) for reducing pain associated with osteoarthritis. Similarly, preliminary studies suggest that bromelain may also help reduce the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Plus, long-standing use of bromelain suggests that this enzyme may be helpful as part of the treatment for other connective tissue disorders including scleroderma (build up of tough scar-like tissue in the skin and, at times, internal organs), bursitis, and tendinitis.
Infection
Some scientific evidence from test tubes and animals suggests that bromelain can fight against infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria. Therefore, bromelain may prove a useful addition to conventional treatment of bronchitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. More research is needed.
Amyloidosis
Amyloid is a protein-like substance that can build up and cause damage to many organs in the body such as the kidneys, liver, or heart. This build-up of amyloid is called amyloidosis. In one laboratory study, researchers examined the tissue of one person with a strong family history of amyloidosis. They found that bromelain may help breakdown amyloid deposits in kidney tissue. This very preliminary finding does not indicate how this information will translate to treatment or prevention of amyloidosis for people in general. Much more research is needed.