Bromelain
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found in pineapples. Eating large amounts of the fruit of the pineapple doesn't supply a large enough dose of bromelain to be effective.
Usage
Bromelain is promoted as a dietary supplement for reducing pain and swelling, especially of the nose and sinuses, gums, and other body parts after surgery or injury. It is also promoted for osteoarthritis, cancer, digestive problems, and muscle soreness. Topical bromelain is promoted for burns.
Weight Loss
The enzymes in bromelain can increase the speed at which the body digests fats.
Digestion
Bromelain is also used as a digestive aid.
Treat burns
Bromelain is used for muscle soreness, pain, and to burns.
How to use bromelain?
As a Supplement
Available in liquid extracts, tablets or capsules.
Topical gel or cream
A topical variety is sometimes used by health care providers to treat severe burns
In Fresh Pineapple
Bromelain is primarily found in the stem of the pineapple, which is not normally eaten.
Pineapple traditionally was used throughout South America as a medicine for digestion-related disorders.
Hawaii produces about 1/3 of all pineapples in the world.
Pineapples are a cluster of hundreds of fruitlets.
You can plant pineapple leaves to grow a new plant.
About
Bromelain is a group of enzymes found in the fruit and stem of 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.
Science
There have been a small number of studies on the use of bromelain for sinusitis (symptoms of which include nasal swelling). Several studies have looked at the use of bromelain for removing dead skin from burns and for pain and other symptoms after wisdom tooth surgery. Little research has been done on other uses of bromelain.
There is not enough high-quality research to say whether bromelain should be recommended for sinusitis.
Preliminary research has shown that bromelain helps to remove dead and damaged skin from burns in children and adults. Whether bromelain treatment is better than standard treatment for scarring over the long term still needs to be examined.
There are conflicting research results on whether bromelain, alone or in combination with other ingredients, is helpful for osteoarthritis or for muscle soreness and injury after exercise.
There are also conflicting research results on whether bromelain is helpful for pain, swelling, and jaw range of motion after wisdom tooth surgery.
There is not enough research to determine if bromelain is effective for the other conditions for which it has been used, including digestive problems.
Safety
Few side effects of bromelain have been reported in studies. The most commonly reported side effects have been stomach upset and diarrhea.
Allergic reactions may occur in individuals who are sensitive or allergic to pineapples or who have other allergies.
Little is known about whether it’s safe to use bromelain during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Bromelain may interact with some medicines, such as the antibiotic amoxicillin. If you take medicines, talk to your health care provider before taking bromelain.
Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.
Fun Facts
Pineapples contain the bromelain enzyme which can break down proteins, so you can use them to tenderize meat.
Sources
Bromelain. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/bromelain