Bromelain is a protein extract derived from the stems of pineapples, although it exists in all parts of the fresh plant and fruit.
- Bromelain has been shown effective in reducing indigestion in persons without heliobactor pylori infections when in conjunction with other nutraceuticals. [1]
- Bromelain was found to normalize the intestinal motility in inflammation and diabetes. [2]
- An oral dose of bromelain in drinking water is able to reduce colonic inflammation and is being studied as a novel therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). [3] [4]
- Preliminary research suggests bromelain reduces muscle breakdown and soreness, while preserving power output. [5] [6] [7]
- Bromelain was found to increase production of tumor-suppressing proteins. [8] [9]
- Bromelain was found to confer protective effects from artherosclerosis. [10] [11]
- Use of bromelain as an anti-obesity alternative medicine was supported by a study showing that bromelain induces breakdown of fat cells. [12]
- Bromelain reduces nasal inflammation [13] and the length it takes to alleviate sinusitis (known as a 'stuffed nose') significantly. [14]
If the goal is to aid digestion, the standard dose is between 200 – 2,000mg, taken with a meal.
If the goal of supplementation is not digestion related, doses range from 200 - 800mg.
Bromelain is typically taken between meals to avoid potential degradation in the stomach. The large range for the standard dose is due to the variations in the enzymatic potential of bromelain, which is standardized by milk clotting units (MCU), or gelatin dissolving units (GDU).
- Bromelain has the ability to increase bioavailability (percent absorbed) and reduce the side-effects associated with antibiotics such as penicillins and tetracyclins after oral administration. [15] [16]
Bromelain is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth or applied to the skin in appropriate amounts. Bromelain may cause some side effects, such as diarrhea and stomach and intestinal discomfort. Bromelain may also cause allergic reactions, especially in people who have other allergies.
- Taking bromelain with amoxicillin might increase how much amoxicillin is in the body. This might increase the effects and side effects of amoxicillin.
- Bromelain might slow blood clotting. Taking bromelain along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, indomethacin (Indocin), ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
- Taking bromelain along with some antibiotics called tetracyclines might increase effects and side effects of these antibiotics. Some tetracyclines include demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Minocin), and tetracycline (Achromycin).
[1] Pellicano R, et al. Benefit of dietary integrators for treating functional dyspepsia: a prospective pilot study. Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol. (2009)
[2] Borrelli F, et al. Inhibitory effects of bromelain, a cysteine protease derived from pineapple stem (Ananas comosus), on intestinal motility in mice. Neurogastroenterol Motil. (2011)
[3] Hale LP, et al. Treatment with oral bromelain decreases colonic inflammation in the IL-10-deficient murine model of inflammatory bowel disease. Clin Immunol. (2005)
[4] Onken JE, et al. Bromelain treatment decreases secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by colon biopsies in vitro. Clin Immunol. (2008)
[5] Buford TW, et al. Protease supplementation improves muscle function after eccentric exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. (2009)
[6] Miller PC, et al. The effects of protease supplementation on skeletal muscle function and DOMS following downhill running. J Sports Sci. (2004)
[7] Neumayer C, et al. Combined enzymatic and antioxidative treatment reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury in rabbit skeletal muscle. J Surg Res. (2006)
[8] Kalra N, et al. Regulation of p53, nuclear factor kappaB and cyclooxygenase-2 expression by bromelain through targeting mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in mouse skin. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. (2008)
[9] Bhui K, et al. Bromelain inhibits COX-2 expression by blocking the activation of MAPK regulated NF-kappa B against skin tumor-initiation triggering mitochondrial death pathway. Cancer Lett. (2009)
[10] Felton GE. Fibrinolytic and antithrombotic action of bromelain may eliminate thrombosis in heart patients. Med Hypotheses. (1980)
[11] Ley CM, et al. A review of the use of bromelain in cardiovascular diseases. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. (2011)
[12] Dave S, et al. Inhibition of adipogenesis and induction of apoptosis and lipolysis by stem bromelain in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. PLoS One. (2012)
[13] Ryan, R. E. A Double-Blind Clinical Evaluation of Bromelains In The Treatment of Acute Sinusitis. Headache: The Journal Of Head And Face Pain (1967)
[14] Braun JM, Schneider B, Beuth HJ. Therapeutic use, efficiency and safety of the proteolytic pineapple enzyme Bromelain-POS in children with acute sinusitis in Germany. In Vivo. (2005)
[15] Maurer HR. Bromelain: biochemistry, pharmacology and medical use. Cell Mol Life Sci. (2001)
[16] Pavan R , et al. Properties and Therapeutic Application of Bromelain: A Review. Biotechnol Res Int. (2012)