Bromelain is a type of enzyme known as a proteolytic enzyme. It is found in pineapple juice and the pineapple stem. Bromelain causes the body to produce anti-edema substances that fight pain and swelling. It is responsible for many therapeutic benefits, such as reducing the pain and swelling that can occur after surgery or injury, osteoarthritis and muscle pain, as well as increasing the absorption of antibiotics. People use bromelain for muscle pain, aches, burns, kidney stones and many other conditions.
Pineapple has been used for centuries in Central and South America to treat indigestion and reduce inflammation. Bromelain, obtained from the stem and juice of the pineapple, was first isolated from the pineapple plant in the late 1800s. Bromelain can be used to treat many conditions, but it is used mainly to reduce inflammation caused by infections and injuries.
What Is Bromelain Used For?
Although studies show mixed results, bromelain may reduce swelling, bruising, healing time and pain after surgery and physical injuries. It is often used to reduce inflammation caused by tendinitis, sprains and strains, and other minor muscle injuries. Studies involving people who have undergone dental, nasal and foot surgery may show evidence that it reduces inflammation. In Europe, bromelain may also be used to treat sinus and nasal swelling after ear, nose and throat surgery or trauma.
Although bromelain has been shown to be potentially helpful when applied to the skin for removing dead tissue in third-degree burns, a process called debridement, serious burns always require care from a doctor. It is also thought that it may help reduce coughing and nasal mucus associated with sinusitis. It may also be used to relieve swelling and inflammation caused by hay fever.
Some supplement manufacturers claim that bromelain aids weight loss and that the enzymes in bromelain can increase the rate at which the body digests fat. There is very little research on the effects of bromelain on weight loss.
Which Foods Contain Bromelain?
Bromelain is found in the pineapple plant, but the amount in the pineapple plant is not high enough to produce a medicinal effect. Bromelain is also available in pharmacies in tablet and capsule forms for oral use.
The natural source of bromelain is pineapple. To get bromelain from foods, you can eat the following; however, the amount in food is much lower than supplement doses, and the enzyme largely loses its activity in heat-treated pineapple, such as canned pineapple:
- Fresh pineapple
- Freshly squeezed pineapple juice
- The core of the pineapple, near the stem
What Are the Harms of Bromelain?
Supplements can have side effects or interact with medications. We recommend taking them only under the supervision of health professionals. Bromelain is generally not recommended for more than 8 to 10 consecutive days.
We recommend taking them only under the supervision of health professionals.
The side effects of bromelain are usually mild and include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
People who are allergic to pineapple, latex, wheat, celery, papain, carrot, fennel, cypress pollen or grass pollen may also be allergic to bromelain. Pregnant women and people with bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, or liver or kidney disease should not use bromelain. Bromelain may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. You should stop taking bromelain at least 2 weeks before surgery.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Bromelain?
If you are being treated with any of the following medications, we recommend that you do not use bromelain without consulting your health care provider.
Antibiotics
Bromelain may increase the amount of antibiotic absorbed by the body. In one clinical study, a combination of bromelain and amoxicillin raised amoxicillin levels in the blood. In addition, some studies suggest that bromelain may increase the body's absorption of tetracycline, another antibiotic.
Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Drugs)
Bromelain can affect blood clotting. When taken together with blood thinners, it may increase the risk of bleeding. Some blood-thinning medications are:
Sedatives
Some experts believe that bromelain may make sedative medications stronger, and the same applies to herbs that have a sedative effect.
How Much Bromelain Should Be Taken?
If you have decided to take a bromelain supplement, we recommend that you consult your doctor first. Taking the wrong dose can lead to side effects; research suggests bromelain doses of between 80 and 400 mg, taken two or three times a day.
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The information on our website is not intended to direct individuals to any treatment. Do not take any diagnostic or treatment steps without consulting your doctor. The content does not contain information about İzmir Can Hastanesi's therapeutic healthcare services.
