Bromelain comes from the stem of the pineapple plant and is an enzyme which is able to break down proteins responsible for causing both inflammation and pain. Bromelain supplements have been primarily produced in Japan and Taiwan and used to relieve multiple health conditions, since the 1950s.
Health Benefits of Bromelain
When taken with meals, bromelain may be used as a nutritional supplement to help with the digestion of protein. In The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements, Brewer highlights key health benefits and properties associated with bromelain, to include the following:
- Reduces production of inflammatory chemicals
- Reduces migration of inflammatory immune cells
- Damps down pain lessens stiffness, reduces swelling
- Lowers platelet clotting
- Blood-thinning action
- Reduces exercise-related pain, swelling, inflammation
- Decreases post-operative swelling, bruising
- Boosts healing after childbirth/operations
- Mucus-thinning action
- Reduces phlegm in asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis
- Help treat ulcerative colitis
- Complementary form of angina treatment
Additional benefits, as recognised by Browne et al. in 1,001 Home Health Remedies include reducing bruising, back pain and insect sting swelling, while in Healing Supplements, Lakin et al. identify further health benefits of bromelain, as follows:
- Promotes muscle tissue repair
- Helps to speed up wound and burn healing
- Reduces urinary tract infections
- Eases monthly period pain/cramping
- Relieves muscle spasms
- Helps combat cardiovascular (heart) disease
- Boosts antibiotic absorption
- Relieves rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
Bromelain – Dosage Guidelines, Side-Effects
The typical recommended daily dosage for bromelain supplements is between 250-500 mg three times a day. Brewer suggests that it is best to choose a bromelain supplement containing a minimum of 2000 milk clotting units. According to Lakin et al., bromelain supplements should ideally be taken on an empty stomach, except when used to help digestion.
When suffering from swelling and inflammation, bromelain should be taken until symptoms subside. Anyone suffering from a pineapple allergy should not take bromelain supplements, and those undergoing surgery (such as liposuction) must be sure to inform the anaesthetist or surgeon before taking this health supplement. Lakin et al.) state that side-effects from taking bromelain are usually very rarely seen, although some people may suffer from allergic reactions, skin irritation and increased heart rate.
As highlighted above, bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme which comes from the stem of a pineapple plant. Key health benefits commonly associated with taking bromelain supplements, include anti-inflammatory properties, reducing bruising, muscle spasms, swelling and period pain. Side-effects associated with bromelain are very rare but may result in allergic reactions.