Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found in pineapples ( Ananas comosus ) that digest protein (proteolytic). Pineapple has been used for centuries in Central and South America to treat indigestion and reduce inflammation. Bromelain, which is derived from the stem and juice of the pineapple, was first isolated from the pineapple plant in the late 1800s. The German Commission E approved bromelain to treat swelling and inflammation after surgery, particularly sinus surgery.
Bromelain can be used to treat several conditions, but it is particularly effective in reducing inflammation from infection and injuries.
Surgery, Sprains and Strains, and TendinitisAlthough 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 from tendinitis, sprains and strains, and other minor muscle injuries. Studies of people having dental, nasal, and foot surgeries found it reduced inflammation. In Europe, bromelain is used to treat sinus and nasal swelling following ear, nose, and throat surgery or trauma.
Wounds and BurnsStudies in animals suggest that bromelain, when applied to the skin, may be useful in removing dead tissue from third-degree burns, a process called debridement. One preliminary study of a debridement agent that is derived from bromelain to treat people with second and third-degree burns showed a benefit. Severe burns require a doctor’s care. Do not apply bromelain to broken skin.
Sinusitis (Sinus Inflammation)Although not all studies agree bromelain may help reduce cough and nasal mucus associated with sinusitis. It may also relieve the swelling and inflammation caused by hay fever.
ArthritisStudies show mixed results. One study suggested that a combination of bromelain, Ruto said, and trypsin worked as well for reducing knee pain from osteoarthritis as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are commonly used pain relievers. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and diclofenac (Voltaren), among others.
Early studies suggest that bromelain may also help reduce pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis. More research is needed.
InfectionEvidence from test tube and animal studies suggests that bromelain can kill some viruses and bacteria. More research, including human studies, is needed to see whether it truly works.
CancerPreliminary research suggests that bromelain has anti-tumor properties, and may enhance the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy drugs. More research is needed.
Dietary Sources
Bromelain is found in the common pineapple plant, but not in high enough doses to act as medicine.
Available Forms
Bromelain is available in tablet or capsule form for use by mouth. A topical variety is sometimes used by healthcare providers to treat severe burns. Never try to treat a severe burn yourself. Always see a provider.
How to Take It
pediatric NOT give bromelain to a child. There are no studies to know if it’s safe or not.
adults German Commission E recommends 80 to 320 mg, 2 to 3 times per day. For specific conditions, higher doses may be prescribed.
Precautions
Supplements may have side effects or interact with medications. You should take them only under the supervision of a knowledgeable healthcare provider. Bromelain is generally recommended for no longer than 8 to 10 consecutive days.
Side effects from bromelain are generally mild and include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive menstrual bleeding
People who are allergic to pineapples, 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, and liver or kidney disease should not take bromelain.
Bromelain may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. You should stop taking bromelain at least 2 weeks before surgery.
Possible Interactions
If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use bromelain without talking to your healthcare provider.
AntibioticsBromelain may increase the number of antibiotics absorbed by the body. In one clinical study, the combination of bromelain and amoxicillin raised levels of amoxicillin in the blood. Also, some studies suggest that bromelain may increase the body’s absorption of tetracycline, another antibiotic. But results of other studies have been conflicting.
Blood thinners (anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs)Bromelain may affect the blood’s ability to clot. When taken with blood thinners, it could raise the risk of bleeding. Some blood-thinning drugs include:
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
- Clopidogrel (Plavix)
- Aspirin
SedativesSome experts believe bromelain may make sedative drugs stronger, including:
- Anti-seizure medications, such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and valproic acid (Depakote)
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium)
- Drugs to treat insomnia, such as zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and ramelteon (Rozerem)
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Alcohol
The same is true of herbs with a sedating effect, such as valerian, kava, and catnip.
- 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.
- 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.
How Much Do We Know?
- 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.
What Have We Learned?
- 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 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.
What Do We Know About 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 healthcare provider before taking bromelain.
Keep in Mind
- Take charge of your health—talk with your healthcare providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.
