We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Biology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Bromelain?

Karyn Maier
By
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 14,276
Share

Bromelain refers to the plant extracts obtained from either the stem or the fruit of Ananas comosus, a member of the Bromeliaceae family commonly known as the pineapple. Specifically, these substances are known as protease enzymes because they initiate proteolysis, or the digestion of proteins. Medicinally, bromelain is taken orally to aid digestion and, when taken on an empty stomach, to reduce inflammation. It is also used topically to treat wounds and burns. In addition, this enzyme is approved and recommended by the German Commission E as a treatment following nose, throat, or ear surgery to help ease inflammation.

As an oral supplement, bromelain has been found to be effective in reducing discomfort associated with stomach upset and heartburn. It is particularly effective when taken together with amylase and lipase, enzymes that break down starches and fats, respectively. Some studies also indicate that bromelain may counteract bacteria that are responsible for causing diarrhea.

Researchers suspect that bromelain may exhibit additional antibacterial activity, as well as antiviral. In fact, studies have shown that bromelain deters certain viruses and bacteria In vitro. Studies based on animal models have produced similar results. Therefore, bromelain may be a possible adjunct treatment for urinary tract infections, bronchitis and pneumonia.

Bromelain may also provide health-giving benefits to certain organs, such as the kidneys, liver, and heart. These organs are susceptible to damage caused by amyloidosis, which occurs due to a build up of amyloid deposits. The reasoning behind this theory stems from that fact that amyloid is protein-based, and it is supported by early studies. However, more research is needed in this area to confirm preliminary findings.

One of the best-known medicinal uses of bromelain is to relieve pain and inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and bursitis. In fact, its efficacy has been compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs typically prescribed for these conditions. There is also evidence to indicate that long-term supplementation of bromelain may improve symptoms associated with some connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma.

Therapy by bromelain may not be suitable for certain individuals. For instance, an allergy to pineapple, or other plants in the Bromeliaceae family, would certainly disqualify eligibility. Since bromelain also has mild blood-thinning properties, those with high blood pressure, kidney disease, and menstrual irregularities should avoid it. In addition, bromelain has been known to produce mild side effects in some people, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Bromelain may also negatively interact with certain medications. As previously mentioned, bromelain may accelerate bleeding, so it should not be taken with warfarin, aspirin, or other blood-thinning medications. Bromelain may also interfere with antibiotic therapy. Specifically, it increases absorption of tetracycline and increases circulation of amoxicillin and tetracycline.

Share
InfoBloom is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Karyn Maier
By Karyn Maier
Contributing articles to InfoBloom is just one of Karyn Maier's many professional pursuits. Based in New York's Catskill Mountain region, Karyn is also a magazine writer, columnist, and author of four books. She specializes in topics related to green living and botanical medicine, drawing from her extensive knowledge to create informative and engaging content for readers.

Related Articles

Discussion Comments
By DinoLeash — On Sep 30, 2010

Bromelain is mainly extracted from pineapples and it is made into capsule or tablet form. Because it's able to digest protein, bromelain is available in some grocery stores as a meat tenderizer, as odd as that might sound. A topical form of bromelain is also being explored experimentally for burns.

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Contributing articles to InfoBloom is just one of Karyn Maier's many professional pursuits. Based in New York's Catskill...
Learn more
Share
https://www.infobloom.com/what-is-bromelain.htm
Copy this link
InfoBloom, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

InfoBloom, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.