Bromelain is an enzyme that comes from the pineapple plant's fruit and stem. It serves as a digestive aid when it's taken with meals, and can work as an anti-inflammatory agent when taken on an empty stomach, advise the experts at the National Institutes of Health. It comes in tablet or capsule form. Consult a doctor before seeking benefits from bromelain because it can interact with medications and worsen some medical conditions.
Protein Digestion
You may be able to better digest proteins and relieve heartburn or stomach upset with bromelain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It appears to be particularly effective when used in along with other enzymes like lipase, which digests fat, and amylase, which digests starch. However, while animal studies look promising, more human studies are needed, according to the experts at UMMC. One study on mice by L.P. Hale et al. published in the journal "Clinical Immunology" concludes that bromelain may help treat inflammatory bowel disease by reducing inflammation in the colon. Hale recommends further study on bromelain as an IBD treatment. To take bromelain as a digestive aid, use 500 mg daily in divided doses that are taken with meals, the UMMC recommends.
Sinus Swelling
Bromelain is approved by the German Commission E, that country's expert panel that regulates herbs, for treating swelling and inflammation in the sinuses and nose caused by surgery or injury. The National Institutes of Health gives bromelain a "B" rating as a treatment for sinus inflammation, meaning there's good scientific evidence for this use of bromelain. This enzyme is likely useful when added to other therapies for sinusitis, like antibiotics, because of its ability to cut swelling. The NIH stops short of giving a strong recommendation, however, because some studies produce mixed results. Commission E advises taking 80 to 320 mg two to three times daily.
General Inflammation Fighter
Bromelain may reduce swelling, healing time, pain and bruising following physical injuries or surgery, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Bromelain is frequently used to cut inflammation associated with sprains and strains, tendinitis and minor muscle injuries. The NIH gives bromelain a "B" rating as an inflammation fighter. The usual dose is 500 mg taken four times daily on an empty stomach. Thanks to its anit-inflammatory properties, bromelain may be an effective arthritis aid, according to Michael T. Murray's "Arthritis: How You Can Benefit From Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, Exercise and Other Natural Methods." Bromelain inhibits production of compounds that your body produces during inflammation called kinins, which increase swelling and cause pain. However, NIH gives bromelain a "C" rating for treating arthritis, meaning there's not enough scientific evidence to recommend for or against this use. If you want to use it to treat arthritis, take 500 to 2,000 mg daily in two divided doses, advise the experts at UMMC.
References
- National Institutes of Health Medline Plus: Bromelain
- "Clinical Immunology"; Treatment with oral bromelain decreases colonic inflammation in the IL-10-deficient murine model of inflammatory bowel disease; L.P. Hale et al.; 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Bromelain
- "Arthritis: How You Can Benefit From Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, Exercise and Other Natural Methods;" Michael T. Murray; 1994
