Tenderize a steak, salve a bee-sting and relieve your allergy-plagued nose, all with the same protein-digesting enzyme called bromelain, which is purified from pineapples. Central and South American natives have used this remedy for centuries, according to medical researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center, who now employ bromelain's anti-inflammatory properties in tendinitis, arthritis and other conditions. Anti-bacterial and anti-viral activity are also among its uses. Chemists at Chem Europe also describe its use as a meat tenderizer.
Anti-inflammatory
A 2010 Medline Plus report lists bromelain as a class-B compound, meaning that its healing properties are supported by "good scientific evidence for use." Treatable conditions include generalized inflammation and the swelling and pain of bruises. Sinusitis, especially following sinus injury or surgery, became an approved use in 1993 by the German Commission-E. Bromelain was reported in 2010 by Chem Europe to be the 13th most popular German food supplement for treating inflammatory conditions. The University of Maryland researchers use bromelain's inflammation-reducing power to treat swelling and pain due to muscle strains, joint sprains and exercise injuries.
Anti-microbial
University of Maryland physicians report that the protein digesting power of bromelain gives it an anti-bacterial and an anti-viral ability. Bromelain successfully treats some forms of bacterial diarrhea. The physicians caution that more research is needed before recommending a standard bromelain treatment and warn against eating pineapple as a self-treatment. The amount of bromelain in the fruit is so small that you can not eat enough for a usable dose. Most bromelain is extracted from the enzyme-rich pineapple stems, which are edible but not tasty. Research is also ongoing to test bromelain, possibly in combination with other drugs, to treat a range of viral infections, including HIV/AIDS.
Allergies
Mayo Clinic physicians list bromelain as an alternative-medicine remedy for systemic allergic reactions, especially rashes, and for insect bites. They also recommend it for hay fever's nasal discharge, sinus irritation and itching eyes. They caution, however, that pineapple products can cause allergic reactions themselves. They also warn against self-treatment of a previously unseen allergy, specially if it is systemic, as in a spreading rash. Show it to a physician immediately.
Burns
Second- and third-degree burns, those which damage tissues and muscles deeper than your skin, leave scorched and damaged debris that must eventually be removed to allow healing. The process of removing this material is called debridement. Medline Plus physicians report that bromelain's protein-digesting ability, along with its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory capacity, have led to research giving preliminary evidence for successful use in debridement. More research was continuing as of 2010.
Meat Tenderizer
Fruit and tough meat come together in your kitchen. Bromelain, combined with papain, a protein-digesting enzyme from papayas, comprise most meat tenderizers, according to Chem Europe. Mix the powdered enzymes with a fruit marinade, and brush it on a tough cut of meat to quickly make it fork-tender and tasty.
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