Arthritis is a joint condition characterized by pain and inflammation. Among several forms forms of arthritis are lupus and gout, but the U.K. National Health Service's website notes that osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common forms. Although there is no cure for arthritis, certain drugs including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease modifying medicines and corticosteroids slow the disease's progression and alleviate swelling and inflammation. An enzyme known as bromelain may also alleviate arthritis symptoms. Do not take bromelain in place of prescription medicines and talk to your doctor before using it.
Properties
Bromelain is an enzyme derived from the stem of the pineapple plant. Pineapple juice also contains bromelain. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, it is used as a complementary treatment for a number of conditions including circulatory disorders, cancer, edema and arthritis. It may reduce inflammation by reducing levels of inflammatory chemicals including prostaglandin, thromboxane, cytokine and chemokine.
Administration
You can obtain bromelain by drinking pineapple juice, but you are more likely to get a consistent dose by taking it in capsules or tablets. The amount needed to reduce inflammation may depend on the type of arthritis you have. For example, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests osteoarthritis sufferers take 250 milligrams twice daily, while people with rheumatoid arthritis may need to take 500 to 1,000 mg three times daily. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure how much bromelain to use.
Effectiveness
The results of a clinical study that included 103 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, published in the October 2004 issue of "Clinical Rheumatology," show that bromelain may be as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Data from a clinical study published in the December 2002 issue of "Phytomedicine" also show that bromelain reduces knee joint pain in a dose-dependent manner. However, the study was carried out in healthy patients suffering from knee pain, rather than in patients diagnosed with arthritis.
Safety Considerations
RxList notes that bromelain is likely safe for most people but adds that some people may be allergic to it. It may also cause diarrhea and a stomach upset. Don't take bromelain if you are allergic to pineapple or other plants including ragweed and daisies. Don't take bromelain alongside anticoagulants or antibiotics as it may heighten their effects. Also avoid bromelain if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
References
- NHS Choices: Arthritis
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Bromelain
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Osteoarthritis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- "Clinical Rheumatology;" Oral Enzyme Combination Versus Diclofenac in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee--A Double-Blind Prospective Randomized Study; N.M. Akhtar et al; October 2004
- "Phytomedicine"; Bromelain Reduces Mild Acute Knee Pain and Improves Well-Being in a Dose-Dependent Fashion in an Open Study of Otherwise Healthy Adults; A.F. Walker et al.; December 2002
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