Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple, mainly in the juice and the stem of the fruit. With its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and stimulant properties, bromelain in concentrated forms, may be helpful in treating swelling of the sinuses, hay fever, ulcerative colitis, pulmonary edema, stimulating and relaxing muscles, slowing clotting and easing arthritic conditions such as osteoarthritis. Although bromelain comes from a fruit, using it as a supplement should be discussed with a physician first.
About Bromelain
Bromelain is found in pineapples, which come from the tropical plant Ananas comosus. Bromelain is an enzyme that primarily digests proteins. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, bromelain was first derived in the late 1800s and has been used for thousands of years by the people of Central and South America to help treat indigestion and reduce inflammation. Bromelain, to be most effective, must be used in a supplement form to have any significant medicinal benefits. This enzyme can be found in tablet, capsule and topical forms. To treat arthritic conditions, the medical center suggests bromelain be taken in two doses, between 500 mg and 2,000 mg a day. For proper dosage, a medical professional should be consulted.
Reduces Swelling
Bromelain may be effective in easing arthritic swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In a study published in the December 2002 issue of "Phytomedicine," scientists showed that bromelain has anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents that reduce the swelling and discomfort associated with osteoarthritis. During this study, 77 subjects who had mild acute knee pain for less than three months used bromelain to see if it would impact their arthritic symptoms. All subjects found their symptoms were reduced, especially in the areas of stiffness, and swelling from everyday use. Participants also noticed their overall psychological well-being improved. Although these results were promising, larger double blind, placebo-controlled studies should be done to confirm these conclusions. (see reference 3)
Diminishes Pain
Bromelain may also have pain-relieving qualities. According to a study published in the October 2004 issue of "Clinical Rheumatology," researchers found that the oral enzyme-rutosid combination, also known as ERC, which contains bromelain, is just as effective as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication diclofenac for osteoarthritis of the knee. During this study, 103 patients who experienced painful episodes of osteoarthritis of the knee were treated for six weeks with either ERC or diclofenac. Symptoms were monitored and examined against the Lequesne's Algofunctional Index, which included pain at rest, pain on motion and restricted function. Within six weeks, those who were given ERC found their score on the index decreased from 13 to 9.4, almost identical of those who were given diclofenac. This study also showed that participants preferred ERC over diclofenac due to its tolerability.
In another study published in the June 2001 issue of "The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India," clinicians found that phlogenzym, a tablet that contains bromelain, is also an effective analgesic compared to diclofenac. During this study, 50 patients aged 40 to 75 years old who had osteoarthritis of the knee joint were given either two or three phlogenzym tablets or 50 mg of diclofenac for three weeks. At the end of three weeks and at a follow-up visit at seven weeks, both groups showed significant reduction in pain, joint swelling and tenderness and a small improvement in the range of movement. However, the group who was given the phlogenzym found a slightly higher reduction in their symptoms. The same participants also found the phlogenzym to be better tolerated, proving it is just as efficacious as diclofenac for diminishing arthritic pain.
Warnings
Bromelain, although considered a natural substance, should be taken with precaution and under doctor's supervision. Side effects of using bromelain may include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive menstrual bleeding. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use bromelain because there are not enough studies to show whether adverse effects occur. Anyone who suffers from allergies to pineapple, wheat, papain, carrot, fennel, celery, or pollen may also experience an allergy to bromelain. Individuals who are undergoing surgery or recovering from a surgical procedure should avoid using this supplement because it can increase the risk of bleeding. Anyone taking antibiotics, blood thinners or sedatives should also be cautious of using bromelain because it can alter the medication's effect.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Bromelain
- "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
- "The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India"; Efficacy and Tolerability of Oral Enzyme Therapy as Compared to Diclofenac in Active Osteoarthrosis of Knee Joint: An Open Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial; G.H. Tilwe, et al.; June 2001
- MedlinePlus: Bromelain
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