Bromelain consists of a mix of enzymes naturally present in pineapple. Traditional uses include treating indigestion and reducing inflammation. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports that it possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and the University of Maryland Medical Center says it appears most effective when treating inflammation due to injuries and infections, though it might prove effective in other conditions worsened by inflammation, such as arthritis. Some dosage guidelines exist, but consult a doctor well-versed in natural therapies for guidance on the amount appropriate for your particular health concern since the suggested amount can vary widely, depending on the inflammatory condition.
Dosage Guidelines
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 500 mg to 2,000 mg in two divided doses daily for arthritis, and 500 mg four times a day for injuries. The medical center cautions against using bromelain for more than eight to 10 consecutive days. The German Commission E Monographs, an herbal medicine guide created by the German government, recommends a dose of 80 mg to 320 mg two to three times daily. Drugs.com, which compiles information from various medical databases, says many studies have used doses of 40 mg three to four times a day but that doses as high as 2,000 mg have been used.
Side Effects
Bromelain appears to be a generally safe, non-toxic herb. Reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and increased menstrual bleeding. Do not use bromelain if you have an allergy to pineapple. The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center notes one study that found taking eight times the standard dose resulted in increased heart rate but not increased blood pressure -- this would not be likely to occur with the aforementioned dosages.
Medication Interactions
Bromelain might slow blood clotting, which could amplify the effects of warfarin and other anti-coagulant medications. It might also increase absorption levels of certain antibiotic drugs and increase the sedative effects of anti-convulsants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants and drugs for insomnia.
Contraindicated Uses
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that the use of bromelain is contraindicated in pregnant women and individuals with bleeding disorders, high blood pressure and liver or kidney disease
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