Tendinitis occurs when the tendons, cords that attach bone to muscle, become inflamed, swollen and tender, usually as a result of injury or repetitive movement. It can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the knee, elbow, wrist, shoulder and ankle. Tendinitis is treated by combining physical therapy and strengthening exercises with anti-inflammatory drugs, although in some cases surgery may be necessary. Bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapples, might also help alleviate inflammation in individuals with tendinitis, but clinical evidence to prove this is limited. Get medical advice before using it.
Properties
Bromelain is an enzyme found in the stem of pineapple fruit that breaks down proteins. It sometimes used as a complementary treatment for a number of conditions, including sinusitis, inflammation of the prostate gland, and urinary tract infections. University of Michigan Health Systems notes that it is also sometimes used to alleviate tendinitis because it might help to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling.
Administration
You can obtain bromelain by eating pineapples or drinking pineapple juice. It is also available as dietary supplement. University of Michigan Health Systems states that 2,000 to 9,000 mcu per day is sometimes used to treat tendinitis. However, Mississippi Baptist Health Systems states that recommended dosage of bromelain may vary according to the form used. Ask your doctor for further advice.
Research
The results of a study published in the August 2009 issue of "Arthritis and Rheumatism" showed that a proprietary formulation containing bromelain and two other enzymes, trypsin and rutin, helped improve rotator cuff tendinitis in Canadian postal workers. However, since subjects also received acupuncture and dietary counseling, it is difficult to determine what effect bromelain has when used alone. The results of an animal study published in the January 2011 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" found that bromelain aided healing of a tendon injury by stimulating the production of tendon cells.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Mississippi Baptist Health Systems states that bromelain is likely non-toxic, but may cause mild side effects including gastrointestinal upset and a skin rash. It might also increase your heart rate. Eating large quantities of pineapple fruit to obtain bromelain might also make your mouth and lips sore. Don't take bromelain supplements alongside antibiotics, sedatives or anticoagulant drugs as it may increase their effects.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tendinitis
- University of Michigan Health Systems: Bromelain
- Mississppi Baptist Health Systems: Bromelain
- "Arthritis and Rheumatism"; Naturopathic Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tendinitis Among Canadian Postal Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial; O. Szczurko, et al.; August 2009
- Phytotherapy Research"; Bromelain in the Early Phase of Healing in Acute Crush Achilles Tendon Injury; A.L.Aiyegbusi, et al.; January 2011
- Drugs.com: Pineapple
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