Joint pain is generally caused by injury, infection, illness or allergy in the immune system. Arthritis is a painful, chronic joint condition that can result in stiffness, bone spurs and degeneration of joint cartilage. Papain and bromelain are dietary supplements marketed to ease pain and speed the healing process following an injury or illness. Consult with a licensed health professional before attempting to self-medicate any condition.
Papain Facts
Papain, or Carica papaya, is a culinary and medicinal fruit native to Mexico, Central America and the West Indies. "Arthritis Today," the consumer health magazine published by the Arthritis Foundation, states that papain is beneficial to those who suffer from either inflammatory or noninflammatory types of arthritis. The inflammatory, or rheumatoid type, can benefit from papain supplements through an increase in the body's own analgesia, quick recovery from injury and a reduction in circulating cellular attacks that lead to a painful inflammatory state. Noninflammatory, or osteoarthritis, can benefit from papain's ability to help remove the cellular waste products that build up in the joints
Side Effects of Papain
Clinical studies using papain for chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis have not shown any benefit for its use. According to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, previous clinical studies have shown proteolytic enzymes such as papain may reduce pain in the neck area, osteoarthritis and pain that results from a shingles outbreak. One drawback to these studies, however, is the lack of supporting evidence that the enzymes perform better than a placebo, or sugar pill. Side effects listed for papain include gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions. Papain is contraindicated for use with warfarin, aspirin and medications classified as blood thinners.
Bromelain Facts
Bromelain, like papain, is a protein-digesting enzyme that comes from the pineapple. Huntington College of Health Sciences states that bromelain has been successful over the last three decades, proving effective at treating minor injuries such as sprains and lacerations to more severe injuries such as fractures and minor surgical pain. Bromelain is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and can decrease edema that can lead to pain at the injury site or joint.
Side Effects of Bromelain
Bromelain supplements may cause mild gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions. American Cancer Society warns that individuals with celiac disease or allergy to latex, pineapple, kiwi fruit, papaya, honeybee stings, birch or cypress pollens, grass, carrots, celery, fennel, wheat flour or rye flour may have issues taking bromelain. Avoid taking bromelain if you take warfarin, aspirin or other blood-thinning drugs, antibiotics, or herbal medications.
