Bromelain is an alternative medicine derived from pineapples that is reported to provide numerous health benefits, including improved healing from injuries or surgery. Although bromelain is generally safe and well tolerated, there are indications it may affect certain health conditions, including high blood pressure. As with any health supplement, consult your doctor before taking bromelain.
Definition
The name bromelain refers to a mixture of chemicals derived from the stem and juice of pineapples. In particular, bromelain contains high levels of enzymes known as proteolytic enzymes, which break down proteins. These proteolytic enzymes are thought to help reduce inflammation and improve wound healing, explains the New York University Langone Medical Center.
Blood Pressure
The effect of bromelain on blood pressure has not been widely studied. One study found that bromelain supplements did not cause any significant changes in blood pressure in a group of patients undergoing treatment for high blood pressure, as reported in the May 1978 issue of the "Hawaii Medical Journal."
Interactions
Although bromelain is not widely reported to affect blood pressure, many health experts recommend that people with existing high blood pressure should not take bromelain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other medical conditions that may also be affected negatively by bromelain include liver diseases, kidney diseases and bleeding disorders.
Treating High Blood Pressure
There are indications that bromelain may increase the absorption of certain medications. This had led to theories that taking bromelain at the same time as certain blood pressure medications, including captopril or lisinopril, may cause larger than expected drops in blood pressure, according to Wellness.com. However, this application has not been tested in clinical trials, and you should not be attempt to lower your blood pressure in this way without consulting your doctor.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Bromelain
- MedlinePlus: Bromelain; November 2010
- New York University Langone Medical Center: Bromelain
- "Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine"; A Review of the Use of Bromelain in Cardiovascular Diseases; Chit Moy Ley et al.; July 2011
- "Hawaii Medical Journal"; Effect of Oral Bromelain on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate of Hypertensive Patients; G.E. Gulfreund et al.; May 1978
- Wellness.com: Bromelain
