Bromelain information, FAQ and product listing page. This page contains information and frequently asked questions about bromelain as well as a complete list of products containing bromelain.
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What is bromelain and what does it do?
Bromelain (Ananas comosus) are a family of protein digesting, sulfhydryl proteolytic enzymes that come from the stem and juice from pineapple plants. This plant can be found in a variety of locations throughout the world including southern Brazil, Paraguay, Hawaii, Taiwan, Japan, as well as the American Tropics.
Supplementation is needed because sufficient amounts of bromelain cannot be achieved naturally.
What are the benefits of taking bromelain?
Bromelain can be used in a vast array of medical conditions. It was first introduced in this area in 1957, and works by blocking some proinflammatory metabolites that accelerate and worsen the inflammatory process. It is an anti-inflammatory agent, and so can be used for sports injury, trauma, arthritis, and other kinds of swelling. Its main uses are treatment of athletic injuries, digestive problems, phlebitis, sinusitis, and aiding healing after surgery.
It has also been proposed for the treatment of arthritis, chronic venous insufficiency, easy bruising, gout, hemorrhoids, menstrual pain, autoimmune disorders, ulcerative colitis, and sinusitis.
Studies have shown that bromelain can also be useful in the reduction of platelet clumping and blood clots in the bloodstream, especially in the arteries.
Who can benefit from taking bromelain?
Most people will benefit from taking bromelain. However, certain people should not take bromelain because of the possibility of allergic reactions. Those that are supplementing ginkgo biloba or garlic should avoid supplementation of bromelain, so should those on blood thinning medications.
How much bromelain should I take?
Strictly adhere to directions on supplement label.
Does bromelain have any side effects?
Bromelain supplementation up to 460 mg has been shown to have no effect on human heart rate or blood pressure; however, increasing doses up to 1840 mg have been shown to increase the heart rate proportionately. While it does have a low toxicity, symptoms of bromelain overdose may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and menorrhagia (heavy menstrual flow).
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