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).
References:
Sources used:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BromelainSeligman B. Bromelain: an anti-inflammatory agent. Angiology 1962;13:508-10.Cirelli MG. Treatment of inflammation and edema with bromelain. Delaware Med J 1962;34:159-67.Gerard G. Anti-cancer therapy with bromelain. Agress 1972;3:261-274.Nieper HA. A program for the treatment of cancer. Krebs 1974;6:124-127.Inoue K, Motonaga A, Dainaka J, et al. Effect of etodolac on prostaglandin E2 biosynthesis, active oxygen generation and bradykinin formation. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1994;51:457-462.Eckert K, Grabowska E, Stange R, Schneider U, Eschmann K, Maurer HR. "Effects of oral bromelain administration on the impaired immunocytotoxicity of mononuclear cells from mammary tumor patients." Oncol Rep. 1999 Nov-Dec;6(6):1191-9.Cohen A, Goldman J. Bromelains therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Pennsylvania Med J 1964;67:27-30.Ryan RE. A double-blind clinical evaluation of bromelains in the treatment of acute sinusitis. Headache 1967;7:13-17.Munzig E, Eckert K, Harrach T, et al. Bromelain protease F9 reduces the CD44 mediated adhesions of human peripheral blood lymphocytes to human umbilical vein endothelial cells. FEBS Lett 1995;351:215-8.Engwerda CR, Andrew D, Murphy M, Mynott TL. "Bromelain activates murine macrophages and natural killer cells in vitro." Cell Immunol. 2001 May 25;210(1):5-10. Seltzer AP. Minimizing post-operative edema and ecchymoses by the use of an oral enzyme preparation (bromelain). EENT Monthly 1962;41:813-7.MacKay D, Miller AL. Nutritional support for wound healing. Altern Med Rev. 2003 Nov;8(4):359-77. Tinozzi S, Venegoni A. Effect of bromelain on serum and tissue levels of amoxycillin. Drugs Expt Clin Res 1978;4:39-44.Luerti M, Vignali ML. Influence of bromelain on penetration of antibiotics in uterus, salpinx and ovary. Drugs Expt Clin Res 1978;4:45-48.Renzinni G, Varengo M. The absorption of tetracyclin in combination with bromelain by oral application. Arzneim-Forsch 1972;22:410-412Balakrishnan V, Hareendran A, Nair CS. Double-blind cross-over trial of an enzyme preparation in pancreatic steatorrhea. J Assoc Physicians India 1981;29:207-9.Nieper HA. Effect of bromelain on coronary heart disease and angina pectoris. Acta Med Empirica 1978;5:274-278.Ryan RE. A double-blind clinical evaluation of bromelains in the treatment of acute sinusitis. Headache 1967;7:13-17.Schafer A, Adelman B. Plasma inhibition of platelet function and of arachidonic acid metabolism J Clin Invest 1985;75:456-61.
