Bromelain

Figure 1. Bromelain is a protein-eating enzyme found in pineapples.

Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples and it is commonly extracted from the stems of pineapples. Bromelain may refer to either one of two protease enzymes extracted from the plants of the family Bromeliaceae. These enzymes are called fruit bromelain and stem bromelain.

Taken as a Dietary Supplement

Bromelain is used in traditional and folk medicine, but its use in the treatment or prevention of any diseases have not been sufficiently established. As a dietary supplement, Bromelain is often promoted for reducing pain and swelling, kidney stones, especially in the nose and sinuses, gums, and other parts of the body after surgery or injury. It is also promoted for osteoarthritis, cancer, digestive problems, and muscle soreness.

As a topical medication, however, Bromelain has been approved for the use of removing dead tissue in severe skin burns.

The body is usually able to absorb a significant amount of bromelain safely. People can consume about 12g per day of Bromelain without eliciting any unwanted side effects.

Side Effects

• When taken in large doses, Bromelain may cause diarrhoea, nausea, increased heart rate, vomiting, or heavier-than-normal menstrual bleeding.
• Bromelain may have an antiplatelet effect on the blood, thus it is not advisable to consume it with blood thinning medication.
• Will cause complications in people who are allergic to pineapples (or substances that may trigger allergies in people who are allergic to pineapples).