Bromelain

Bromelain is a group of proteolytic enzymes, which means that it is capable of digesting protein. Although most enzymes are widely believed to absorb poorly, significant amounts of bromelain do absorb. Proteolytic enzymes other than bromelain are often used with people who suffer from malabsorption. Although bromelain in combination with other enzymes and ox bile has been reported to help digest food,  it is generally not used for this purpose. Although many doctors of natural medicine assume that other proteolytic enzymes, such as those found in pancreatin, are more effective than bromelain in helping digestion and absorption, almost no research compares the relative effects of these enzymes.

Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory agent, and for this reason is helpful in healing minor injuries, particularly sprains and strains, muscle injuries, and the pain, swelling, and tenderness that accompany sports injuries.

Also as a result of its anti-inflammatory effect, bromelain has been found to dramatically reduce postoperative swelling in controlled human research. Double-blind research has found bromelain effective in reducing swelling, bruising, and pain for women having minor surgery after giving birth (episiotomy).

The anti-inflammatory effect of bromelain is the probable reason this enzyme has been found effective for people suffering from sinusitis.  Some of the evidence supporting bromelain in the treatment of sinusitis comes from double-blind research.

Bromelain, in combination with trypsin, another enzyme, may alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infection due to its anti-inflammatory action. One double-blind study comparing the two enzymes in combination with antibiotics to placebo plus antibiotics reported that reduction of symptoms was good to excellent in all of the subjects given the enzymes and antibiotics, but less than half of those given antibiotics only.

Bromelain has been reported to increase absorption of amoxicillin when it is taken with this antibiotic.

Again, probably due to its anti-inflammatory action, bromelain was reported to help patients with rheumatoid arthritis  in preliminary research. In that trial, in which bromelain was given for varying (3-week to 13-month) periods, 73% had good to excellent results.

Bromelain is a natural blood thinner because it prevents excessive blood platelet stickiness. This may explain, in part, the positive reports in a few clinical trials of bromelain to decrease symptoms of angina and thrombophlebitis. In addition, bromelain reduces the thickness of mucus, which may benefit patients with asthma or chronic bronchitis.

Preliminary evidence in both animals and people suggests that bromelain may possess antitumor activity, though the true importance of this effect is poorly understood.

Where is it found ?

Bromelain is found mostly in the stems of pineapples and is available as a dietary supplement.

How much to take

Assessing the right dose of bromelain is complicated. Most bromelain research was conducted years ago, when amounts used were listed in units of activity that no longer exist; these old units do not precisely convert to new ones. Today, bromelain is measured in MCUs (milk clotting units) or GDUs (gelatin dissolving units). One GDU equals approximately 1.5 MCU. Strong products contain at least 2,000 MCU (1,200-1,333 GDU) per gram (1,000 mg). A supplement containing 500 mg labeled "2,000 MCU per gram" would have 1,000 MCU of activity. Some doctors of natural medicine recommend as much as 3,000 MCU taken 3 times per day for several days, followed by 2,000 MCU 3 times per day.  Much of the research, however, uses smaller amounts, more like the equivalent of approximately 2,000 MCU in divided amounts in the course of a day (500 MCU taken 4 times per day).

Side effects

Bromelain is generally safe and free of side effects when taken in moderate amounts; however, one preliminary report indicates increased heart rate with the use of bromelain. In addition, some people are allergic to bromelain. Because bromelain acts as a blood thinner and little is known about how bromelain interacts with blood-thinning medications, individuals should avoid combining such medications with bromelain, in order to reduce the theoretical risk of excessive bleeding.

Uses

Angina, Asthma, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sinusitis, Thrombophlebitis, Urinary tract infection, Wound healing.