Technical Background
· Bromelain is a standardized complex of enzymes (cysteine proteases) found in the stem of pineapple (Ananas comosus). Proteases are protein-digesting enzymes.
· Bromelain has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects when taken orally and has been used in the treatment of a number of inflammatory conditions. [1] , [2] People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who received bromelain experienced a reduction in joint swelling and pain and increased joint mobility. [3]
· Bromelain influences blood coagulation by enhancing serum fibrinolytic activity and inhibiting fibrin synthesis (fibrin is a protein involved in blood clotting).1 There is some evidence that bromelain may be able to dissolve coronary thromboses. [4] , [5] , [6] It has also been used in the treatment of varicose veins. [7] , [8]
· In several animal studies, bromelain has inhibited tumor formation or development of metastases.1, [9] In a cell culture experiment, bromelain induced differentiation of human leukemic cells. [10]
· Bromelain can improve the effectiveness of antibiotics by increasing their blood and tissue levels.2, [11] In addition, bromelain may have antibacterial properties of its own. [12]
Sources and Recommended Intake
· Bromelain is extracted from pineapple stem.
· No recommended intake of bromelain has been established, but usual supplemental doses vary from 10-500 mg.
Abstracts
Lotz-Winter H. On the pharmacology of bromelain: an update with special regard to animal studies on dose-dependent effects. Planta Med 1990 Jun; 56(3):249-53. Bromelain, a standardized complex of proteases from the pineapple plant, is absorbed unchanged from the intestine of animals at a rate of 40%; in animal experiments it was found to have primarily anti-edema, antiinflammatory, and coagulation-inhibiting effects. These effects are due to an enhancement of the serum fibrinolytic activity and inhibition of the fibrinogen synthesis, as well as a direct degradation of fibrin and fibrinogen. Bromelain lowers kininogen and bradykinin serum and tissue levels and has an influence on prostaglandin synthesis, thus acting antiinflammatory. In in vitro and in animal studies, experimentally induced tumours could be inhibited by bromelain. Although many studies do not give extensive statistical data, the effects of bromelain in animal studies seem to be dose-dependent. Further investigations have to be carried out.
Masson M. [Bromelain in blunt injuries of the locomotor system. A study of observed applications in general practice] Fortschr Med 1995 Jul 10; 113(19):303-6. METHOD: In an open case observation study involving patients with blunt injuries to the musculoskeletal system, the efficacy and tolerability of high-dose Bromelain POS, a plant-derived enzyme preparation, were investigated. The investigating physician was an orthopedic surgeon who, in addition to the usual therapeutic measures, treated 59 of his patients with the bromelaine preparation. The duration of the application was determined by the nature and severity of the lesion, and varied between one and three weeks. The test criteria were swelling, pain at rest and during movement, and tenderness. These parameters were evaluated on the day of the injury and on five subsequent dates. RESULTS: Treatment with bromelaine resulted in a clear reduction in all four parameters tested. Both swelling and the symptoms of pain had improved appreciably at all evaluation time points as compared with baseline. The tolerability of the preparation was very good, and patient compliance was correspondingly high. |
