Bromelain, found in pineapple extracts, is an anti-inflammatory enzyme. It may help reduce pain from osteoarthritis and surgery, promote deep burn healing, and improve sinusitis. Read this post to learn more about bromelain’s potential benefits and side effects.

What Is Bromelain?

Bromelain is an enzyme extract from the fruit or stem of pineapples (Ananas comosus). It is rich in proteolytic enzymes, or proteases, which digest proteins into amino acids [1, 2].

Stem- and fruit-derived bromelain are prepared differently and contain varying amounts of these enzymes. Bromelain extracted from stems is more commonly used in studies because it has a higher protease content [1, 3].

Bromelain is used in the form of a dietary supplement, powder, or cream. It is important to note that eating pineapple does not produce the same health benefits as bromelain supplementation [4].

Enzymes and Components

The composition of bromelain depends on the method of purification and the source of the pineapple extract [3].

Fruit bromelain is prepared using cooled pineapple juice, which undergoes ultra-filtration [5].

Stem bromelain is made when pineapple stems are centrifuged, filtered, lyophilized, and freeze-dried [5].

Bromelain is a mixture of different thiol endopeptidases that break down proteins. It also contains other enzymes such as phosphatase, glucosidase, peroxidase, cellulase, and escharase. Bromelain also contains protease inhibitors, which stop some protease enzymes from breaking down proteins [1].

Bromelain’s anti-inflammatory and anti-blood clotting action are likely due to its protein-digesting activity. Alternatively, it may help heal burns and inhibit tumor growth by other mechanisms [1].

Commercially available bromelain is evaluated according to its proteolytic activity and other effects on health, such as its anti-inflammatory and tumor-inhibiting activity [4].

Snapshot

Proponents

• May improve osteoarthritis
• May help deep burns heal faster
• May improve surgical pain
• May improve sinusitis

Skeptics

• Insufficient evidence for most benefits
• May cause upset digestion and other adverse effects
• Unknown safety profile for pregnant and breastfeeding women
• May increase the absorption of several drugs and supplements

Bromelain Benefits

Possibly Effective

1) Osteoarthritis

Bromelain reduced tissue swelling, pain, and joint stiffness in 2 clinical trials on 117 people with knee osteoarthritis.