What Is Bromelain Good For? 7 Health Benefits & Side Effects (2024)

FAQs

What are the negative effects of bromelain? ›

Side effects from bromelain are generally mild and include: Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea. Excessive menstrual bleeding.

Bromelain is promoted as a dietary supplement for reducing pain and swelling, especially of the nose and sinuses, gums, and other body parts after surgery or injury. It is also promoted for osteoarthritis, cancer, digestive problems, and muscle soreness.

Cardiovascular disease: Bromelain has been found to inhibit the ability of blood platelets to clot, which can help treat heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), diseases of the blood vessels, and stroke.

Bromelain Modulates Liver Injury, Hematological, Molecular, and Biochemical Perturbations Induced by Aluminum via Oxidative Stress Inhibition.

For this reason, it's also important to avoid bromelain use before and after surgery. Bromelain should not be used by people who are allergic to pineapple or to other substances that may elicit an allergic reaction in those allergic to pineapple (cross-reactivity). These substances include: grass pollen.

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with BROMELAIN. Bromelain might slow blood clotting. Taking bromelain along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

A general rule of thumb: if you're using it to support a healthy inflammatory response, then you can take it on an empty stomach. Bromelain supplements that are formulated to support healthy digestion may recommend taking your doses prior to your heaviest meals of the day.

Research suggests that bromelain can have health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and helping heal wounds, when a person uses it as a supplement. However, there are no large-scale human research studies to back up its effectiveness. There are few side effects associated with bromelain.

Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme (called proteases) which means it's especially beneficial to take alongside any meal that includes meat or plant-based protein sources to aid digestion and nutrient absorption.

Bromelain, a cysteine protease found in pineapple, has beneficial effects in the treatment of inflammatory diseases; however, its effects in cardiovascular pathophysiology are not fully understood.

Does bromelain remove plaque from arteries? ›

It has been shown that bromelain initiates thrombus destruction, as well as reduces platelet clumping and lowers blood viscosity [19,20]. It was also found in vivo that bromelain's fibrinolytic properties were effective in dissolving atherosclerotic plaque, reducing the risk of developing atherosclerotic disease.

Typical daily doses of bromelain supplements vary from 80 to 320 milligrams, two to three times per day.

It found that bromelain was more effective than the pain reliever diclofenac at relieving osteoarthritis knee pain (according to patient reports of symptom improvement) in seven randomized trials; however, in two trials, researchers found that bromelain was no more effective than a placebo.

It's used as a treatment for inflammation and sports injuries and may be effective in reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis. Bromelain may also break down blood clots and cholesterol deposits in your arteries, which can support healthy blood flow and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Bromelain supplements are considered safe for most people and have minimal side effects unless taken in very large doses. Bromelain may interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics and blood thinners. Those who are allergic to pineapple should not take bromelain.

By increasing collagen production, bromelain can help improve the skin's texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Bromelain provided neuroprotection in AlCl₃ and D-galactose induced mice AD model. Bromelain notably improved spatial and learning memory in MWM and EPM. Bromelain significantly enhanced BDNF, inhibited AChE and BACE in mice brain. Bromelain attenuated Aβ_{1 – 42} aggregation, MDA and TNF-α in mice brain.