Tell me about...
Bromelain
What is bromelain? Why do we need
it?
Bromelain is a digestive enzyme found in the stem and fruit
of pineapples. It is composed of two proteolytic enzymes (bromelain
A and B) and a handful of other substances, including perioxidase,
acid phosphatase, protease inhibitors and calcium.
Bromelain has demonstrated its effectiveness in treating
a wide variety of conditions. As an anti-inflammatory, it
can be used to reduce pain and swelling and speed the healing
process. As a natural protease inhibitor, it may prove useful
in AIDS patients by slowing the proliferation of HIV. It can
relieve the symptoms of angina pectoris; stop blood clots
from forming; improve digestion; and increase the effectiveness
of antibiotics and some forms of chemotherapy.
How much bromelain should I take?
As a digestive aid, most health professionals recommend 500
milligrams of bromelain taken with meals. Other dosages can
be taken depending on the condition:
Traumatic injuries: 500mg four times a day on an empty stomach
Cardiovascular disease: 500-750mg three times a day on an
empty stomach
Joint inflammation: 500-2,000mg a day, taken in two doses
As always, make sure to consult with your health care provider
before taking bromelain supplements.
What are some good sources of bromelain?
Pineapples and other tropical fruits are a natural source
of bromelain.
What can happen if I don't get enough
bromelain?
No definitive studies have been conducted regarding a lack
of bromelain in one’s diet.
What can happen if I take too much?
Are there any side-effects I should be aware of?
People who are allergic to pineapples may suffer allergic
reactions and asthma if they take bromelain supplements. Large
amounts may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but no serious
side-effects have been reported in humans.
Bromelain can increase your risk of bleeding if it taken
in conjunction with anticoagulants. It can also enhance the
effects of antibiotics such as tetracycline. If you have high
blood pressure, you may experience an increased heart rate
after taking bromelain.
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References
- Bromelain. Alternative Medicine Review
August 1998;3:302—305.
- Masson M. Bromelain in blunt injuries
of the locomotor system. A study of observed applications
in general practice. Fortschr Med 1995;113:303—306.
- Murray MT, Pizzorno JE. Encyclopedia
of Natural Medicine, 2nd ed. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing;
1998:208,297—298,568,807,829—830.
- Taussig SJ, Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme
complex of pineapple (ananas comosus) and its clinical
application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol 1998;22:191—203.
- Walker JA, Cerny FJ, Cotter JR, Burton
HW. Attentuation of contraction-induced skeletal muscle
injury by bromelain. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1992;24:20—25.
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