What is bromelain?

Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme derived from the stem and fruit of pineapples. It's used to help reduce swelling after surgery or injury.*1

Should I consider taking a bromelain dietary supplement?

Bromelain is typically taken for a short time to help promote healing.* It can reduce minor swelling and bruising following injury or surgery.*2 Bromelain might promote faster reabsorption of a collection of blood that causes bruising and swelling (hematoma).*2,3

What are the dietary sources of bromelain?

Bromelain is found in the pineapple plant. It is mostly concentrated in the parts you don't eat, especially the stem.1 To obtain the best health benefits from bromelain, it may be easier to take a dietary supplement.1

How can bromelain a­ffect my health?

Supplemental bromelain can help you in several ways:

  • Promotes healing after trauma or surgery*3-6,8 
  • Reduces bruising*3 
  • Decreases swelling after injury*1,2,5,7,8 
  • Reduces tenderness after acute injury*1,3,4,8

How much bromelain should I take?

Bromelain has shown health benefits at doses as low as 160 milligrams (mg) a day.3 For most conditions, research suggests that the best results occur at doses of 750 to 1,000 mg a day.*3 This is usually split into more than one dose, such as 500 mg taken twice daily.

Are there any side effects from taking a bromelain dietary supplement?

Most studies in humans report few side effects.3 However, a few studies did note nausea or abdominal discomfort as potential side effects.3,4 

It's also possible to have an allergic reaction to bromelain.1,3,4,8 If you develop breathing problems, stop taking bromelain and seek medical help. 

Is it safe to take a bromelain dietary supplement with other medications? 

Bromelain can inhibit blood clotting, so it should be avoided if you take a blood-thinning medication (anticoagulant). Some examples include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others),  heparin, warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and similar types of medications..1,3,8 One study noted that bromelain may increase the absorption of certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and medication for blood pressure or depression.8

If you are considering taking a bromelain supplement, check with your health-care professional first, especially if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, or another health condition.

A word from Thorne

Thorne includes bromelain in Phytoprofen, a product to support healing and a healthy inflammatory response.* Bromelain is also included with quercetin in Quercetin Complex for immune function and allergy support.* And, it’s included along with papain, a protein-digesting enzyme from pineapple, in our Whey Protein products to support protein digestion.*

References

  1. Hikisz P, Bernasinska-Slomczewska J. Beneficial properties of bromelain. Nutrients. 2021; 29;13(12):4313. 
  2. Kumar V, Mangla B, Javed S, et al. Bromelain: a review of its mechanisms, pharmacological effects and potential applications. Food Funct. 2023; 19;14(18):8101-8128. 
  3. Kansakar U, Trimarco V, Manzi MV, et al. Exploring the therapeutic potential of bromelain: Applications, benefits, and mechanisms. Nutrients. 2024; 28;16(13):2060. 
  4. Leelakanok N, Petchsomrit A, Janurai T, et al. Efficacy and safety of bromelain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Health. 2023;29(3):479-503.
  5. Herbert, AA. Treatment of deep burn injury. UptoDate. https://www-uptodate-com.mclibrary.idm.oclc.org/contents/treatment-of-deep-burn-injury?search=Bromelain&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1%7E9&usage_type=default. [Accessed July 18, 2024]
  6. Yenenhaus, M. Topical agents and dressings for local burn wound care. https://www-uptodate-com.mclibrary.idm.oclc.org/contents/topical-agents-and-dressings-for-local-burn-wound-care?search=Bromelain&source=search_result&selectedTitle=3%7E9&usage_type=default. [Accessed July 18, 2024]
  7. Bottega R, Persico I, De Seta F, et al. Anti-inflammatory properties of a proprietary bromelain extract (Bromeyal™) after in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2021c;35.
  8. Chakraborty AJ, Mitra S, Tallei TE, et al. Bromelain a potential bioactive compound: a comprehensive overview from a pharmacological perspective. Life (Basel). 2021;6;11(4):317.