Bromelain

Bromelain

Bromelain is the name given to a class of enzymes derived from the stems and flesh of pineapples. Used widely as a natural remedy for a wide array of disease and disorders, bromelain is highly rich in vitamin C, B1, potassium, manganese and phytonutrients. Bromelain extract is produced in parts of Asia and exported around the world for use in both the pharmaceutical and alternative medicine industries.

Benefits of Bromelain

Here are some of the amazing health benefits of taking this nutrient powerhouse:

Speeds up Recovery

European doctors usually prescribe bromelain as an effective remedy for swelling after surgery. In one study involving 150 women who received episiotomies (surgical cuts between the vagina and the anus used to widen the opening) during childbirth, researchers found that women who consumed large servings of bromelain over a period of 3 days, beginning 4 hours after delivery, experienced lesser swelling and discomforts as well as quick recovery compared to those who took placebo.^[1]   

Treats Osteoarthritis

According to a 2004 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, bromelain supplementation in patients with osteoarthritis at daily dosage range of 200–2000 mg resulted in significant improvement of symptoms, possibly due to bromelain’s anti-inflammatory properties.^[2]

Fights Cancer

A 2012 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food have shown that bromelain can help inhibit the growth and reproduction of breast cancer cells by inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis) of malignant cells.^[3]

Treats and Prevents Cardiovascular Disease

Bromelain has been effective in the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD). According to one study, bromelain helps treat and prevent CVD by inhibiting blood platelet aggregation, thus minimizing the risk of blood clot formation.^[4] In addition, this effect can also improve blood circulation to the heart.

Fights Pain and Inflammation

There is evidence that oral therapy with bromelain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis can inhibit pain and inflammation, indicating that bromelain can also be beneficial in other medical conditions.^[5]    

Eases Uterine Spasms during Pregnancy

In most cases, mild tummy cramps are part of a normal pregnancy. However, uterine spasms can cause severe pain during pregnancy. Interestingly, one study found that bromelain has anti-spasmodic effects, which means that it can inhibit uterine spasms.^[6]  

Fights Infection and Boosts Immune Function

There is increasing evidence that bromelain has the ability to counter certain effects of particular intestinal pathogens (harmful microorganisms) in the gut.^[7-8] In addition, bromelain possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties which help prevent various infections. In one laboratory study, researchers found that bromelain can help modulate immune responses by enhancing the activities of certain cells of the immune system.^[9]    

References:

1. Zatuchni GI, Colombi DJ. Bromelains therapy for the prevention of episiotomy pain. Obstet Gynecol. 1967 Feb;29(2):275-8.
2. Brien S, Lewith G, Walker A, Hicks SM, Middleton D. Bromelain as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: a Review of Clinical Studies. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2004;1(3):251-257. doi:10.1093/ecam/neh035.
3. Dhandayuthapani S, Perez HD, Paroulek A, et al. Bromelain-induced apoptosis in GI-101A breast cancer cells. J Med Food. 2012;15(4):344-9.
4. Heinicke RM, van der Wal L, Yokoyama M. Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia. 1972;28(10):844–845.
5. Leipner J, Iten F, Saller R. Therapy with proteolytic enzymes in rheumatic disorders. BioDrugs. 2002;15(12):779–789.
6. Yagami Y, Aoyama T. Action of bromelain of the uterine cervix. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Jpn. 1969;16(1):12-6.
7. Chandler DS, Mynott TL. Bromelain protects piglets from diarrhoea caused by oral challenge with K88 positive enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Gut. 1998;43:196–202. doi: 10.1136/gut.43.2.196.
8. Mynott TL, Luke RK, Chandler DS. Oral administration of protease inhibits enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli receptor activity in piglet small intestine. Gut. 1996;38:28–32. doi: 10.1136/gut.38.1.28.
9. Engwerda CR, Andrew D, Ladhams A, Mynott TL. Bromelain modulates T cell and B cell immune responses in vitro and in vivo. Cell Immunol. 2001;210(1):66-75.