Bromelain: an anti-inflammatory agent
What Is
Bromelain ?
Bromelain is the name of a group of powerful
protein-digesting, or proteolytic, enzymes that are found in the
pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). Discovered in 1957, and widely
studied since then, Bromelain is particularly useful for
reducing muscle and tissue inflammation and as a digestive aid.
Supplements are made from enzymes found in the pineapple stem.
Health Benefits Of Bromelain
Bromelain is a natural blood thinner and anti-inflammatory.
It works by breaking down fibrin, a blood-clotting protein that
can impede good circulation and prevent tissues from draining
properly. Bromelain also blocks the production of compounds that
can cause swelling and pain. When inflammation is reduced, blood
can move more easily to a traumatized area, easing pain and
speeding healing.
Specifically, Bromelain may help to:
Treat sprains, strains, and muscle aches and pains.
Bromelain reduces swelling, bruising, redness, and tenderness
that can result from tissue injuries or muscle aches and pains,
or from surgery. In a 1995 German study, 59 people with strains
and torn ligaments were given Bromelain for one to three weeks;
researchers found that the supplement caused a significant
reduction in swelling, tenderness, and pain, both at rest and
during movement. The results were comparable to those of people
taking NSAIDs such as aspirin. Bromelain also has an
anti-inflammatory effect on the muscles and can help excess
fluid drain from the site of a muscle injury.
Alleviate back pain and chronic joint pain associated with
arthritis. In addition to easing the aching and stiffness of
back muscles, Bromelain also seems to relieve pain in
chronically inflamed joints. It has been found that in some
arthritis patients, smaller amounts of corticosteroids (such as
prednisone) were needed when Bromelain was taken at the same
time.
Aid digestion and reduce heartburn. Bromelain can
enhance the effect of such digestive enzymes as trypsin or
pepsin (especially when the pancreas is producing insufficient
amounts of them). Bromelain can also ease the pain of heartburn
and lessen the effects of diarrhea when these conditions are
caused by a shortage of digestive enzymes.
Reduce the swelling and pain of gout. In some
studies, Bromelain relieved the joint and tissue swelling and
severe pain related to an attack of gout. If taken regularly,
Bromelain may also prevent recurrent gout attacks.
Ease chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, and respiratory
allergies. In individuals with chronic bronchitis,
Bromelain has been shown to suppress cough and ease congestion.
Patients with sinusitis and allergies that affect the sinuses
have also responded to Bromelain therapy; it helps reduce
inflammation and fluid retention in the nasal membranes.
Relieve carpal syndrome tunnel. Bromelain reduces
tissue swelling that causes the finger numbness, shooting pains,
and weakness in the hand associated with this repetitive stress
injury.
Lessen the swelling and accelerate the healing of cuts and
scrapes, and insect bites and stings.
Reduce the symptoms of eczema. Bromelain taken with
the flavonoid quercetin can relieve the red and often intensely
itchy rashes of eczema.