Benefits of Bromelain

• Bromelain reduces pain associated with arthritis [1], [2]
  In a clinical study of adults who experienced mild acute knee pain for three months or less, bromelain demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, reducing the symptoms of osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis. In one study, volunteers who suffered from knee pain were randomly allocated to groups to receive either 200 mg or 400 mg of bromelain per day. Patients in both treatment groups showed a significant reduction in pain, with greater relief reported by those patients who were given the higher dose. The patients also reported less stiffness in their knees and improved physical function. The researchers concluded that "bromelain may be effective in ameliorating physical symptoms and improving general well-being in otherwise healthy adults suffering from mild knee pain in a dose-dependant manner."
• Bromelain acts as a blood thinning agent (anti-coagulant properties of bromelain) [3]
  Bromelain, an extract from pineapple stem, has demonstrated antithrombotic and anticoagulant activities in vivo. Bromelain reduced the adhesion of bound, thrombin stimulated, fluorescent labeled platelets to bovine aorta endothelial cells, and was shown to be as effective as the proteases papain and trypsin, on the basis of mass concentrations. Heart researchers found that intravenous application at 30 mg/kg was slightly more active in reducing thrombus formation in arterioles (13%) and venoles (5%), which suggests that orally applied bromelain is biologically active. These results may help to explain some of the clinical effects observed after bromelain treatment in patients with thrombosis and related diseases.
• Bromelain acts with the body to activate the body's own natural immune response [4]
  A healthy immune response is critical for effective immunity against disease. In a study conducted in London, England, doctors demonstrated that bromelain, a mixture of cysteine proteases, can help the immune response by enhancing IFN-gamma-mediated nitric oxide and TNFalpha production by macrophages. Bromelain's effect was independent of endotoxin receptor activation and was not caused by direct modulation of IFN-gamma receptors. The researchers concluded that "These results indicate a potential role for bromelain in the activation of inflammatory responses in situations where they may be deficient, such as may occur in immunocompromised individuals."
• The anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain may be beneficial for patients with rheumatic disorders [5], [6]
  The therapeutic use of proteolytic enzymes such as those found in bromelain is empirically based, but is also supported by scientific studies. A review provides of preclinical and clinical trials of systemic enzyme therapy in rheumatic disorders found that the ratio of proteinases to antiproteinases, which is affected by rheumatic diseases, appears to be influenced by the oral administration of bromelain and other protelolytic enzymes. The results of various studies of patients with rheumatic diseases suggest that oral therapy with proteolytic enzymes does have certain analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Results may vary from patient to patient.. The reviewers concluded that "the application of enzyme therapy seems plausible in carefully chosen patients with rheumatic disorders."
• Bromelain used as a treatment for breast engorgement for nursing mothers. [7]
  Breast pain is a common reason cited by mothers who were nursing their infants but made the decision to stop. The analgesic effects of bromelain, when combined with trypsin, significantly improved the total symptoms of engorgement when compared to placebo. In the experiment, the complex with bromelain was more successful than treatments that contained Oxytocin and cold packs, which had no demonstrable effect on engorgement symptoms. Note: If you are nursing, consult your physician before taking any nutritional supplements.
• Bromelain as a possible anti-inflammatory agent for skin disease. [8]
  Pineapple has been used to treat skin problems for centuries. Modern scientific research methods have allowed scientists to prove the efficacy of many of these herbs and to develop a better understanding of their mechanisms of action. Bromelain appears to be effective for dermatological conditions characterized by inflammation and pruritus.
• Bromelain shows promise in helping cancer patients. [9]
  Bromelain has been used as an adjuvant therapy for cancer and other malignant diseases. Researchers in Germany studied the immunological effects of bromelain taken orally by 16 breast cancer patients in comparison with healthy donors. Patients taking bromelain experienced a reduction in cancer activity. Bromelain was less effective on the higher cytotoxicity of monocytes from healthy donors, but it still stimulated the secretion of IL-1beta from monocytes. In contrast, patient monocytes secreted no detectable IL-1beta, before, during and after bromelain treatment. The German scientists conclude "these data suggest, that orally applied bromelain stimulates the deficient monocytic cytotoxicity of mammary tumor patients, which may partially explain its proposed antitumor activity."
• Other proposed uses
  Bromelain has also shown promise treating sepsis in children,[10] as a therapy for people in treatment for autoimmune disorders,[11] and as an effective treatment to improve protein utilization in nursing-home patients.
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