Bromelain is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes found in pineapples (Ananas comosus ). Pineapple has been used as a folk medicine by the natives of the tropics for centuries. It has been used as a digestive aid, as a cleansing agent to improve the texture of the skin, and to promote the healing of wounds. It is used commercially in certain cosmetics and as a meat tenderizer and dietary supplement. Bromelain supplements contain active substances that aid digestion and help reduce inflammation. It is useful in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, but it is particularly effective in relieving inflammation associated with infection and physical injuries. It has been used as anti-inflammatory agent, helpful in healing minor injuries, such as sprains and strains, muscle injuries, and sports injuries. Because of these properties, it is also sometimes used for treatment of traumatic and post-operative swelling. It is also used in fighting urinary tract infections when combined with trypsin, and because of its natural blood thinning action is helpful in preventing excessive blood platelet stickiness - indicating it to decrease thrombopheitis and angina. Since it can reduce the thickness of mucus it could be helpful to people suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Furthermore it may also have a beneficial effect on drug absorption, blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, third-degree burns, diarrhea as well as tumor growth.
Bromelain’s ability to reduce inflammation has been well documented in a variety of experimental models and clinical studies. Bromelain should be taken on an empty stomach (between meals). It is comprised of a group of enzymes found in pineapple juice and in the stem of pineapple plants. It is also manufactured into capsule or pill form. It is commonly used for the conditions like recovery from surgery; athletic injuries; arthritis; sinusitis; chronic venous insufficiency; varicose veins; hemorrhoids; gout; ulcerative colitis; digestive problems; dysmenorrheal; etc. Bromelain may have digestant activity and there is research suggesting that it may have wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal and anticarcinogenic effects, as well.
References:
University of Maryland Mecial Center. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/bromelain-000289.htm
Alternative Medicines. http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/herbsvitaminsa1/a/Bromelain.htm
http://www.anyvitamins.com/bromelain-info.htm
PDR Health. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/bro_0330.shtml
