Bromelain: Properties, Benefits, and Usage Precautions
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found in pineapples. Also known as pineapple extract, it is present not only in the pineapple fruit but also in the stem of the pineapple plant.
Pineapples are native to the Americas. People in Central and South America have long been accustomed to using pineapples to relieve indigestion. Nowadays, bromelain is available in various forms such as tablets, capsules, and creams. Due to its anti - inflammatory and pain - relieving properties, it is regarded as a substance that may assist in the treatment of various diseases.
It should be noted that dietary supplements are relatively less regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Their suitability for individuals varies. The effects of supplements can be influenced by many factors, such as type, dosage, frequency of use, and interactions with existing medications. Therefore, before starting to take any supplement, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Benefits of Bromelain
Although research on the benefits of bromelain for humans is limited, some claims have been supported by promising studies.
Alleviating Arthritis Pain
Bromelain is often used as a natural remedy to relieve joint pain and stiffness caused by arthritis. Studies have shown that bromelain, as a pain reliever, has an effect similar to non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs such as Advil (ibuprofen). Clinical research has found that bromelain is an effective pain reliever for treating osteoarthritis, especially when the arthritis affects the knees.
Relieving Pain after Dental Surgery
Bromelain may help relieve pain after dental surgery. Research indicates that people who took bromelain after wisdom tooth extraction experienced less pain in the first week after the operation. These users also reported better eating and sleeping after the surgery. However, other studies have inconsistent results regarding the effectiveness of this supplement in reducing pain and swelling after wisdom tooth extraction.
Relieving Sinusitis
It is believed that the anti - inflammatory properties of bromelain can help relieve sinusitis, which is the swelling of the inner lining of the sinuses. Some studies suggest that bromelain can reduce nasal swelling. This enzyme may also decrease mucus production and improve drainage. However, although some studies indicate that it has a certain effect on improving breathing, relieving nasal congestion, and reducing coughing, the evidence is limited. Therefore, more research is needed to clarify the effectiveness of bromelain in treating sinus swelling.
Assisting in Burn Treatment
In a medical setting, bromelain can be used as an alternative to surgical removal of dead skin from burns to assist in burn treatment. Clinical studies have used bromelain in the form of a topical gel for this purpose. The results show that bromelain is an effective and rapid method for skin removal, and the risk may be lower than that of surgery. However, this method has not been proven to improve the quality of life or reduce the number of scars. More tests are needed to confirm this benefit.
How to Take Bromelain
Bromelain can be made into oral supplements or used as topical medications. This enzyme is extracted from pineapples or the stems of pineapple plants and then undergoes extensive processing and purification for consumer use.
Consuming pineapples and pineapple juice can supplement bromelain. However, bromelain is mainly concentrated in the inedible parts of the pineapple, such as the stem. Therefore, the simplest way to obtain the benefits of bromelain is to take supplements.
Dosage
Currently, there is no standard guideline for the recommended dosage of bromelain. When taken orally, people generally take 40 - 400 milligrams of bromelain per day for up to 13 months. Whether taking bromelain as a supplement or using it topically, it is best to follow the dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you have any questions, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider.
Is Bromelain Safe?
Bromelain is generally safe for most people, especially when taken orally at the recommended dosage. However, there are several groups of people who may not be suitable for taking this supplement.
People who are allergic or sensitive to pineapples should not take bromelain supplements. In addition, since bromelain has not been fully tested on children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding women, these groups should also avoid taking it.
Furthermore, bromelain has the potential to cause excessive bleeding. If you are undergoing or planning to undergo surgery, it is best to avoid taking this supplement in the weeks before and after surgery, unless specifically recommended by your surgeon.
Potential Drug Interactions
Bromelain can affect the absorption of certain drugs. It is necessary to inform your healthcare provider of any medications or supplements you are using. Drugs that may interact with bromelain include:
Antibiotics: Bromelain may cause your body to absorb excessive amounts of antibiotic drugs, such as amoxicillin and tetracycline.
Chemotherapy drugs: It can lead to excessive absorption of chemotherapy drugs by your body.
Antihypertensive drugs: Bromelain may cause your body to absorb excessive amounts of antihypertensive drugs, especially angiotensin - converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
Blood thinners: Given that bromelain may cause excessive bleeding, taking this supplement together with blood thinners such as anti - platelet or anticoagulant agents is risky. In addition, some other herbal supplements, such as ginkgo and garlic, may also increase the risk of bleeding when used in combination with bromelain.
At the same time, certain foods (such as potatoes and soybeans) are considered enzyme inhibitors and may reduce the efficacy of bromelain. Zinc supplements may have a similar effect.
Precautions When Buying
When purchasing bromelain supplements, it is necessary to compare products and carefully check the product labels. The concentration and recommended dosage of bromelain may vary among different brands.
The FDA regulates supplements differently from drugs, which means that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed. Therefore, it is recommended to look for products that have been tested for quality by third - party organizations. Usually, you can find this information on the product bottle or the company website.
Third - party organizations that test dietary supplements check whether the products contain the ingredients they claim to have. These testing organizations include ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
Can You Over - Consume Bromelain?
For most people, bromelain seems to be safe as long as it is not taken in excessive amounts. When excessive bromelain is ingested, the following symptoms may occur:
Side Effects of Bromelain
Overall, bromelain is generally well - tolerated when taken at the recommended dosage. However, in some cases, bromelain may cause adverse side effects. The most common side effects of oral bromelain are:
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Topical use of bromelain may cause skin reactions such as rash, itching, and swelling.
If you experience any of these side effects after taking bromelain, you should consult a healthcare provider in a timely manner.
Quick Review
Bromelain is an enzyme derived from pineapples that has been proven to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Although it is claimed to have many benefits, such as relieving sinusitis and reducing arthritis pain, more research is needed to confirm all potential benefits.
Bromelain supplements are relatively safe for most people, and side effects are relatively rare as long as they are not taken in excessive amounts. However, bromelain may interact with certain drugs, such as antibiotics and blood thinners. People who are allergic to pineapples should not take bromelain.
Before starting to take a new supplement, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider.
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