Ouch, that had to hurt.
Bromelain isn't exactly a supplement:
Bromelain, derived from the pineapple plant, is one of a group of proteolytic enzymes (enzymes capable of digesting protein).
It is widely believed that most orally ingested enzymes are destroyed by the digestive juices prior to being absorbed. However, there is evidence that significant amounts of bromelain can be absorbed intact.1 Proteolytic enzymes other than bromelain are often used with people who suffer from malabsorption. Although bromelain in combination with other enzymes and ox bile has been reported to help digest food,2 it is generally not used for this purpose. However, bromelain does contribute to the digestion of protein, and may therefore be used as a digestive aid. Although many doctors assume that other proteolytic enzymes, such as those found in pancreatin, are more effective than bromelain in helping digestion and absorption, almost no research compares the relative effects of these enzymes.
Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory agent and for this reason is helpful in healing minor injuries, particularly sprains and strains, muscle injuries, and the pain, swelling, and tenderness that accompany sports injuries.3 4 5 Topically applied bromelain in the form of a cream may be beneficial for frostbite,6 possibly enhancing the rate of healing.7 and for cleaning debris from burns.8 These uses of bromelain should be supervised by a doctor.
Also as a result of its anti-inflammatory effect, bromelain has been found to dramatically reduce postoperative swelling in controlled human research.9 Double-blind research has found bromelain effective in reducing swelling, bruising,10 and pain, for women having minor surgery in conjunction with giving birth (episiotomy).11
The anti-inflammatory effect of bromelain is the probable reason this enzyme has been found effective for people suffering from sinusitis.12 Some of the evidence supporting bromelain in the treatment of sinusitis comes from double-blind research.13
Bromelain, in combination with trypsin (another enzyme), may enhance the effect of antibiotics in people with a urinary tract infection (UTI). In a double-blind study, 100% of people who received bromelain/trypsin in combination with antibiotics had a resolution of their UTIs, compared to only 46% of those who received antibiotics alone.14
Again, probably due to its anti-inflammatory action, bromelain was reported to help patients with rheumatoid arthritis in preliminary research.15 In that trial, in which bromelain was given for varying (3-week to 13-month) periods, 73% had good to excellent results.
Bromelain is a natural blood thinner because it prevents excessive blood platelet stickiness.16 This may explain, in part, the positive reports in a few clinical trials of bromelain to decrease symptoms of angina and thrombophlebitis.17 18 In addition, bromelain reduces the thickness of mucus, which may benefit patients with asthma or chronic bronchitis.19
Preliminary evidence in both animals and people suggests that bromelain may possess antitumor activity, though the true importance of this effect is poorly understood.20
Bromelain can induce beneficial changes in white blood cells with possible effects on immune function.21 22 However, whether these effects would help people with immune system problems remains unclear.
Where is it found? Bromelain is found mostly in the stems of pineapples and is available as a dietary supplement.
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