Introduction
Bromelain is an enzyme that can digest proteins. It is usually found in the stem and fruit of the pineapple. It has been used in the treatment of many illnesses for many years. History records that the natives of Central and South America used bromelain for curing digestive issues. Bromelain is found to have many health benefits, like relieving sinus-related issues, decreasing inflammation, and improving digestion.
What Is Bromelain?
Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme. An enzyme that breaks down proteins or helps digest proteins is called a proteolytic enzyme. It is usually found in the extracts from the stem or fruit of pineapples. Bromelain helps the body fight pain and inflammation. They contain chemicals that inhibit the growth of tumor cells and also affect blood clotting. The United States Food and Drug Administration categorizes bromelain as a dietary supplement and is generally considered safe (GRAS).
What Are the Other Names of Bromelain?
Bromelain is also known by other names, which include;
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Ananas comosus.
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Pineapple enzyme.
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Pineapple extract.
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Bromelain.
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Bromelina.
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Enzyme’d ananas.
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Pineapple fruit bromelain.
What Are the Uses of Bromelain?
Bromelain is used as a natural remedy for many ailments. However, very little research is available regarding the true benefits of bromelain. The commonly accepted bromelain benefits include;
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Sinusitis: It can be used as a supportive therapy to relieve sinusitis, breathing difficulties, and other problems related to the nasal tract. Recent studies have shown that bromelain can reduce sinus inflammation, relieve breathing problems, and decrease nasal congestion.
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Osteoarthritis: Bromelain supplements are found to relieve signs of osteoarthritis. This can be associated with the anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain. However, there is still confusion as to whether the properties of bromelain alone or additive with the medication relieve the symptoms.
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Anti-inflammatory: A study in 2016, revealed that bromelain has the effect of reducing chemicals responsible for inflammation and tumors. It can also stimulate a healthy body to produce chemicals that help to fight inflammation. Studies also show that bromelain has the capacity to decrease transforming growth factor beta (the cells that are responsible for inflammation in osteomyelofibrosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
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Anti-cancer Properties: According to a study in 2010, bromelain can act on cancer cells and help immunity to fight against cancer cells.
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Improve Digestion: It is often used as an adjuvant in inflammatory bowel diseases due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Some physicians consider this chemical to relieve signs of an upset stomach, though studies do not support it.
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Weight Loss: Some manufacturers add bromelain in weight loss supplements, claiming to speed up the process. This, however, is supported by scientific evidence.
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Allergies: It is used in the treatment of allergies due to their anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to relieve nasal congestion.
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Recovery after Surgery: It fastens the recovery rate after a surgical procedure. This can be due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also considered due to its property to relieve pain.
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Cardiovascular Diseases: A recent study proved that bromelain healing affected cardiovascular conditions like peripheral artery disease, stroke, and heart attack. This is because bromelain prevents aggregation of the platelets or does not allow them to form a clump or a clot. Bromelain has also been shown to increase the aortic flow, decreasing the infarct that may cause a heart attack.
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Asthma: Studies have shown that bromelain eases asthmatic attacks probably due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
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Burns and Cuts: It has been found that when bromelain is used as a topical cream, it effectively removes the damaged tissues in the wounds and burns that are second or third-degree.
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Blood Coagulation and Fibrinolysis: Bromelain has been found to influence both the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation (clotting) pathways. It regulates blood coagulation homeostasis by reducing the synthesis of fibrin and increasing the fibrinolytic activity in the serum.
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Antibiotic Therapy: Bromelain is often used as an adjuvant in antibiotic therapy due to its low systemic toxicity and proteolytic properties. Studies show an increase in effectiveness when antibiotics are used along with bromelain.
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Anthelminthic Activity: Several studies have shown bromelain to be an effective anthelminthic drug against nematodes. An anthelminthic drug treats parasitic worms (like flukes, tapeworms, and roundworms) in the gastrointestinal tract.
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Anti-microbial and Anti-fungal Properties: Because of its proteolytic properties, bromelain is used as an anti-microbial or anti-fungal agent.
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Autophagy: It is the process in which a cell breaks down and destroys the old and abnormal contents in the cell. Several studies show that bromelain can trigger autophagy and inhibit carcinogenesis.
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Adjuvant in Chemotherapy: Studies have shown that adding bromelain in chemotherapy has increased its effect and reduced unnecessary toxicity. However, the synergistic effect of bromelain depends on the dose of the drug used and the type of cancer being treated.
Possible management of COVID-19 with Bromelain: The drugs that are designed to treat COVID-19 work in two different ways: one, to destroy the virus that enters the body and, secondly, to reduce the symptoms produced by the body in response to the virus. Due to its anti-inflammatory and autophagy properties, bromelain can be used to manage COVID-19. Studies are still going on to develop a potent drug against COVID-19.
What Are the Guidelines to Follow While Taking Bromelain?
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For Pediatric Use: Avoid administering bromelain to children. The safety of its usage in children has not been established through studies.
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For Adults: As per the recommendation of the German Commission E, adults can take 80 to 320 mg of bromelain 2 to 3 times a day. Higher doses may be prescribed for particular conditions.
What Precautions Should Be Taken While Taking Bromelain?
The following are situations where bromelain should be avoided to prevent a bromelain allergy.
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Supplements can cause side effects and may interact with medications, so it's important to only use them under the guidance of a knowledgeable healthcare provider. Bromelain is typically recommended for no longer than 8 to 10 consecutive days.
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Individuals allergic to pineapples, latex, wheat, celery, papain, carrot, fennel, cypress pollen, or grass pollen may also be allergic to bromelain, increasing their risk of experiencing a bromelain allergy.
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Pregnant women and individuals with bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, or liver or kidney disease should avoid bromelain.
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Bromelain may heighten the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. It is advisable to discontinue bromelain use at least two weeks before surgery.
What Are the Possible Interactions of Bromelain?
Consult the doctor before using bromelain if one takes the following medications.
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Antibiotics: Bromelain may enhance the absorption of antibiotics in the body. Clinical studies have shown that combining bromelain with Amoxicillin led to increased levels of amoxicillin in the bloodstream.
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Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Drugs - When bromelain is taken alongside blood thinners, it may elevate the risk of bleeding. Examples of blood-thinning medications include Warfarin, Clopidogrel, and Aspirin.
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Sedatives: Bromelain might potentiate the effects of sedative drugs, including anti-seizure medications such as Phenytoin and Valproic acid, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, drugs used to treat insomnia such as Zolpidem, Zaleplon, and others, as well as tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline.
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Alcohol: Bromelain may interact with alcohol, potentially exacerbating its effects.
What Are the Risks Associated With Bromelain?
Certain side effects can occur as with all medicines, dietary supplements, and bromelain benefits. Hence, seeking medical advice before taking it in any form is important. The side effects can include an upset stomach, an increased heart rate, menstrual issues, diarrhea, nausea, and more. If any of these symptoms are observed, the drug should be stopped immediately, and medical help should be taken. A person allergic to pineapple or with a bromelain allergy should never try bromelain supplements, as they can cause hypersensitivity reactions.
Conclusion
Bromelain became commercially available in the mid-1950s. Ever since studies have been ongoing to understand its properties and utilize bromelain benefits to improve medical treatment, however, its mode of action is not yet clearly understood. Hence more studies are being done to get a clear picture of how it functions.
