Bromelain: What is it for? Supplements and Contraindications
Bromelain is a substance that is extracted from the pineapple fruit, in particular it is concentrated in the stem which we often consider waste because it is hard and unappetizing. Well, know that so far you have thrown away the “functional” part of this splendid fruit.
This substance, chemically a proteolytic enzyme, has numerous properties : anti-oedematous, fibrinolytic, analgesic, mucolytic, gastroprotective, digestive and even immunomodulatory.
In order for bromelain to exercise all these properties, it is necessary to take it in fairly large doses which correspond to equally large quantities of pineapple. For this reason it was decided to create specific food supplements often associated with other enzymes with the same function such as papain and trypsin in specific formulations for dyspepsia.
Furthermore, this substance can be used as an ointment or gel for topical use to soothe traumatic pains and prevent the formation of edema. The uses of bromelain do not only concern the strictly medical-pharmaceutical field but also the food one, in fact it is an additive permitted by law which is used to tenderize products rich in proteins such as canned meat. Therefore, we are talking about a very versatile substance whose properties can be exploited in various fields.
But let’s go into more detail and try to understand how it is possible to exploit this substance for our well-being and for our health.
All the properties of bromelain
In this paragraph we have tried to order all the uses of bromelain trying to provide you with an in-depth explanation of the way in which this substance carries out its action.
Gastric disorders
One of the best known activities of bromelain is its use in cases of digestive difficulties, often associated with other proteolytic enzymes such as papain (extracted from papaya) and trypsin. This enzyme is able to pass unscathed both the stomach and the intestine where it can exercise its functions.
Due to its proteolytic properties , i.e. the ability to split proteins into their constituent “building blocks”, amino acids, it is used in digestive disorders, especially when one suffers from slow digestion resulting from heavy and abundant meals.
Well-being of the circulation
Bromelain has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of thrombophlebitis, a disorder characterized by inflammation of the superficial veins resulting in thrombosis. The same beneficial action is performed on spider veins, or better known as varicose veins , which benefit from bromelain for its fibrinolytic activity.
In fact, many scientific studies have shown that this active ingredient is capable of interfering with the blood coagulation process by activating plasmin which in turn has a fibrinolytic activity. This activity is essential to avoid the deposition of fibrin which, as we know, increases vascular thickening and the formation of small protuberances typical of varicose veins.
The use of this product, as well as being strongly recommended after surgery for varicose veins, also finds space in the prevention of the appearance of these disorders and in the case of microcirculation insufficiency. Anyone who suffers from cellulite will surely have heard of this natural remedy. Bromelain, in fact, is part of the composition of numerous food supplements that are used for the treatment of cellulite both alone and in combination with other substances.
Cellulite is not only a skin imperfection and an accumulation of localized fat, but can be considered, due to its characteristics, a real subcutaneous disease characterized by inflammation, stagnation of liquids and deposition of subcutaneous adipose tissue which lead to the formation of the characteristic orange peel skin and sore nodules. In these cases, bromelain is very effective in fighting cellulite as, in addition to stimulating diuresis, it is capable of restoring normal cellular trophism, avoiding the accumulation of localized liquids.
Inflammation and edema
Bromelain is one of the most frequently prescribed supplements in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in case of bruises, traumas and sprains. Its beneficial action is to reduce the size and extension of the edema and consequently reduce the pain and the inflammatory process.
The reason for this action is always to carry out a fibrinolytic action avoiding the accumulation of interstitial fluids which lead to the formation of oedematous manifestations. The use of bromelain does not only concern accidents and traumas but it is also used in the treatment of post-operative inflammation such as dental inflammation (extirpation), of the vagina after childbirth and in the case of extensive bruising.
dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation which is caused by the release of large quantities of prostaglandins (chemical mediators of inflammation) which have the uterus as their target.
It manifests itself with very strong pains in the lower abdomen and sometimes vomiting and dizziness are also associated. The use of bromelain has been shown to be effective in reducing associated pain and discomfort as well as preventing acute and debilitating episodes.
Arthritis
In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout , the drugs of choice for the reduction of pain and acute attacks are cortisone. Some scientific studies have shown that if bromelain is associated with prednisone there is a synergism with enhancement and this is a very important effect because reducing the doses of cortisone reduces all the side effects associated with their intake.
Catarrhal cough
There are several bromelain-based food supplements on the market that are useful for the treatment of productive and catarrhal cough. The benefits of taking this substance are substantially those of exerting a mucolytic action, reducing inflammation of the respiratory ducts and promoting expectoration.
Wounds and burns
Bromelain is very useful for reducing the burning pain caused by a second degree burn. Treatment of these manifestations is very important to prevent possible skin infections that are difficult to treat. In fact, wounds should always be carefully disinfected with hydrogen peroxide and antibiotic ointments should be applied locally. Bromelain helps reduce inflammation and pain by speeding up the healing process.
Antibiotic activity
This is certainly one of the most promising activities of bromelain which is still undergoing in-depth study. The first in vitro studies show that this substance is very active on particular resistant strains of staphylococcus which often infect our mucous membranes and our skin.
Food supplements containing bromelain
We have seen the numerous applications of bromelain in various fields but we have not focused on the methods of use, the side effects and contraindications of this substance.
Eating only the pineapple fruit has no real contraindications because bromelain is present in small percentages and is perfectly safe and tolerable by our body.
If, on the other hand, it is taken as food supplements, its quantity increases and side effects may occur in parallel which can be:
- nausea;
- He retched;
- frequent belching;
- gastric reflux;
- abdominal pains.
Particular attention should also be paid to the possible intake of other drugs in the presence of this substance such as anticoagulants, platelet aggregation inhibitors (low-dose aspirin) as it can increase bleeding time and find yourself facing a hemorrhage. Other interactions can occur with various food supplements that have anticoagulant activity such as garlic and ginkgo biloba.
The amount of bromelain shown on the label of food supplements is expressed in biologically active units, i.e. it indicates the enzyme’s ability to digest a certain amount of protein. The recommended dosage of this substance depends on the use for which it is taken and a medical consultation is always necessary to better diagnose and frame the problem.
She defines herself as curious by nature. In 2006 she graduated with honors in Biotechnology at the Sapienza University of Rome. Between 2005 and 2009, she carried out a university internship and research activity in the field of tumor immunotherapy. She is a co-author of three scientific publications. Since 2007 you have associated your passion for science with that for the web, starting the management of the FitnessEquilibrium.com project.