What is Bromelain?

BROMELAIN - Bromelain is a crude extract derived from pineapple plant, containing a mixture of sulphur-containing proteolytic enzymes and non-enzymatic substances. Bromelain has been linked to a wide range of therapeutic uses including, inhibition of platelet aggregation, sinusitis, enhanced absorption of drugs and anti-inflammatory action.

Bromelain is currently administered for various clinical applications, most commonly for its use in treatment of inflammation and soft tissue injuries. The anti-inflammatory activity for bromelain is suggested to be down to multiple mechanisms, including effecting blood coagulation, prostaglandin levels and reducing pain-inducing factors such as oedema, debris and immune complexes. A pilot study investigated the effects of bromelain supplementation in those with mild acute knee pain. Results found that all self-reports of physical symptoms were significantly improved after one month of the intervention.

What is Bromelain used for?

Bromelain is ANTI-INFLAMMATORY 

Bromelain is helpful in healing injuries, particularly sprains and strains, bruising, muscle injuries, and the pain, swelling, and tenderness that accompany sports injuries. Bromelain has also been found to dramatically reduce postoperative swelling in controlled human research. Much of bromelain’s anti-swelling effect is due to activating compounds that break down fibrin. Fibrin forms a matrix that walls off the area of inflammation, resulting in blockage of blood vessels, inadequate tissue drainage, and edema.

Can Bromelain help with SINUSITIS and BRONCHITIS 

The anti-inflammatory effect of bromelain is the probable reason this enzyme has been found effective for people suffering from sinusitis. Research has shown that good to excellent results were obtained in 87 percent of bromelain-treated patients. In patients with bronchitis, bromelain has been shown to have an ANTI-TUSSIVE effect (suppress cough) and to reduce the viscosity of sputum (mucolytic). Improvements have been noted in lung capacity and function due to bromelain’s ability to fluidify and decrease bronchial secretions.

Bromelain is a DIGESTIVE AID 

Bromelain has been used successfully as a digestive enzyme following pancreatectomy, in cases of pancreas insufficiency, and in other intestinal disorders. Because of its wide pH range, bromelain has activity in the stomach as well as the small intestine. It has also been shown to be an adequate replacement for pepsin and trypsin in cases of deficiency. Bromelain has also been reported to heal gastric ulcers. In an extensive study of the effect of bromelain on the gastric mucosa, it was found that bromelain increased the uptake of radioactive sulphur by 50% and glucosamine by 30 -90%. Increased uptake of these substances may allow the gastric mucosa to heal more rapidly under the influence of bromelain.

Bromelain is a natural ANTIBIOTIC 

Bromelain appears to exert potent antibiotic effects as well as potentiating the actions of conventional antibiotic medication.

Does Bromelain help with CARDIO VASCULAR SUPPORT?

Bromelain is a natural blood thinner because it prevents excessive blood platelet stickiness. This may explain, in part, the positive reports in a few clinical trials of bromelain to decrease symptoms of angina and thrombophlebitis. Bromelain has been shown to dissolve arteriosclerotic plaque. It is likely that bromelain also increases vessel wall permeability to oxygen and nutrients while increasing blood fluidity, both of which aid in these conditions.

Directions: As a food supplement, take one to three capsules daily with water, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

One capsule provides: