ASK DIS: Bromelain / Pineapple : Use and Effectiveness

Monday, April 18, 2016

Availability

not available in hospital
available in community as part of medication to assist digestion (Quest Enzyme Digest)
product containing bromelain is available in UK and some other countries

General

Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found in pineapples (Ananas comosus) that digest protein (proteolytic).
Pineapple has been used for centuries in Central and South America to treat indigestion and reduce inflammation

Surgery, Sprains and Strains, and Tendinitis

Although studies show mixed results, bromelain may reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain after surgery and physical injuries.
It is often used to reduce inflammation from tendinitis, sprains and strains, and other minor muscle injuries.
Studies of people having dental, nasal, and foot surgeries found it reduced inflammation.
In Europe, bromelain is used to treat sinus and nasal swelling following ear, nose, and throat surgery or trauma.

Wounds and Burns

Studies in animals suggest that bromelain, when applied to the skin, may be useful in removing dead tissue from third-degree burns, a process called debridement.
One preliminary study of a debridement agent that is derived from bromelain to treat people with second- and third-degree burns showed a benefit.
Severe burns require a doctor's care.
Do not apply bromelain to broken skin.

Sinusitis (Sinus Inflammation)

Although not all studies agree, bromelain may help reduce cough and nasal mucus associated with sinusitis.
It may also relieve the swelling and inflammation caused by hay fever.

Infection

Evidence from test tube and animal studies suggests that bromelain can kill some viruses and bacteria.
More research, including human studies, is needed to see whether it truly works.

Contraindications/interaction

Bromelain is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken in appropriate amounts. Bromelain may cause some side effects, such as diarrhea and stomach and intestinal discomfort
Not enough is known about the use of bromelain during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Bromelain might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using bromelain at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery
Taking bromelain might increase how much antibiotic the body absorbs. Taking bromelain along with some antibiotics might increase effects and side effects of some antibiotics

demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Minocin), and tetracycline (Achromycin), Amoxicillin

Recommendations

May be effective in reducing inflammation from infection and injuries.
Dietary consumption of pineapple (fruit or juice) may not achieve similar amount of bromelain used in the study
Benefit in cough and cold in pediatric compared to cough and cold products is not substantiated as cough and cold products are reported as ‘ineffective in pediatrics’.

References

ASK DIS