Monday, April 18, 2016

Bromelain / Pineapple : Use and Effectiveness

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
  1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/bromelain
  2. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-895-bromelain.aspx?activeingredientid=895&activeingredientname=bromelain

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