Bromelain
Also known as: Pineapple protease, Ananas comosus enzyme
Bromelain contains multiple proteolytic enzymes (stem and fruit bromelain), plus minor components with fibrinolytic and bradykinin-modulating activity. Activity is measured in Gelatin Digesting Units (GDU) or Milk Clotting Units (MCU).
Last reviewed: 2025-01-15 · 3 indexed studies
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Overview
A cysteine protease complex extracted from pineapple stem with dual digestive and systemic anti-inflammatory actions. Notably, a fraction is absorbed intact and exerts measurable systemic effects on inflammation and bruising.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Hydrolyses dietary and tissue proteins; reduces pro-inflammatory bradykinin and prostaglandin E2; modulates cell-surface molecules on immune cells (CD44, CD16); accelerates fibrin breakdown reducing oedema and bruising.
Physiological Role
Supports protein digestion when taken with meals; when taken away from food, exerts systemic anti-inflammatory and anti-oedema effects.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
May reduce DOMS, bruising, and oedema after damaging or contact-sport exercise; supports faster return-to-play through accelerated inflammatory resolution.
Evidence Review
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 200 mg (2400 GDU/g) per dose
- Optimal Range
- 500–2000 mg/day split BID–TID (digestive: with meals; anti-inflammatory: between meals)
- Upper / Caution Level
- Up to 3000 mg/day in short-term trials
- Timing
- With meals for digestion; on an empty stomach for systemic anti-inflammatory effect
- Best Format
- Enteric-coated capsule (for systemic absorption) or standard capsule (for digestive use)
- Bioavailability
- ≈40% of an oral dose is absorbed intact, retaining proteolytic activity in plasma for 6–9 hours.
- Absorption Considerations
- Enteric coating preserves more enzyme for absorption from the small intestine.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •GI upset (mild)
- •Allergic reaction in pineapple-sensitive individuals
- •Increased bleeding risk at high doses
Contraindications
- Active bleeding disorder
- 2 weeks pre-surgery
Drug Interactions
- •Anticoagulants (warfarin)
- •Antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel)
- •Some antibiotics (amoxicillin — increased absorption)
Who Should Avoid
- •Patients on anticoagulant therapy
- •Those allergic to pineapple, latex, or birch pollen
Monitoring
Stop 2 weeks before elective surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Bromelain typically used or indicated?
Bromelain is most commonly used for: Post-surgical swelling, Sinusitis, Exercise-induced soreness, Protein digestion, Inflammation. Supports protein digestion when taken with meals; when taken away from food, exerts systemic anti-inflammatory and anti-oedema effects.
How does Bromelain work?
Hydrolyses dietary and tissue proteins; reduces pro-inflammatory bradykinin and prostaglandin E2; modulates cell-surface molecules on immune cells (CD44, CD16); accelerates fibrin breakdown reducing oedema and bruising.
What is the recommended dose of Bromelain?
The optimal range is 500–2000 mg/day split BID–TID (digestive: with meals; anti-inflammatory: between meals). with a minimum effective dose of 200 mg (2400 GDU/g) per dose. Best taken: With meals for digestion; on an empty stomach for systemic anti-inflammatory effect. Upper / caution level: Up to 3000 mg/day in short-term trials.
What are the side effects of Bromelain?
Reported side effects include: GI upset (mild); Allergic reaction in pineapple-sensitive individuals; and Increased bleeding risk at high doses. Monitoring: Stop 2 weeks before elective surgery.
Does Bromelain interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Anticoagulants (warfarin); Antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel); and Some antibiotics (amoxicillin — increased absorption). Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Bromelain?
Bromelain is generally not recommended for: Patients on anticoagulant therapy; Those allergic to pineapple, latex, or birch pollen; Active bleeding disorder; and 2 weeks pre-surgery.
How strong is the evidence for Bromelain?
Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 68/100), based on 3 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (3)
Bromelain: biochemistry, pharmacology and medical use
Maurer HR. Comprehensive review of bromelain's absorption, anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and clinical applications.
Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe acute sinusitis
Braun JM et al. Children with acute sinusitis recovered significantly faster on bromelain monotherapy vs standard therapy.
Bromelain reduces mild acute knee pain and improves well-being in a dose-dependent fashion
Walker AF et al. 1-month open trial — dose-dependent reduction in WOMAC pain and stiffness scores.
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Research Overview
Moderate EvidenceCite this ingredient
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Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/bromelain
SuppIndex. (2026). Bromelain: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/bromelain
Based on 3 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Synergistic with quercetin, curcumin, and trypsin in commercial anti-inflammatory blends.