Bromelain
What is Bromelain?
Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme that is also used for milk-clotting.
Why is it needed?
It is an effective anti-inflammatory agent and is useful to use where the tissues are swollen, where there is pain and a need for tissue repair. It interacts with hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, these prostaglandins are the very things that cause pain and it is thought that the Bromelain inhibits them.
It not only inhibits the prostaglandins that cause pain, but it appears to produce anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
Fibrin is an insoluble protein that is associated with fluid retention and Bromelain breaks this down too.
Where is it found?
It is extracted from the stem of the pineapple fruit and is produced in Japan, Taiwan and Hawaii.
What conditions has it been used to treat?
Primary:
- Sprains, muscle injury, wounds and burns or any injury where there is inflammation.
- Practitioners may prescribe it for people who have just had surgery and it is given to those who are susceptible to urinary infections (it is combined with another enzyme called trypsin when treating urinary conditions).
Secondary:
- Bromelain has been used in the fight against cardiovascular disease and greatly reduces the risk of thrombosis by changing the stickiness of blood platelets.
- It seems to boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy too.
- It appears to be effective in reducing the thickness of mucus and is therefore prescribed for sinusitis, chronic bronchitis and congestion in general.
- It assists in the absorption of antibiotics; as an anti-inflammatory it is often used to treat those with rheumatoid arthritis.
Dosage
Take between 250-600 mg three times a day. Take on an empty stomach unless it is being used as a dietary aid, in which case it should be taken with food.
Side Effects
There are no reported side-effects for this supplement but of course some may be allergic to it. If a skin rash occurs discontinue use.
