Bromelain: Benefits, risks, sources, and side effects
There is varied scientific evidence surrounding the effectiveness of using bromelain for these purposes.
This article will look at the reported benefits, as well as the potential risks, of using bromelain.
What is bromelain?
Bromelain is an enzyme mixture that people can extract from the stem or fruit of the pineapple plant Ananas comosus.
Healers have used these enzymes for hundreds of years in many ways. Now, retailers tend to sell bromelain either as a health supplement or skin cream.
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes that have active effects in the body. The active ingredients in bromelain include proteinases and proteases, which are enzymes that break down proteins in the body.
Along with reducing nasal inflammation in sinusitis, bromelain may also reduce inflammation elsewhere in the body.
According to a 2016 review of studies, research in cell and animal models has suggested that bromelain can reduce certain compounds associated with cancer inflammation and tumor growth.
Bromelain also may help stimulate a healthy immune system to release inflammation-fighting immune system compounds.
The review also suggests that bromelain can reduce transforming growth factor beta, which is a compound associated with inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and osteomyelofibrosis.
However, scientists had conducted many of these studies on mice or in a cell-based laboratory setting, so researchers do not currently know the effects that bromelain has in humans.
Anticancer effects
Bromelain may have anticancer effects both on cancer cells and by improving inflammation in the body and boosting the immune system, according to a 2010 review in the journal Cancer Letters.
However, the NIH say that there is currently not enough evidence to suggest that bromelain has any effects on cancer.
Enhancing digestion
Some people take bromelain to relieve stomach upset and the symptoms of digestive disorders. Due to its inflammation-reducing properties, some people use it as an adjunct therapy to treat inflammatory bowel disorders.
The NIH state that there is not enough evidence for using bromelain to aid digestion.
Animal studies have suggested that bromelain can reduce the effects of some bacteria that affect the intestine, such as Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholera. These are both common causes of diarrhea.
Weight loss
Some supplement manufacturers are marketing bromelain as a weight loss aid. They state that the enzymes in bromelain can increase the speed at which the body digests fats.
However, there is little research to suggest that bromelain could help a person lose weight.
While bromelain is a natural substance, it can have some side effects. These include:
- stomach upset
- an increased heart rate
- menstrual problems
If a person experiences these side effects, they should stop using bromelain and talk to their doctor about other possible treatments.
People with sensitivities or allergies to pineapples should avoid taking bromelain. It can cause allergic reactions that range from mild to severe, and in extreme cases, it can result in anaphylaxis.
A person should seek emergency medical attention if they experience any of the following after taking or applying bromelain:
- difficulty breathing
- nausea
- severely red or swollen skin
- vomiting
- a weak, rapid pulse
Summary
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes derived from the pineapple fruit or stem. Research suggests that bromelain can have health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and helping heal wounds, when a person uses it as a supplement.
However, there are no large-scale human research studies to back up its effectiveness. There are few side effects associated with bromelain. A person may wish to add this supplement to their diet, but it should not replace medical treatment.
People who wish to try bromelain supplements can find them in drug stores, some grocery stores, and online.
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