Bromelain — Mechanism, Benefits, Dosing

Overview

Pineapple proteolytic enzyme with anti-inflammatory and fibrinolytic effects.

Natural sources

Pineapple stem

Common forms

Bromelain GDU/MCU standardized

Mechanism of action

Proteolytic enzyme with systemic effects when taken between meals.

Pathways

· Fibrinolysis
· Anti-inflammatory

Effects on the body

Decreases

Inflammation/edema

Organ system effects

Joints

Reduces post-surgical swelling.

Evidence-based benefits

Reduces post-surgical edema and bruising

Moderate evidence

Reduces sinusitis symptoms

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common

· GI upset

Rare

· Allergy

Serious

· Bleeding

Drug interactions

Anticoagulants

Fibrinolytic.

moderate

Antibiotics (some)

Increases absorption.

moderate

Supplement interactions

Pairs well with

None listed.

Avoid combining with

No specific avoidances listed.

Dosing & bioavailability

Typical dose

500–2000 mg between meals (anti-inflammatory)

Where to buy

Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

Compound

Bromelain

Amazon

Wide selection · fast shipping

Compound

Bromelain

iHerb

Global delivery · curated brands

Compound

Bromelain

Thorne

Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

Scientific evidence (9)

Systematic reviewEvid Based Complement Alternat Med · 2004

Bromelain for osteoarthritis and inflammation

Brien S, et al.

Review of bromelain trials in OA and inflammation.

Key findings

Reduced pain and swelling comparable to NSAIDs in some trials.

Open study

Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Bromelain — Reduces post-surgical edema and bruising

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Bromelain Reduces post-surgical edema and bruising" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Bromelain and "Reduces post-surgical edema and bruising". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study

Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Bromelain — Reduces sinusitis symptoms

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Bromelain Reduces sinusitis symptoms" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Bromelain and "Reduces sinusitis symptoms". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study

Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Bromelain — randomized controlled trial

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Bromelain randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Bromelain and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study

Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Bromelain — meta-analysis

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Bromelain meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Bromelain and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study

Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Bromelain — pharmacokinetics

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Bromelain pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Bromelain and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study

Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Bromelain — safety adverse events

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Bromelain safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Bromelain and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study

Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Bromelain — dose response

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Bromelain dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Bromelain and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study

Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

Google Scholar: Bromelain — clinical evidence

Live Scholar search

Cross-database citation index for Bromelain as it relates to "clinical evidence".

Key findings

Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

Open study

Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.