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Supplements/Compound

Bromelain

Pineapple proteolytic enzyme.

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Overview

Pineapple proteolytic enzyme.

Natural sources
  • Endogenously produced or biosynthesized molecule
  • Standardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplement
  • Combined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity
Common forms
  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Mechanism of action

Cleaves bradykinin; anti-inflammatory.

Pathways
  • · Cleaves bradykinin
  • · anti-inflammatory

Effects on the body

Decreases
post-surgical swelling

Organ system effects

Immune System

Bromelain modulates innate and adaptive immune responses, including cytokine signaling and barrier function.

Evidence-based benefits

Reduces post-surgical swelling

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · GI upset
  • · Bleeding
Rare
    Serious

      Drug interactions

      Prescription medications (general)
      Always disclose Bromelain use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.
      minor

      Safety & non-supplemental interactions

      Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

      Avoid with these conditions
      • ·Autoimmune disease (theoretical immune activation)
      Avoid / monitor with these medications
      • ·Immunosuppressants

      Supplement interactions

      Pairs well with
      • Vitamin D3 + K2
        Foundational immune modulation.
      • Zinc
        Required cofactor for innate and adaptive immune function.
      Avoid combining with

      No specific avoidances listed.

      Dosing & bioavailability

      Typical dose
      500–1500 mg
      Best form
      Most evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
      Timing
      Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
      With food?
      With a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.

      Where to buy

      Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

      Scientific evidence8Show studies
      Meta-analysisEvid Based Complement Alternat Med · 2004

      Bromelain for OA

      Brien S, et al.

      9 trials

      Key findings

      Reduced OA pain.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Bromelain — Reduces post-surgical swelling

      Live PubMed search

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

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Bromelain and "Reduces post-surgical swelling". 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.

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