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Compound

Bromelain

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Bromelain. Pineapple proteolytic enzyme.

How it works. Cleaves bradykinin; anti-inflammatory.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces post-surgical swelling (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 500–1500 mg.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Vitamin D3 + K2, Zinc.

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Bromelain. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Bromelain. Pineapple proteolytic enzyme.

No single structure

What it is

Pineapple proteolytic enzyme.

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

Immune Function

How it works

Cleaves bradykinin; anti-inflammatory.

Pathways

  • Cleaves bradykinin
  • anti-inflammatory

Effects

  • ↓post-surgical swelling decreases

What the research supports

Reduces post-surgical swellingmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
500–1500 mg
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset
  • Bleeding

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Bromelain use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Vitamin D3 + K2Foundational immune modulation.
  • ZincRequired cofactor for innate and adaptive immune function.

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

Bromelain for OA ↗
Meta-analysis · Evid Based Complement Alternat Med · 2004

Reduced OA pain.

PubMed: Bromelain — Reduces post-surgical swelling ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

PubMed: Bromelain — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

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