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Bromelain is one of several compounds known as proteolytic enzymes, all of which aid in the digestion of protein. Bromelain enzyme itself is derived from the common pineapple plant once native to South America, now found in the Philippines, South Africa, Australia, Cuba and North America, particularly in Hawaii.

Bromelain supplements are now the integral constituent of the most of the natural hair care products. The plant enzyme bromelain has been approved by most of the hair care product recommendations. But there is more to bromelain than hair care.

The natural plant enzyme bromelain obtained from the pineapple is known to provide a number of health benefits as discussed below. The origin and the distribution of the pineapple, the source for bromelain enzyme also makes an interesting reading.

If you were to ask most people where pineapples originated, the majority would probably answer Hawaii. Although this perennial, plant that can reach heights of up to four feet, is now Hawaii’s biggest export, pineapples first recorded presence on American soil was only in 1813 when immigrants brought the fruit to the ‘new country’.

Archeologists report the pineapple plant was known to cultures prior to 1000 AD and before the Inca tribes settled in what is now considered the Latin American Coast. Ancient burial sites in Brazil have yielded jars shaped like pineapples, leading scientists to believe this ancient pre-Inca culture valued the plant considerably. Christopher Columbus first reported this sweet tasting, deep yellow fruit when he returned from an expedition to the island of Guadeloupe. Natives of the island reveled that the plant was brought from the Amazon forests by a warrior-like tribe called the Caribs. These early cultures used a poultice made from the pineapple to relieve swelling and inflammation caused by injuries and common skin infections. Columbus referred to the pineapple as ‘la pina des las Indians’ meaning the pine of the Indies because it closely resembled a green pinecone.

Europeans revered the fruit and it was eventually naturalized in such places as Africa, India, China and the East Indies. Spanish sailors brought pineapples on their ships to avoid scurvy, a condition that results from a deficiency in Vitamin C. By the 1700s, wealthy Europeans built greenhouses to grow the ‘delicacy’ despite the harsh climate of the area. During this time, the pineapple was considered a fruit of the rich, who even replicated its image onto ornate furniture such as desks and bedposts. Homes of the wealthy donned intricate gateposts and doorways with lavish carvings of the pineapple and the fruit became a status symbol only the rich could afford to serve at dinner parties or such other events to impress their quests. In colonial America, confectioners would regularly rent out pineapples by the day as table decorations for parties and other social gatherings.

By 1891, researchers identified the proteolytic enzyme bromelain, which they found in the fleshy part of the fruit. This enzyme was discovered to break down protein, and as such, is still used to day as a natural meat tenderizer and digestive aid. By 1957, bromelain was widely recognized and research also began into such areas as muscle and tissue inflammation, burn recovery, infection, and even sinus problems.

The fruit of the pineapple plant takes over a year to ripen and will only reach maturity in frost-free conditions. The leaves of this plant are quite stiff and have sharp spine-like edges. The fruit itself is in reality a flower that forms around the stem, and the pineapple is the only known plant whose main stem runs the entire length of the fruit, forming a hard center core. The little brown spots or eye-like features found on the outside of the scaly skin of the fruit are the remnants of small purple flowers that have blossomed and fallen off. The top portion of the fruit is called the crown and these hard, spike-like leaves each contain a bud that when mature, signals the fruit is ready to eat. Pineapples have no seeds and as such plants are propagated from the crown, which is either planted by hand or returned to the soil naturally in the wild. When the Spanish sailors visited the Pacific Islands, after eating the flesh of the fruit they would leave the crowns that eventually grow into further plants, naturalizing this area. The leaves of the pineapple are often used as a source for a fibrous material common in embroidery thread.

Proteolytic enzymes are produced in the body by the pancreas. The most common uses for these digestive enzymes are in digestion, inflammation and pain relief.

One of the earliest and best understood cases of proteolytic processing is zymogen activation. Most of the proteolytic enzyme follows the same model. The physiological regulation of proteolytic enzyme is brought out about by the consecutive activation reactions.¹ The key point about the proteolytic enzyme is that a signal can be specifically and irreversibly amplified every time a downstream inactive enzyme precursor is activated. There is pro segment of activation in the enzyme, which early on was regarded a throwaway piece but in certain cases can act as an intermolecular inhibitor and as an intramolecular chaperon that assures proper folding of the active enzyme.²

The most recognized use for bromelain is as a digestive aid. This enzyme is commonly used in cases in which an individual’s own digestive enzymes are deficient, frequently resulting from pancreatic disorders. In such cases, bromelain supplements can relieve gastrointestinal symptoms including bloating, gas, pain and cramps from indigestion and diarrhea. Studies show that proteolytic enzymes like bromelain may also indirectly relive food allergies thought to occur from a condition called leaky gut, in which whole protein molecules from foods leak into the blood causing an allergic or immune response. Bromelain’s digestive properties are particularly enhanced when used along side other enzymes such as amylase that digests starch and lipase, necessary for fat digestion. Some laboratory studies suggest that bromelain may also be useful for reducing bad intestinal bacteria.

Bromelain is so effective at digesting protein that workers who frequently cut the fruit often lose their fingerprints to the active properties of the enzyme. As well as this fruit’s amazing digestive qualities, it is also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, a benefit the Spaniards took advantage of on their many extended trips out to sea.

The fibrous nature of pineapple however, is also known to relieve constipation, as well ancient cultures frequently used pineapples to cure jaundice and kill intestinal parasites. Ripe pineapple juice is well known as a remedy to induce menstruation and relieve painful periods. Bromelain’s proteolytic properties also make this enzyme a natural blood thinner. The digestive substance in the enzyme breaks down the blood clotting protein called fibrin, which inhibits circulation and prevents tissues from effectively draining.

European studies have consistently shown that bromelain is also an excellent treatment for those recovering from sports injuries and in tissue repair necessary after surgery. One particular study investigated ankle injuries suffered by football players. Results showed that those players who received proteolytic enzymes recovered 50 percent faster than those who received a placebo.³ Other studies of injured athletes show that bromelain, among other proteolytic enzymes, can reduce inflammation, and increase the healing time of bruises, tissue damage and fractures thereby speeding up overall recovery.⁴ Further studies into the efficacy of bromelain in patients recovering from various types of aesthetic surgery, show that enzyme supplements significantly reduce the amount of swelling, and bruising and as well, stiffness associated with fluid retention,⁵ Bromelain’s effectiveness as a treatment in physical injuries is so widely used that Germany’s Commission E, a governing board similar to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has approved the enzyme as an effective treatment for this purpose.

Evidence suggests that some supplemental enzymes in particular can be absorbed directly into the circulatory system in their active form where they then exhibit anti-inflammatory and pain relieving actions. A natural therapeutic blend of proteolytic enzymes produced by Marlyn Nutraceuticals, called Wobenzym®, was studied in one double-blind trial comparing the effectiveness of enzymes to analgesics. In particular, 80 patients suffering from osteoarthritis were given Wobenzym®, a natural enzyme product or Diclofenac®, a common analgesic similar in effectiveness to ibuprofen. Results show that after 28 days of treatment followed by a further 28 days with no treatment with either intervention, both groups reported significant improvement with a noticeable relapse during the off-treatment period, The evidence suggests that the enzyme blend is equally effective as the drug treatment for pain and stiffness.⁶Additionally, studies suggest that enzymes are also effective in treating such inflammatory conditions as fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel syndrome. Long-term use of bromelain, according to several preliminary studies, may be effective in the treatment of such connective tissue disorders as tendonitis, bursitis and scleroderma, a condition in which scar tissue builds up, often affecting the internal organs.

Another interesting use for bromelain may be as a cough suppressant and nasal decongestant. Individuals suffering from chronic bronchitis have reported improvement in cough and congestion after using bromelain. In fact, Germany’s Commission E has already approved this enzyme as a treatment to reduce nasal and sinus swelling following surgery of the ear, nose and throat. This treatment may also be effective in cases of hay fever and sinusitis.

Bromelain has proven especially effective when applied directly to the skin to remove dead tissue resulting from severe burns that have reached all skin layers. These third-degree burns as they are known, are extremely susceptible to infection and swelling. The digestive properties of the bromelain cleanse the areas and remove the excess dead tissue and as well, its anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce the pain caused by swelling. Countries such as Japan and Taiwan and in the state of Hawaii where pineapples are abundant, widely recognize bromelain as a remedy to cleanse wounds.

Some studies have shown that bromelain is effective in treating Amyloidosis, a disease that causes amyloid buildup in the major organs such as the liver, heart and kidneys. Since amyloid is a substance known to be similar to protein, bromelain’s proteolytic properties are helpful in breaking down the amyloid deposits. One study in particular showed that in people who have a strong familial history of the disease, bromelain supplements are effective in breaking down amyloid in kidney tissue.⁷

Commercial bromelain products for treating number of human and animal disorders are now available in the market. When taking enzymes the typical dosage is not normally expressed in terms of milligrams, instead the amount of protein an enzyme can digest is stated in ‘activity units’ called gelatin digesting units (GDUs) or milk clotting units (MCUs). Health professionals suggest that while choosing a commercial a bromelain product, choose the enzyme supplement that uses a variety of other enzymes. The theory is that any one particular enzyme containing the same number of milligrams could have different activity units, as such, it is best to blend enzymes with activity units at various pH levels to assure maximum effectiveness. Most products will list both milligrams and activity units, but you should always check the label because products that only measure the weight (mg) and not the activity units, may be lacking in potency.

That being said the usual recommended dosage of bromelain varies depending on its intended use. For example, someone wanting to relieve inflammation associated with arthritis, should take 500 mg of bromelain, three times daily between meals; 1,500 mg should supply 6,000 GDU or 9,000 MCU. In cases of sinusitis or allergies, take 500 mg twice daily between meals. In this instance, 1,000 mg is equivalent to 4,000 GDU or 6,000 MCU. For other uses, you should check with a health professional for the specific dose.

According to experts, in most cases, bromelain should only be taken for between 8 and 10 days. People who are allergic to pineapple can develop asthma-like reactions or skin rashes and those people who suffer from blood clotting disorders, liver or kidney problems or hypertension, should consult a health professional prior to using. In some instances, people taking bromelain supplements can experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and some women may also experience increased bleeding during their periods.

There are two recognized drug reactions with bromelain. This enzyme is said to enhance antibiotics. One study shows that amoxicillin blood levels are increased when combined with bromelain. Additional studies show that the antibiotic tetracycline is better absorbed when used in conjunction with bromelain, however researchers say that further investigation is still necessary since studies in this area are conflicting. In the interim, bromelain supplements should be avoided when taking this antibiotic.⁸ If you are taking the herbs gingko, ginger, vitamin C or garlic or medications such as aspirin or warfarin, a common blood thinner, bromelain could potentially increase the risk of bleeding. It is therefore best to avoid this enzyme. In any case, if you are taking any type of prescription medication, it is always best to speak with a health professional prior to adding any herbs or supplements since interactions are often common.

References:

1. Salvesen, G. S. & Dixit, V. M. (1999) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96, 10964-10967
2. Cunningham, E. L, Jaswal, S. S. & Agard, D. A. (1999) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96, 11008-11014
3. Buck JE, Phillips N, “Trial of Chymoral in professional footballers, Br J Clin Pract. 1970 Sep;24(9):375-7.
4. Fisher JD, Weeks RL, Curry WM, Hrinda ME, Rosen LL, “Effects of an oral enzyme preparation, Chymoral, upon serum proteins associated with injury (acute phase reactants) in man”. J Med. 1974;5(5):258-73.
5. Duskova M, Wald M. Orally administered proteases in aesthetic surgery. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 1999 Jan-Feb;23(1):41-4.
6. Klein G, Kullich W., “Short-term treatment of painful osteoarthritis of the knee with oral enzymes: A randomized, double-blind study versus diclofenec”, Clin Drug Invest. 2000;19(1):15-23.
7. Adachi N, Koh CS, Tsukada N, Shoji S, Yanagisawa N., “In vitro degradation of amyloid material by four proteases in tissue of a patient with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy”, J Neurol Sci. 1988;84(2-3):295-299.
8. Reynolds JEF, ed. Martindale: The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 31st ed. London, England: Royal Pharmaceutical Society; 1996:1681.