Bromelain is the name for powerful protein-digesting, or proteolytic,enzymes that are found in the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus).
Bromeline is used to help reduce inflammation in the body, speed the healing of wounds and bruises, and aid in the digestion of proteins. Preliminary studies also suggest that it may be beneficial in fighting cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The people of Guadeloupe introduced pineapple as a dessert and a medicinal plant to Christopher Columbus when he came ashore in 1493.
Bromelain, isthe bioactive ingredient of the pineapple was first isolated in 1891 and was introduced as a therapeutic supplement in 1957. Today, bromelain is used by arthritis patients to help reduce the swelling that causes joint pain. Bromelain has also shown promise in the treatment of pain, numbness, tingling, aching, and loss of motor and sensory function in the fingers resulting from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Bromelain is also used in fighting urinary tract infections when combined with trypsin, and because of its natural blood thinning action is helpful in preventing excessive blood platelet stickiness indicating it to decrease thrombopheitis and angina. Since it can reduce the thickness of mucus it could be helpful to people suffering from asthma and bronchitis.
Benefits of Bromelain
The health benefits of bromelain supplement also include help for colds, asthma, and excessive mucus production in the respiratory system. Patients who suffer from hay fever and other seasonal allergies may also benefit from bromelain’s anti-inflammatory activity. Other recognized benefits of bromelain include reducing the painful symptoms of varicose veins, including dull aches, tired legs and feet, and itchy skin.
Bromelain supplement may help with:
Bromelain And The Heart
More and more studies are pointing to inflammation in the cardiovascular walls as a likely contributor to heart attacks. Bromelain supplement had been used for many years, previous to such findings, by several prominent European doctors for Heart disease. Now that supporting evidence is available, more and more alternative care practitioners are looking towards anti-inflammatory as possible non-toxic methods to preventing heart attacks.
Bromelain And Injuries
Bromelain supplement has been precursor as an anti-inflammatory agent, helpful in healing minor injuries, such as sprains and strains, muscle injuries, and sports injuries. Because of these properties, it is also sometimes used for treatment of traumatic and post-operative swelling.
Bromelain And Cancer
Bromelain supplement may increase the absorption of some drugs, including antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and certain blood pressure medications. Bromelain has been investigated for ant tumor effects. A small clinical study in Germany recently found that bromelain might help boost the immune system and help control infections. There is no evidence that bromelain increases survival. Further research may show whether bromelain can play any role in treating cancer and its symptoms. Bromelain supplement may also have antimetastatic effects. It has been examined in vitro to both oppose leukemia by promoting the normalization of blood cells and to reduce metastasis in lung-cancer cells
Bromelain And Urinary Tract Infections
Bromelain supplement enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics in people with UTIs. In a double-blind study, 28 individuals with a UTI received antibiotics plus either bromelain or a placebo. Signs of infection resolved in all of those who received bromelain, compared with only 46% of those given placebo.
Bromelain And Asthma
Bromelain supplement reduces the thickness of mucus, which may be beneficial for those with asthma,68 though clinical actions in asthmatics remain unproven.
Bromelain And Arthritis
Bromelain supplement has significant anti-inflammatory activity. Many years ago in a preliminary trial, people with RA who were given bromelain supplements experienced a decrease in joint swelling and improvement in joint mobility.
Bromelain And Eczema
Bromelain supplement taken with the flavonoid quercetin can relieve the red and often intensely itchy rashes of eczema.