Background

Bromelain is a group of enzymes found in the fruit and stem of the pineapple plant. Pineapple is native to the Americas but is now grown throughout the world in tropical and subtropical regions. Historically, natives of Central and South America used pineapple for a variety of ailments, such as digestive disorders.

Bromelain is promoted as a dietary supplement for reducing pain and swelling, especially of the nose and sinuses, gums, and other body parts after surgery or injury. It is also promoted for osteoarthritis, cancer, digestive problems, and muscle soreness. Topical bromelain is promoted for burns.

Uses

Preliminary research has shown that bromelain helps to remove dead and damaged skin from burns in children and adults. Whether bromelain treatment is better than standard treatment for scarring over the long term still needs to be examined.

There are conflicting research results on whether bromelain, alone or in combination with other ingredients, is helpful for osteoarthritis or for muscle soreness and injury after exercise.

There are also conflicting research results on whether bromelain is helpful for pain, swelling, and jaw range of motion after wisdom tooth surgery.

Special Precautions and Warnings 

When taken by mouth: Bromelain is possibly safe for most people. Doses of up to 240 mg daily have been used safely for up to one year. Bromelain might cause some side effects, including diarrhea and stomach upset.

When applied to the skin: Bromelain is possibly safe. It might cause allergic reactions in some people. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if bromelain is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Allergies: People with other allergies might also be allergic to bromelain. Use cautiously if you are allergic to pineapple, latex, ragweed, Echinacea, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, wheat, celery, papain, carrot, fennel, cypress pollen, grass pollen, or other plants.

Surgery: Bromelain might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using bromelain at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.