bromelain
Everything is good about the pineapple, from its exotic-tasting orange pulp to its stem and roots, from which an enzyme with multiple healthy properties is extracted: bromelain. Focus on one active ingredient that gets people talking about it…
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Bromelain, or bromelain, is an enzyme complex found in the stem and roots of pineapple and, to a lesser extent, in the pulp of fresh pineapple.
It gets its name from the bromeliad, the family of plants to which the pineapple belongs.
The history of bromelain begins in the 16th century, with the introduction of pineapple sections to Asia-Pacific, which quickly became the first commercial crop.
The enzyme had not yet been identified, but pineapple was already used by indigenous populations for its healing, anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
Central American peoples relieved heartburn, for example, by drinking its fresh juice, and soothed inflammation of wounds by applying fresh meat compresses, while some Venezuelan tribes used it as a decongestant.
So, it is at the end of the 19th century when bromelain was chemically identified, but it was only used in Western medicine from the late 1950s.
It was precisely in 1957 when Ralph Heinicke, doctor of biochemistry from the Pineapple Research Institute in Hawaii, he discovered how rich pineapple stems were in bromelain, previously considered food waste, which immediately aroused the interest of Europeans.
Bromelain has been widely used in the food industry to tenderize meat and in medicine to speed post-operative healing or to treat phlebitis and sinusitis for the last 30 years.
In traditional Japanese and Hawaiian medicine, the latex from pineapple stems is used to aid digestion and to treat certain types of cancer.
Active principles
The main source of bromelain is fresh pineapple, especially its stem and roots, although its fresh flesh also contains bromelain.
Canned pineapple, on the other hand, no longer contains bromelain because the enzyme is sensitive to heat and therefore high-temperature sterilization.
Bromelain comprises a complex of 8 proteolytic enzymesthe main one of which is glycoprotein, as well as various other non-specific components (glucosidase, peroxidase, cellulase…) and insoluble substances (minerals, colored pigments, organic acids and organic solvents).
Benefits and virtues
The healing of wounds
Bromelain has a recognized anti-inflammatory action.
Several studies have confirmed that bromelain supplementation can reduce swelling caused by surgery, bruising, or bruising.
This 2003 study1 shows that «Bromelain reduces swelling, bruising, pain, and recovery time after trauma and surgery. ».
More recently, the results of this 2018 Iranian study2 showed that «Oral bromelain (500 mg/day) may be effective in reducing donor site pain after FGG and may also improve wound healing. »
Lastly, bromelain is also effective for perineal pain and wound healing after episiotomy, as shown in this 2020 study.
Cardiovascular health
Bromelain is also believed to have antiplatelet activityuseful to prevent thrombosis and obstruction of vessels by blood clots.
It also has a fibrinolytic action, which allows it to act on the dissolution of these blood clots.
According to this 2020 US study on rats, bromelain «triggers a survival pathway […] in the heart, revealing a new mechanism of cardioprotective action and a potential therapeutic target against lesions».
Digestion
Bromelain is a complex of proteolytic enzymes that, by definition, facilitates the digestion of consumed proteins by breaking them down into amino acids.
Therefore, it helps to limit the digestive discomfort associated with rich foods: bloating, flatulence and heartburn.
cancers
Researchers have focused on the anticancer action of bromelain for several years. Several studies have revealed encouraging results in this area.
A German study conducted in vivo in a mouse (rodent) model concluded that «Bromelain treatment after tumor cell inoculation significantly reduced local tumor growth and experimental lung metastases to a lesser degree».
Another recent study conducted in Taiwan in 20196 explored the role of bromelain in colorectal cancer.
At the same time, information on its mechanisms of action was provided.
Confirms that «This compound may offer a low-cost alternative to current therapies.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatic disorders
The recognized analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain make it effective in reducing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
In particular, in a 2002 study7 «the effects of bromelain on mild and acute knee pain lasting less than three months in otherwise healthy adults were examined» and it was concluded that «may be effective in reducing physical symptoms and improving general well-being in healthy adults with dose-related mild knee pain».
A 2017 Indian trial8 attempted to assess the efficacy of trypsin-associated bromelain compared with oral diclofenac sodium (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment) in the treatment of certain types of osteoarthritis.
«The trial demonstrated a significant improvement in pain reduction in patients treated with oral enzymes and a combination of diclofenac sodium. »
Dosage
Bromelain can be used internally or externally, depending on its use.
Internally, between 125 and 500 mg three times a day are recommended to treat post-operative or post-traumatic edema, to relieve digestive disorders or rheumatic and arthritic pain.
Bromelain is preferably taken between meals, except for the treatment of digestive disorders, for which it is most effective within meals.
Side effects and contraindications
Some side effects have been observed with high doses of bromelain. These are mainly digestive disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach aches and heavy menstruation.
Bromelain is contraindicated for pregnant or lactating women, children under 6 years of age and people allergic to pineapple, but also to olive pollen and bee venom (risk of cross-allergy).
There are risks of interaction with anticoagulant treatments or certain antibiotics: it is strongly recommended to seek advice from your doctor before starting supplementation.
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