Bromelain (from Pineapple)
Proteolytic enzyme from pineapple that aids digestion with food or provides systemic anti-inflammatory and recovery benefits on an empty stomach.
Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes derived from pineapple stems. When taken with food, it aids protein digestion. When taken on an empty stomach, it's absorbed systemically and has anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, and recovery-enhancing effects. Used for sinusitis, surgical recovery, sports injuries, and arthritis.
Breaks down proteins and inflammatory debris
Reduces inflammation through multiple pathways
Helps break down fibrin deposits
How Bromelain works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
500-2000mg (measured in GDU — aim for 2000-3000 GDU)
Can be taken without food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Capsules standardized to GDU (gelatin digesting units) | Recommended |
| 💊Tablets | Alternative |
| 💊Combined with other enzymes | Alternative |
GDU measures enzyme activity — more meaningful than mg. 2000-3000 GDU is a typical therapeutic dose.
Minimum: 1 weeks
Optimal: 2 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: For anti-inflammatory/recovery: take on empty stomach (30 min before or 2 hours after meals). For digestion: take with protein-rich meals.
Less edema after injury or surgery
Accelerated recovery from injuries
Reduced sinus congestion and inflammation
Insufficient data; consult doctor
May increase bleeding risk
May increase antibiotic absorption
Tip: Take with small amount of food
Tip: Reduce dose
Tip: Discontinue if rash or swelling occurs
Top studies from 36+ peer-reviewed papers
Kansakar U et al. • Nutrients (2024)
“Since then, bromelain has gained recognition in both traditional and modern medicine for its potential therapeutic effects.”
Ribeiro JS et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2020)
“Therefore, the current literature does not support the use of natural agents as dental bleaching.”
de Souza GM et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2019)
“The results suggest that the bromelain appears to be effective in the control of pain, edema, and trismus after lower third molar surgeries; however, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm this finding.”
Alves Nobre T et al. • Natural product research (2025)
“Bromelain reduced IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α secretion when immune cells were already stimulated in an overproduction condition by proinflammatory cytokines, generating a modulation in the inflammatory response through prostaglandins reduction and activation of a cascade reactions that trigger neutrophils and macrophages, in addition to accelerating the healing process.”
Pereira IC et al. • Clinical nutrition ESPEN (2025)
“Our research suggests that bromelain possesses both prophylactic and curative qualities in terms of liver damage, as supported by its ability to decrease enzyme levels, enhance liver structure, reduce oxidative stress markers, and regulate lipid metabolism.”
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