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Bromelain (from Pineapple)
Proteolytic enzyme from pineapple, taken on an empty stomach for swelling after surgery or injury and for sinus symptoms.
What the evidence says
Bromelain appears to help in 4 of 4 studies with measurable effects — the evidence leans clearly favourable.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 1978–2026 with a typical study size of 114 participants.
Based on 61 studies · 5 meta-analyses · 35 RCTs · 3,735 total participants
Confidence
High confidenceWhat the studies found
By outcome
Multiple meta-analyses and RCTs support modest benefits for post-surgical pain and swelling (especially third-molar surgery), but effect sizes are small and evidence for systemic inflammation is inconsistent.
33 randomised trials
every one checked individually
Every randomised or controlled trial of Bromelain indexed in PubMed, not a hand-picked subset. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews are deliberately excluded from this count: most of them cover many compounds at once, so counting them would inflate it.
PubMed · as of Jul 2026
12 trials ongoing or recruiting · 28 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
2 of the completed trials have posted results
Registered trials show research momentum for Bromelain, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Oct 2026
Under EU law (Reg. 1924/2006), EFSA reviews whether a specific health claim for Bromelain meets the evidence standard. These are independent regulatory decisions on claims — not studies, and never counted toward the evidence score above.
Not authorised by EFSA
“Bromelain Digestive aid, protein digestion”
“Bromelain helps to maintein natural blood fluidity and vessel patence”
“Bromelain Contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. Helps maintain the body's natural defences”
“Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) Helps to reduce localized excess fat. - Helps to limit cellulitis thanks to its proteolytic effect”
“Ananas comosus - common name : Bromelain, Pineapple "Used for the good circulation of blood in microvessels" "Helps to decrease the sensations of heavy leggs”
“Not authorised” means the specific claim wording did not meet the EU’s evidence standard — often a matter of dossier or phrasing, not proof of no effect. EFSA judges marketing claims and is kept separate from our study-based evidence score.
Source: EU Register of nutrition and health claims (European Commission / EFSA) · register snapshot Feb 2013
Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes derived from pineapple stems. Taken on an empty stomach, it is absorbed and has anti-inflammatory and anti-oedema effects. It is used for swelling after surgery and injury, sinusitis and arthritis.
Trials do not show faster recovery from exercise muscle soreness, and no trial tests it as a digestive aid on its own.
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.
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
Bromelain has an evidence score of 5.5/10 — moderate evidence based on 61 indexed studies, including 4 meta-analyses. Proteolytic enzyme from pineapple, taken on an empty stomach for swelling after surgery or injury and for sinus symptoms. Representative study: PMID 37157782.
The commonly studied dose of Bromelain is 500-1,000 mg a day. The cited trials used 1,000 mg a day. Label products go up to 2,000 mg, above that dose, and are often labelled by enzyme activity in GDU instead (2,000-3,000 GDU is a common label figure). Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
The best time to take Bromelain is between meals. It can be taken on an empty stomach. Bromelain is a cysteine protease enzyme complex from pineapple stems.
Bromelain has a safety rating of "moderate". That is a category, not a measure of individual risk, and there are precautions worth knowing. Reported side effects are uncommon and include GI upset, diarrhea, allergic reaction. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Pineapple allergy; Bleeding disorders.
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Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed October 2026 · evidence from 61 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
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