The enzyme bromelain was discovered in pineapple in 1891. When scientists discovered in 1957 that highly concentrated bromelain was also found in the trunk of the pineapple tree, they decided to use the active ingredient medicinally. Bromelain is the most scientifically studied group of enzymes.
What is bromelain?
The enzyme bromelain was discovered in pineapple in 1891. In the case of bromelain, biochemistry distinguishes between the bromelain present in the unripe fruit and the active ingredient contained in the stem. Fruit bromelain contains 230 amino acids, stem bromelain “only” 212. Bromelain, which is also called bromelin, is a peptidase, that is, an enzyme that produces peptides (digestive enzymes). It also acts as a protease (cleaving proteins). The bromelain enzyme group biochemically belongs to the cysteine protease family. Bromelain obtained from the stem and the unripe fruit is prepared as a mixture and sold in highly concentrated form as a mono- and combination preparation (tablets, capsules, powder) or as a dietary supplement in pharmacies and via the Internet. The tablets are enteric-coated and release the active ingredients only in the small intestine. Bromelain is also the name given to the raw extract from the plant, which contains other health-promoting enzymes, protease inhibitors and calcium in addition to the active ingredient itself. Consumption of the ripe pineapple fruit would not provide the patient with too much bromelain, other than a pleasant taste sensation, because the concentration in it is extremely low. As a mono preparation, bromelain is sold over the counter in pharmacies under the trade names Bromelain-POS, Wobenzym mono and Traumanase, for example. In combination with other proteolytic enzymes, it is found in the combination preparations Wobenzym, Innovazym, and Proteozym.
Pharmacological action
Bromelain is often used as a supportive agent for other therapies. For example, it is used to enhance the effects of antibiotics. Bromelain has an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the production of inflammation-causing prostaglandins. Therefore, it is successfully used in rheumatoid arthritis, gout, arteriosclerosis and ulcerative colitis. In rheumatoid arthritis, for example, it suppresses the formation of the prostaglandin thromboxane. The active ingredient complex from pineapple has an anticoagulant effect. By breaking down the body’s own fibrin, a protein that, in high concentrations, reduces the flow rate of the blood. Thus, bromelain simultaneously reduces the risk of thrombosis and protects against coronary heart disease. Bromelain is therefore also used in the treatment of venous diseases and thrombosis. It also has pain-relieving properties: it blocks pain-conducting neurotransmitters. The nasal sinus mucosa and nasal mucous membranes in particular benefit from its decongestant effect. It has the same effect on swellings caused by injuries and surgical procedures: The proteins causing the swelling are broken down by bromelain so that they can be quickly removed. The swelling goes down and the pressure pain is reduced. Bromelain also has a digestive effect. This is particularly true for patients with pancreatic insufficiency. It builds up the digestive enzymes that are insufficiently produced in this disease and thus ensures that the pancreas can properly break down the nutrients in the food again and make them usable by the body. It also neutralizes acidic stomach contents. Bromelain supports wound healing, especially in burn victims. In grade 2 and grade 3 burns, when applied as a gel to the wound, it dissolves the scab located there, so that the wound can be carefully cleaned. The blood circulation-promoting effect of bromelain also supports rapid wound healing. This allows harmful substances to be removed from there more quickly. Since bromelain also has draining properties, bromelain can also be used to treat edema. It breaks down the tissue hormone bradykinin and thus ensures that the capillary vessels constrict and less fluid is released from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissue. As a result, tissue swelling decreases. Bromelain promotes the formation of certain cytokines that fight cancer cells and destroys the surface of the tumor cells, which consists of proteins, so that they can be found and destroyed more easily by the immune system‘s defense cells.Competitive athletes and fitness enthusiasts also appreciate the pineapple enzyme complex, as it protects their, brought to peak athletic performance, body from infections.
Medical use and application
Bromelain is formed in the stem and in the not yet ripe pineapple fruit. If it is supplied to the body in the form of dietary supplements or standardized finished medications from pharmacies, it is broken down in the liver. If the patient or athlete plans to use the enzyme complex for a longer period of time, he should use the drug only under medical supervision. Bromelain is only effective at a dose of 80 mg daily. Those who want to take it in a highly concentrated form should rather buy a corresponding pharmacy preparation instead of the dietary supplement. For most applications, a daily dose of 750 to 1,000 mg is recommended. If bromelain is to aid digestion, it is taken just before, during and just after a meal. For it to have the best possible anti-inflammatory effect, the patient consumes it 1.5 to 2 hours before or after the meal.
Risks and side effects
Allergic reactions, skin rashes, and asthma may occur in 1 to 10% of patients. In such a case, the user should stop taking it and consult his doctor.Bromelain gives 0.1 to 1% of users diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort and stomach pain. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under 12 years of age should not use the enzyme complex. The same applies to patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance and with blood clotting disorders. Simultaneous use of antiplatelet agents (anticoagulants) increases the tendency to bleed. If a user takes bromelain and certain antibiotics (tetracyclines) at the same time, the effect of the antibiotics is sometimes intensified.
