Interactions
If bromelain is taken at the same time as other drugs, the uptake of the additional drug can be increased. This leads to an increase in resorption and an intensification of the effect. If an antibiotic with bromelain is taken at the same time, both the antibiotic level in the urine and the concentration level in the blood may increase.
It is possible that a patient’s tendency to bleed may increase if bromelain with anticoagulants is taken at the same time. These include drugs belonging to the group of anticoagulants and antiplatelet inhibitors, which have a significant effect on blood clotting. Although there have been no reports of specific incompatibilities between bromelain and alcohol to date, there is very little data on this subject.
In any case, it should in principle apply anyway that the consumption of alcohol should be avoided as far as possible while taking medication. Otherwise the liver could be overtaxed and damaged by the simultaneous breakdown of alcohol and medication. However, since in the case of bromelain it is not to be assumed that the liver is particularly susceptible, moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered harmless and is therefore permitted.
Side effects
When taking bromelain, as with any other medication, side effects can always occur. Under therapy, asthma-like symptoms often occur. Allergic reactions as well as skin reactions are also a common side effect of the administration of bromelain. In contrast to this, there are only occasional complaints of the stomach or even diarrhoea. No negative effects or limitations are known with regard to roadworthiness.
Alternatives to bromelain
Depending on the area of application of bromelain, there are various alternatives for the active ingredient. In the case of sinusitis, for example, steam inhalation, infrared treatments or nasal rinsing are often used. Decongestant or anti-inflammatory nasal sprays also show a similarly good effect as bromelain.
As effective household remedies, increased drinking volume and raising the head during the night have proven to be particularly effective. For other swellings (e.g. joint swelling caused by sports accidents) ibuprofen, paracetamol or diclofenac can be used as anti-inflammatory alternatives to bromelain. The decongestant component of bromelain can be replaced by cooling, compression bandages and various household remedies (e.g. quark products).
Effect
Bromelain is a so-called proteolytic enzyme that has the ability to break down proteins. It is extracted from the pineapple plant. It mainly dissolves fibrin, which is an endogenous protein and plays a role in blood clotting, among other things.
By breaking down the proteins, they can be transported away more quickly and the swelling of the tissue thus subsides. Furthermore, bromelain prevents the blood platelets from agglomerating. If the platelets are not able to assemble properly and quickly, the bleeding time is prolonged.
This mechanism is particularly important for those who are taking additional anticoagulant medication (e.g. Marcumar), as the effects are intensified and increased bleeding can occur. The protein-splitting ability of the phytotherapeutic agent can also be used in digestion. If bromelain is taken with a meal, it can support and promote the body’s natural digestion.
Bromelain also has an influence on the tissue hormone bradykinin. Bromelain splits and inhibits this hormone so that the capillaries become more impermeable to fluid. The impermeability leads to a reduced leakage of fluid into the tissue. This in turn leads to a decrease in edema.
