Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples. Bromelain is present in all parts of the pineapple plant but the highest concentration is found in the stem. Bromelain is a combination of several protein-digesting enzymes along with peroxidase, acid phosphatase, protease inhibitors, and calcium. Bromelain is most often used to help digestion and help reduce inflammation. Bromelain may also have anti-viral and immune influencing properties.

Source Naturals Bromelain 2000 GDU

Bromelain is a pineapple digestive enzyme (breaks down proteins) with a wide pH range, which can function within the acidic environment of the stomach.

Bromelain Supplement Facts
Bromelain (2,000 G.D.U.* per gram) 500 mg
* Gelatin Digesting Units

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Suggested Use: 1or 2 bromelain tablets daily or as suggested by your health care provider. If you have a delicate, easily irritated stomach, take with meals. Bromelain daily values not established.
GDU is a standard measure of activity for bromelain.

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Benefit of Bromelain
Bromelain, derived from the pineapple plant, is one of a group of proteolytic enzymes (enzymes capable of digesting protein). It is widely believed that most orally ingested enzymes are destroyed by the digestive juices prior to being absorbed. However, there is evidence that some amounts of bromelain can be absorbed intact. Proteolytic enzymes other than bromelain are often used with people who suffer from malabsorption. Bromelain may contribute to the digestion of protein, and may therefore be used as a digestive aid.

Bromelain side effects
Bromelain supplements do not seem to have any obvious side effects. The use of a bromelain supplement at 800 mg a day was used on a group of patients for a period of 12 weeks without any significant side effects reported.

Bromelain and Sinusitis
Therapeutic use, efficiency and safety of the proteolytic pineapple enzyme Bromelain -POS in children with acute sinusitis in Germany. In Vivo. 2005 Mar-Apr;19(2):417-21.
The therapeutic efficiency and safety of the proteolytic enzyme bromelaine obtained from pineapple (Bromelain -POS, Ursapharm GmbH, Saarbrucken, Germany) was evaluated in children under the age of 11 years diagnosed with acute sinusitis. Data from 116 patients from 19 centres located across Germany were analysed in a pharmacoepidemiological cohort study. Patient cohorts were either treated with Bromelain -POS (N = 62), in combination with Bromelain -POS and standard therapies (N = 34), or with standard therapies (N = 20). The primary parameter measuring effectiveness of the different treatment groups was the duration of symptoms. The shortest mean period of symptoms was observed in patients treated with Bromelain -POS alone (6.66 days), followed by the standard therapy (7.95 days) and those treated with a combination of Bromelain-POS and the standard therapy (9.06 days). Patients of the Bromelain -POS monotherapy group showed a statistically significant faster recovery from symptoms (p = 0.005) compared to the other treatment groups. One 10-year-old male patient, with a known pineapple allergy, showed a self-limiting mild allergic reaction. No other unwanted side-effects were reported. This trial documents that the proteolytic pineapple enzyme Bromelain -POS is widely used in the treatment of young children diagnosed with acute sinusitis in Germany and that the use of proteolytic enzymes can benefit such patients.

Bromelain and osteoarthritis
Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study.
QJM. 2006 Dec;99(12):841-50. Department of Primary Care, University of Southampton, Southampton, Southampton, UK.
Previous studies suggest that bromelain, a pineapple extract, may be a safer alternative or adjunctive treatment for knee osteoarthrits than current conventional treatment. Subjects (n = 47) with a confirmed diagnosis of moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis were randomized to 12 weeks of bromelain 800 mg a day or placebo, with a 4-week follow-up. Knee (pain, stiffness and function) and quality-of-life symptoms were reported monthly in the WOMAC and SF36 questionnaires, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups for the primary outcome. Both treatment groups showed clinically relevant improvement in the WOMAC disability subscale only. Adverse events were generally mild in nature. This study suggests that bromelain is not efficacious as an adjunctive treatment of moderate to severe osteoarthritis.

Bromelain and muscle pain
Preliminary comparison of bromelain and Ibuprofen for delayed onset muscle soreness management.
Clin J Sport Med. 2002 Nov;12(6):373-8. Stone MB, Merrick MA, Ingersoll CD, Edwards JE. Indiana State University, Terre Haute 47809, USA.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a common bromelain regimen or common ibuprofen regimen are effective in resolving pain and muscle dysfunction associated with delayed onset muscle soreness of the elbow flexors. Forty subjects who had not participated in an upper body resistance-training program 3 months prior to the study, suffered pain or injury in the nondominant arm, or experienced an adverse response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or pineapple (bromelain source) were recruited. Subjects were assigned to one of four treatment groups (bromelain 300 mg t.i.d., ibuprofen 400 mg t.i.d., placebo t.i.d., and control) and began treatment immediately following the exercise protocol. No differences among treatments were observed for any of the dependent variables at any time. ROM deficits and pain peaked between 48 and 72 hours. Peak torque deficiencies were observed between 24 and 72 hours. Ingestion of bromelain and ibuprofen had no effect on elbow flexor pain, loss of ROM, or loss of concentric peak torque as a result of an eccentric exercise regimen.

Bromelain for pytiriasis lichenoides
Pityriasis lichenoides is a rash of unknown cause. The rash can range from a relatively mild chronic form to a more severe acute eruption. Pityriasis lichenoides affects adolescents and young adults, usually before the age of 30.

Role of bromelain in the treatment of patients with pityriasis lichenoides chronica.
J Dermatolog Treat. 2007;18(4):219-22. Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunological Sciences - Section of Dermatology, University of Siena, Italy.
Eight patients (3 males and 5 females) with pityriasis lichenoides chronica were treated for three months with oral bromelain (40 mg 3 times a day for 1 month, 40 mg twice a day for 1 month and 40 mg/day for 1 month). All patients showed complete clinical recovery after treatment. In 12 months of follow up, two patients experienced relapse 5-6 months after suspension of therapy but responded to another brief cycle of therapy. No side effects were encountered during therapy.

Bromelain questions
Q. I read about bromelain that it has healing and antiinflammatory properties. Can I give bromelain for better wound healing after orthopedic surgery ?
   A. We are not familiar with the use of bromelain after surgery. Bromelain does appear to have anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity.

Q. What can you tell me about bromelain? I am taking a bromelain supplement for chronic inflammation, and would like to to take it long term, but am unfamiliar with it's profile. I've seen some websites say you should take a bromelain supplement  no longer than 10 days.
   A. The use of a bromelain supplement at 800 mg was used on a group of patients for a period of 12 weeks without any significant side effects. As with any supplement, we suggest taking breaks from use unless the supplement is necessary in the treatment of a condition and your doctor does not advise taking breaks.