What is bromelain good for?

Short answer: Bromelain has potential benefits for inflammation, joint health, cancer prevention, digestive health and wound healing.

Bromelain is a mix of enzymes that is derived mainly from the core of the pineapple fruit, as well as from the stem of the pineapple plant itself, although it is also present in lesser amounts in other parts of the fruit.

Given that we habitually discard the core of the pineapple fruit, bromelain supplementation is an efficient way of achieving anything more than just trace amounts of this interesting enzyme.

Bromelain is found mainly in the core and stem of the pineapple fruit, but these are also the parts that are most commonly discarded.
Bromelain is found mainly in the core and stem of the pineapple fruit, but these are also the parts that are most commonly discarded.


Bromelain for inflammation


While bromelain and similar enzymes are often used as a digestive aid, a lot of research has demonstrated that bromelain offers many additional health benefits, most of which are derived from its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

For example, bromelain is often suggested for reducing pain and swelling after surgery or injury, especially within the context of the nose, sinuses and gums, but also other body parts too. In some cases, bromelain is even applied topically in order to treat skin burns.

Bromelain for osteoarthritis


Bromelain's anti-inflammatory properties have also made it a potential treatment for osteoarthritis, specifically for treating the pain, stiffness and lack of mobility associated with the condition. One review found that participants who took 400mg of bromelain, twice a day, observed an improvement in symptoms.

Bromelain for cardiovascular health


One of bromelain's many properties is its ability to prevent blood platelets from sticking together, essentially serving as a natural blood-thinning agent. This reduces the chance of clot formation in the blood, and consequently reduces the risk of suffering cardiovascular events, including strokes and heart attacks, as well as serving as a treatment for conditions such as peripheral artery disease and high blood pressure.

Further bromelain research


Research into bromelain's other potential health benefits are ongoing, and studies show that it has potential in treating conditions such as digestive problems and several forms of cancer.

When should I take bromelain?

Short answer: Bromelain is best taken on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours since the last meal and at least 30 minutes before the next meal.

The optimal time for taking bromelain comes down to the primary goal you are striving for, whether you are taking bromelain as a digestive aid, or whether you are taking bromelain for its other benefits, chiefly its anti-inflammatory properties.

If your main goal is not digestion related, bromelain is recommended to be taken between meals in order to avoid any degradation happening as a consequence of the stomach's acid, and therefore maximizing absorption in the small intestine.

You would only really take bromelain with a meal if your primary objective is to use it as a digestive aid.

What does bromelain combine well with?

Short answer: Bromelain has been shown to work well together with curcumin, papaya enzyme, quercetin and vitamin C.

Bromelain with curcumin, for synergy and increased absorption


Bromelain is known to significantly improve the bioavailability and absorption of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric. Curcumin by itself is notoriously hard to absorb, and is often paired with piperine (found in black pepper) for the same reason.

However, not only does bromelain improve curcumin's bioavailability, but they both share potent anti-inflammatory properties, and have been shown to work together to reduce pain and swelling, and slow the progression of inflammatory diseases.

Bromelain with quercetin, for enhanced absorption


You may also have noticed that quercetin supplements include bromelain, and this is for the exact same reason. On its own, quercetin has a rather low bioavailability, which means that your body is unable to absorb it well, but when paired with bromelain, the bioavailability of quercetin increases significantly.

Bromelain with vitamin C, for inflammation


Bromelain's anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to combine well with those of vitamin C, which itself also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. There are an increasing number of studies featuring the combination of vitamin C and bromelain as a treatment for several types of inflammation.

Bromelain with papaya enzyme, for stomach inflammation


Bromelain also pairs well with another type of enzyme, specifically papaya enzyme, also known as papain. A recent animal study in 2023 revealed that papain and bromelain work together effectively in reducing stomach inflammation.

What are natural sources of bromelain?

If you are interested in achieving your daily bromelain intake through your diet, rich sources of bromelain include:

  • Pineapple


While we readily associate bromelain with pineapple, it is easy to forget that most of the bromelain is found concentrated within the stem and core of the fruit, which we mostly discard during preparation. If you really want to get the most out of your pineapple, you will need to also eat the core as well.



Bromelain data sources & further reading


Last updated by Asklepios on 1st February, 2025

Remember

While every effort has been made to ensure that the above data is accurate, said accuracy can never be guaranteed. The information provided is not medical advice, it is not intended to cover all possible interactions or adverse effects, and neither is it a substitute for the expertise of professional healthcare practitioners. You are always encouraged to do your own research, and to consult with your trusted doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplements.


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