Bromelain is extracted from pineapple. The content is highest in the centre of unripe pineapples. Bromelain can be used industrially as a tenderizer and in the beer industry for drawing off the beer. It has the best effect in an acidic environment.
Bromelain can increase the cells' uptake of nutrients and possibly also of medicine. Bromelain has an anti-inflammatory and healing effect; it strengthens the connective tissues, counteracts swellings after over-exertion, counteracts constriction of the blood vessels, and is good for the heat. It has a somewhat relaxing effect on smooth muscles, i.e. muscles that are not subject to the control of our will. For this reason, it can be used for e.g. menstrual problems. Large doses on an empty stomach are sometimes used for swellings caused by physical strain. It also attacks some micro-organisms.
Bromelain is said to have an anti-oxidant effect and to inhibit cancer, but this has not been well documented. It also is good for normal pancreas function because it acts in congress with pancreatic enzymes. Bromelain has been used for different kinds of staphylococcus infections.
Please note
If you are under the strain of too many heavy metals, the effect of bromelain can be reduced. Bromelain is not very resistant to heat, but if stored in a cool place, the durability of bromelain is very high.
Side effects
Bromelain is non-toxic even in high daily doses. A few people, however, might experience allergic reactions; skin reactions, dyspnoea, nausea, vomiting, and increased menstrual bleeding. Do not take bromelain if you are allergic to pineapple. Large doses should not be taken by people suffering from elevated blood pressure as this might result in a too rapid pulse. Do not take large doses of bromelain with blood diluting medicine.
There are several ways of defining strength of bromelain-products. The most common is in Milk Clotting Units (MCU) or Gelatine Digesting Units (GDU). 1 GDU is roughly equivalant of 1.5 MCU and 1 MCU is 0.66 GDU. 1 g. of bromelain (2,000 MCU) is roughly equivalant of 1 g. of bromelain (1,200 CDU).
Therapeutic dosage
200 - 3000 mg. a day. Normally, 1500 mg. a day is consumed. Start out with a low dose and slowly step up to the wanted dosage. The best effect is achieved by spreading the dose over the day. Large doses should be taken between meals. If used to promote digestion, the bromelain should be taken in connection with food.
Also see "Quercetin".
