Bromelain is a group of enzymes primarily derived from the stems of pineapples, and it has a history of folk medicine use in Central and South America. In recent times, bromelain has become increasingly popular as a natural supplement due to its potential health benefits, such as aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system. This article will delve into the potential of bromelain to promote overall wellness.
Digestive enzymes do more than aid digestion. Because they are efficient at breaking down protein, carbohydrates, and fats, they stimulate the good bacteria in the digestive tract, detoxify and cleanse the colon. This makes them useful for many conditions related to poor digestion, including seasonal allergies.
Papain, an enzyme extracted from papaya (Carica papaya) fruit, stimulates the appetite and aids digestion. It is good for relieving indigestion and heartburn, and helps the body digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Bromelain, sourced from the stem of the pineapple (Ananas comosus), helps the body digest proteins, fats, and sugars. Amylase begins the process of digestion and breaks down amylose, a form of starch in carbohydrates and sugars. It is sourced from the Aspergillus oryzae.
Natural Factors Chewable Papaya Enzymes with Amylase and Bromelain is recommended for healthy digestion. Naturally flavoured chewable tablets, they aid the body in breaking down proteins, carbohydrates,and fats while improving nutrient absorption.
What is Bromelain?
Bromelain was first discovered in 1891 by researchers in South America who noticed that the native population used pineapple to treat digestive problems. Bromelain is found in the stem, fruit, and leaves of pineapples, and it can also be extracted and used in supplement form.
Bromelain is a complex mixture of different proteases, including bromelain I, II, and III, and it also contains other enzymes, such as peroxidase, acid phosphatase, and cellulase. It is one of the most popular proteases used as meat tenderizer.
Our hybrid antioxidant and digestive-enzyme formula scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative stress which can damage cell walls. Its proteolytic enzymes enhance Quercetin properties and contribute to good health. A great choice for a comprehensive bioflavonoid formula with additional digestive support.
Quercetin Bioflavonoid Complex contains naturally sourced citrus bioflavonoids, quercetin‑, and rutin-based flavonoids, along with the potent proteolytic enzyme bromelain.
Flavonoids are robust compounds that lend bright colours critical for attracting pollinating insects, perform many metabolic roles, and help protect plants from disease. Widely distributed within the plant kingdom, common sources of flavonoids include apples, onions, dark-skinned berries, and the medicinal botanicals Ginkgo biloba and St. John’s wort.
They contribute to the therapeutic activity many plants have displayed in experimental studies which contribute to their beneficial effects on the body. All flavonoids have the same basic chemical structure: A three-ringed molecule with hydroxyl (OH) groups attached.
Flavonoids, as a rule, are antioxidants, and several of quercetin’s effects appear to be due to its antioxidant activity.
Bromelain, sourced primarily from pineapple stems, is a group of proteolytic enzymes that are essential for digesting protein. Although most enzymes are considered to be poorly absorbed, the body can absorb significant amounts of bromelain. People who suffer from malabsorption can employ proteolytic type enzymes to help with their condition.
Rutin has strong antioxidant properties; it can also chelate iron, thereby reducing the production of damaging oxygen radicals (Fenton reaction). Rutin also seems to stabilize vitamin C. If rutin is taken together with vitamin C, the antioxidant activity of ascorbic acid will be intensified.
Quercetin Bioflavonoids Complex is an excellent supplement to help keep your health in good standing.
What are the Health Benefits of Bromelain?
Bromelain has been studied extensively for its potential health benefits. Its low toxicity, high effectiveness, wide availability, and ease of acquisition have piqued the interest of numerous scientists. Here are some of the most promising findings:
1. Improved Digestion
Bromelain, as a protease, is mainly responsible for breaking down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, which can be absorbed and used by the body. It does this by cleaving the peptide bonds that hold the protein molecules together, and it also helps to denature proteins, which makes them more accessible to other enzymes in the digestive tract. This process can reduce symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and constipation, and it can also help to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Enzymes are essential for digestion and providing cellular energy. Our bodies produce enzymes and we also obtain enzymes from our diet. Digestive enzymes break down our food, enabling the nutrients and energy to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The body uses stored nutrients and energy to repair tissues and cells. Supplementation can prevent or reduce gas and bloating, may stop or reduce adverse food reactions, and can reduce the inflammation and pain of arthritis and sports injuries.
Amylase assists in breaking down starch into simple sugars.
Papain (from papaya) helps in protein digestion and has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
Betaine Hydrochloride (HCL) helps those who are deficient in stomach acid, aids protein digestion and may reduce food sensitivities.
Bromelain (from pineapple) assists in protein digestion and provides anti-inflammatory properties.
More complete digestion of the food we eat means better utilization of the energy from that food. Good digestion also results in less gas and bloating and may reduce food sensitivities. Try Digestive Enzymes from Webber Naturals for better digestion and overall health.
2. Reduced Inflammation
Bromelain has anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, which means it can help to reduce inflammation and support immune function. This is achieved by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and interleukin-1, and by modulating the activity of immune cells, such as T cells and natural killer cells. This property of bromelain can be particularly beneficial for people with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.
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Bromelain a natural enzyme found in pineapples, which is highly anti-inflammatory and provides superior support for common components of joint pain, and highly problematic symptoms of arthritis
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When taken daily, fast arthritis relief+ prevents and treats joint pain, while providing cartilage building and anti-inflammatory benefits
3. Enhanced Immune Function
A multitude of studies have demonstrated that bromelain possesses intricate immunomodulatory properties that operate through multiple molecular signaling pathways and the regulation of gene expression implicated in immune responses. For example, a study published on Biotechnology research international summarizes that in vitro experiments have shown that Bromelain has the ability to modulate surface adhesion molecules on T cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells and also induce the secretion of tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), a major regulator of inflammatory responses. This can be particularly beneficial for people with weakened immune systems or those at risk of infections.
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4. Pain Relief
Bromelain has been studied for its potential pain-relieving effects, particularly for conditions like osteoarthritis and sports injuries. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in Western countries. One study from Rheumatology and therapy used a combination of bromelain, trypsin, and rutin as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. After six weeks, the treatment resulted in significant reduction in the pain and inflammation. Another study published on Journal of dentistry showed that oral bromelain (500 mg/day) can be effective in the reduction of pain at the donor site after Free Gingival Grafting and may also enhance wound healing.
Say good-bye to allergies with Quercetin plus Bromelain form Organika. Containing a 400 mg potency of the important flavonoid Quercetin plus, 100 mg of Bromelain. Best known for their anti-inflammatory properties, Quercetin with bromelain has the unique ability to help soothe inflamed nasal passages due to allergies and gently provide relief. Ideal for those who suffer from seasoanl allergies.
Helpful for seasonal allergies.
Natural anti-inflammatory support.
With Bromelain.
Derived from citrus source.
Antioxidants and antihistamine properties.
Quercitin is a bioflavinoid that acts as an antioxidant, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory, in addition to its vascular effects. It stabilizes the membranes of mast cells. Mast cells release histamine when they come into contact with an allergen so that the body mounts an immune response. It is this immune response that is responsible for allergic symptoms such as runny nose and itchy watery eyes.
Bioflavinoids are essential for the absorption of vitamin C. The body cannot produce them; rather they must be taken in through the diet. They are called vitamin P because they regulate the Permeability of vessels and increase vessel strength. They are used to treat injuries because they repair damaged capillaries, which allows the body to restore proper blood flow to the area. Thus pain is relieved and bruising is minimized. They work with vitamin C to kill bacteria, increase circulation, stimulate bile flow, lower cholesterol, prevent cataracts and prevent herpes outbreaks.
The bromelains are a group of naturally occurring protein-digestive (proteolytic) enzymes. They are found in the stem of the pineapple. Other components of the stem, including various enzymes and calcium, are also present in commercial bromelain preparations. Besides being used as a protein digestive aid, the enzymes in bromelain inhibit inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins. The anti-inflammatory effect has been studied for its effectiveness in inflammatory conditions like arthritis and sinusitis.
In order to get substantial amounts of bromelain from pineapple you must eat the fibrous stem, therefore it is much easier to use a supplement form. Bromelain can be purchased in capsules. Enteric-coated capsules limit the use of bromelain in food digestion. They have been studied, with mixed results, for anti-inflammatory conditions. Bromelain is found as a component of digestive, multi-enzyme or anti-inflammatory formulas.
How to Use Bromelain?
Bromelain supplements are typically taken with meals to support digestion, or on an empty stomach to support anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. The body can absorb significant amount of bromelain. About 12 gram/day of bromelain can be consumed without any major side effects.
Bromelain is generally considered safe, but it may also cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to pineapple or other tropical fruits. Bromelain may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and antibiotics, so it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking bromelain supplements if you are on medication.
A.I. Formula® is a broad-spectrum combination of vitamin C, quercetin and bromelain, plus concentrated extracts of turmeric and ginger. A.I. Formula® offers support for the immune system and antioxidants to maintain good health.
In preclinical studies, vitamin C has been reported to inhibit the release and degranulation of histamine, and mediate the synthesis of prostaglandins that control histamine sensitivity. Vitamin C also enhances healthy immune cell proliferation, activation and function, as well as interferon levels, antibody responses and secretion of thymic hormones. Like quercetin, vitamin C provides antioxidants to maintain good health. Vitamin C serves a particularly important function by providing antioxidant support to phagocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils, as it protects these cells against free radical-induced damage that can occur during immune responses.
References
Hikisz, P., & Bernasinska-Slomczewska, J. (2021). Beneficial Properties of Bromelain. Nutrients, 13(12), 4313. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124313
Pavan, R., Jain, S., Shraddha, & Kumar, A. (2012). Properties and therapeutic application of bromelain: a review. Biotechnology research international, 2012, 976203. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/976203
Soheilifar, S., Bidgoli, M., Hooshyarfard, A., Shahbazi, A., Vahdatinia, F., & Khoshkhooie, F. (2018). Effect of Oral Bromelain on Wound Healing, Pain, and Bleeding at Donor Site Following Free Gingival Grafting: A Clinical Trial. Journal of dentistry (Tehran, Iran), 15(5), 309–316.
Agrawal, P., Nikhade, P., Patel, A., Mankar, N., & Sedani, S. (2022). Bromelain: A Potent Phytomedicine. Cureus, 14(8), e27876. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.27876
Henrotin, Y. E., Michlmayr, C., Rau, S. M., Quirke, A. M., Bigoni, M., & Ueberall, M. A. (2022). Combination of Enzymes and Rutin to Manage Osteoarthritis Symptoms: Lessons from a Narrative Review of the Literature. Rheumatology and therapy, 9(5), 1305–1327. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40744-022-00472-7
