SAFE
Bromelain
Ananas comosus stem extract
Possibly Safe
V4 Verified
Digestive Health
Upper Safe Limit
No UL established; 200-400mg/day
PubMed Studies
82
About
Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme from pineapple stem. Evidence for anti-inflammatory effects, sinusitis, and digestive support. Some trials show comparable efficacy to NSAIDs for inflammation.
How it works (mechanism of action)
Protease breaks down proteins. Anti-inflammatory via inhibition of bradykinin formation and modulation of platelet aggregation. Enhances drug absorption.
📊 Effectiveness
Anti-inflammatory effects
Evidence Grade A · 22 studies · n=3,800 · Meta-analysis available
Post-surgical swelling
Evidence Grade A · 18 studies · n=2,200 · Meta-analysis available
Joint inflammation and asthma
Evidence Grade B · 6 studies · n=280
Sinusitis
Evidence Grade B · 12 studies · n=1,200
Osteoarthritis
Evidence Grade B · 14 studies · n=1,400
Evidence grades: A=Strong RCT evidence · B=Good clinical trials · C=Limited trials · D=Preliminary/traditional
👥 Safety by Population
🚫 Contraindications & Warnings
Anticoagulant and antiplatelet effects — caution with blood thinners. Avoid 2 weeks before surgery. Contraindicated in pineapple/latex allergy.
💊 Drug Interactions (3)
🟡 Warfarin
ModerateAnticoagulant
Management: Monitor INR. Stop 2 weeks before surgery.
🟡 Blood thinners
ModerateAnticoagulant
Management: Stop 2 weeks before surgery.
⚪ Antibiotics (amoxicillin)
MinorAntibiotic
Management: May be beneficial but monitor for increased antibiotic effects.
🇪🇺 EU Health Claims Status
Art.13(1)
✓ AuthorisedNon-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food is not sufficiently defined to be able to be assessed and the claim could not therefore be substantiated.
Regulation EU 1924/2006 · ART13 1
Art.13(1)
✓ AuthorisedNon-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
Regulation EU 1924/2006 · ART13 1
Art.13(1)
✓ AuthorisedNon-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food is not a beneficial physiological effect as required by the Regulation.
Regulation EU 1924/2006 · ART13 1
Art.13(1)
✓ AuthorisedNon-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food is not a beneficial physiological effect as required by the Regulation.
Regulation EU 1924/2006 · ART13 1
Art.13(1)
✓ AuthorisedNon-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
Regulation EU 1924/2006 · ART13 1
Art.13(1)
✓ AuthorisedNon-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
Regulation EU 1924/2006 · ART13 1
Art.13(1)
✓ AuthorisedNon-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food is not sufficiently defined to be able to be assessed and the claim could not therefore be substantiated.
Regulation EU 1924/2006 · ART13 1
Products containing this ingredient (5)
Quercetin Bromelain 500mg
250 MG Capsule
Digestive Enzymes Ultra
100 MG Capsule
Quercetin with Bromelain
165 MG Capsule
Super Enzymes
100 MG Tablet
Quercetin Complex
165 MG Capsule
🏷️ Other Names
Ananas comosus stem extract
References (1)
- Pratte MA, et al. J Altern Complement Med. 2014;20(12):901-8. SR/Meta-analysis PubMed ↗
Evidence grades: SR = Systematic review / meta-analysis (highest) · RCT = Randomized controlled trial · Reg = Regulatory/official guidance