Pineapple is a popular fruit that is loved all over the world, known for its sweet, refreshing taste. Originating in South America, it was first introduced to Europe and Asia by Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the 16th and 17th centuries. In Europe, this tropical fruit is famous for its delicious taste.1
But there’s more to pineapple than just being a tasty treat—studies show that the bromelain enzyme found in pineapples has a number of medical applications. As stated in an article2 Published in The Truth About Cancer, bromelain has documented anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-cancer benefits, and even supports digestion and skin health.
What is Bromelain?
The healing properties of pineapple have long been recognized by ancient cultures. As stated in the July 2024 Fact Sheet:3
“Indigenous people in Central and South America, especially in regions such as the Amazon rainforest and the Caribbean, used various pineapple plants for medicinal purposes, including treating digestive problems, reducing inflammation and healing wounds.”
Bromelain was first discovered by Venezuelan scientist Vicente Marcano in 1891, and he was able to extract it and study it in 1894.4 Other researchers built on his findings and identified two main types – stem bromelain (EC 3.4.22.32) and fruit bromelain (EC 3.4.22.33).5 In 1957, it was discovered that the pineapple stem contained more bromelain than the fruit, allowing industries to cash in on what was once a byproduct of pineapple processing.6
Studies have shown that bromelain has an adequate bioavailability of 40%. This is because bromelain binds well to two blood proteases, alpha1-antichymotrypsin and alpha2-macroglobulin. Additionally, the human body can handle up to 12 grams of bromelain per day without side effects.7
The US Food and Drug Administration has designated bromelain as a GRAS (Generally Safe) ingredient. In addition to having fresh pineapple, it is also available as a food supplement.8
Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms Behind Bromelain
One of the most popular applications of bromelain is the management of inflammation in various areas such as arthritis, recovery from sports injuries, and post-surgery care. How specifically? Nutritionists explain the methods in their evaluation:9
“Bromelain exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects by modulating various inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, and prostaglandins, such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6).” It inhibits the production of proliferative cytokines.
In addition, bromelain suppresses the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, a key regulator of inflammation and immune responses; By inhibiting the activation of NF-κB, bromelain reduces the expression of activated genes and attenuates inflammation.
Given this information, other researchers have tested the anti-inflammatory effectiveness of bromelain. In a meta-analysis10 For example, researchers published in 2022 cited a study involving athletic male road cyclists who supplemented with 1 gram of bromelain per day during a six-day race. Bromelain said, “There was a tendency to maintain testosterone levels better during the run due to reduced fatigue, suggesting improved recovery.”
In another study11 Researchers have proposed that bromelain has anti-arthritic abilities by mediating various inflammatory biomarkers. When combined with other natural bioactive compounds, the results are further improved, for example turmeric, which helps to reduce the problems of degenerative joint pain. Bromelain has also helped relieve other related conditions such as colon and sinus inflammation.
Bromelain helps kill harmful bacteria
Bromelain has antibacterial properties.12 It has been shown to be particularly effective in inhibiting the growth of intestinal bacteria such as Vibio cholerae. Moreover, it stops the production of E. coli enterotoxin and even helps prevent diarrhea caused by this type of bacteria.13
People who suffer from bacterial skin diseases also benefit from bromelain. In the same review, researchers noted that it is an effective healing agent for those suffering from pityriasis lichenoid crona, a skin disease characterized by small, stretchy, patches on the skin.14
Bromelain used topically helps to heal minor skin wounds. Its antibacterial properties help promote a sterile environment that accelerates healing, thereby reducing further wound complications.15
Bromelain is also an effective antiviral agent.
In clinical and translational research,16 Researchers have found that bromelain can inhibit the spread of SARS-CoV-2. For their tests, they used bromelain to test cells, which inhibits the ACE2 receptor and TMPRSS2 protein expression.
Another noteworthy antiviral ability of bromelain is its ability to “cleave” the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The researchers observed this effect when they directly used bromelain to test virus samples.17
For those unfamiliar, spike protein refers to a “spiked” glycoprotein that penetrates cells, causing infection.18 “Viruses such as the novel SARS-CoV-2 are unable to interact with host cells such as animals and humans and cause infection,” says Yale University researcher Bendet Kufari.19
“Because bromelain prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection and its profound fibrinolytic activity suggests that bromelain or bromelain-rich pineapple may be used as an antiviral against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses in the future.” The researchers concluded.20
Combine Bromelain with Quercetin for more antiviral effects
Bromelain is amazing on its own when it comes to fighting viruses. However, published research has shown that when a powerful flavonoid found in various fruits and vegetables is combined with quercetin, the results are even better.
Like bromelain, quercetin has also been extensively studied for its antiviral effects. A study21 It has been shown to inhibit the spread of the flu virus. In another study22 It has been shown to be more effective against the Epstein-Barr virus compared to the bioactive compound isolicuritigenin found in licorice.23 Other studies show that quercetin is also promising against rhinoviruses.24 The common cold is caused by the hepatitis B virus25 And the Zika virus.26
Because of quercetin’s history against viruses, it’s only natural that other researchers have tested its effectiveness against a virus that has captured the world’s consciousness – SARS-CoV-2. And again, quercetin has shown to be able to go head-to-head with this virus.
In the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, a review27 He said quercetin, along with the already potent bromelain and vitamin C and zinc, “showed promising results in improving clinical outcomes among covid-19 patients.”
Another study found that quercetin’s ability to inhibit proinflammatory cytokines is one of the ways it can fight SARS-CoV-2.28 Cytokines are small glycoproteins that your body produces and when released, they regulate various processes such as endocrine activity and cell proliferation.29 And in the context of Covid-19, cytokines are elevated and cause acute respiratory distress syndrome.30
In the case of bromelain, a healthy immune system activates your response. It also helps regulate inflammatory mediators when immune cells are activated by cytokine overproduction.31 Vitamin C and zinc support the immune system, and these two work together with bromelain and quercetin as a new treatment against Covid-19.32
Both bromelain and vitamin C help quercetin enter the cells. Because quercetin is generally insoluble in water, it can be well absorbed. But when combined with bromelain or vitamin C, the bioavailability increases, which allows to increase the antiviral effect. This creates a synergistic effect as you are getting the nutritional benefits of bromelain and vitamin C at the same time.33
Bromelain’s cancer fighting abilities
Another topic of interest regarding bromelain is its effectiveness against cancer. According to The Truth of Cancer, it “is believed to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells through a number of mechanisms, including inhibition of apoptosis (programmed cell death) and metastasis.”34
According to a meta-analysis of elements, these mechanisms are observed in different studies.35 In particular, bromelain has a positive effect on breast and colon cancer, the researchers announced.
“Studies in vitro have shown that bromelain induces apoptosis in cancer cells, including breast cancer cells (especially GI-101A cells). This phenomenon suggests that bromelain can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and increase the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments.
The cytotoxic effects of both undigested and dissociated bromelain on colorectal cancer cells were investigated either alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents; The findings indicated that bromelain treatment in colorectal cancer cells decreased the cell survival rate in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting it as an adjunctive therapy in colorectal cancer treatment.
It’s not just breast and colon cancer that bromelain fights. In another meta-analysis,36 It was found to be effective against human oral squamous carcinoma cells. Here, researchers found that after 24 hours of treatment with bromelain in a dose- and time-dependent manner, cancer cells were reduced from 95.16% to 69.93%. In another cited study, bromelain reduced prostate cancer cell proliferation by 25% in a dose-dependent manner.
Bromelain supports healthy heart function
Research37 Bromelain’s anti-cancer abilities have been shown to have a positive effect on cardiovascular health, especially by preventing blood platelet aggregation. Bromelain has fibrinolytic activity and inhibits thrombus formation.
Other effects of bromelain on the cardiovascular system include decreased red blood cell concentrations and blood permeability. Bromelain’s anti-inflammatory abilities come into play here as well, as it is known to be an effective treatment for severe thrombophlebitis.38 Blood clots in the legs.39
In addition, bromelain helps to reduce blood pressure and helps prevent angina attacks. Through in vivo experiments, it “increases cardiac efficiency, improves arterial flow, reduces arterial stiffness and increases angiogenesis.” It even helps to improve the permeability of blood vessels, thereby increasing the distribution of oxygen and nutrients in the body.40
Another win for Bromelain – Gut Health
Another reason to add pineapple to your diet is bromelain’s ability to support your gut and digestive health. Animal testing in 202241 Published in Metabolites, bromelain-fed mice had lower populations of proteobacteria, a group of pathogenic bacteria (such as Salmonella, Helicobacter and Escherichia) responsible for various intestinal diseases.42
Most importantly, bromelain increases the population of beneficial Akkermansia muciniphila (keystone probiotics) essential for optimal health.43
As stated in My interview with Georgi DinkovAkkermansia supports good health because it produces short-chain lipids, which are essential nutrients for the endothelial cells in your gut, which produce mucin, the thick, protective gel that lines your gastrointestinal tract. This mucin shield protects the lining of your stomach and acts as a repair kit, covering the holes in a leaky gut.
For more information on how critical Akkermansia is to cellular energy and overall health, I encourage you to pick up my new book, “Your Guide to Cellular Health: Unlocking the Science of Long-Term HappinessHe said. The e-book is available now, with the print edition available on December 10, 2024.
