Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant, sold as a supplement for swelling and pain, sinusitis, osteoarthritis and muscle soreness. NCCIH says some studies suggest it might ease some symptoms after wisdom tooth surgery, but there is not enough high-quality research for sinusitis.
Also known as: pineapple enzyme, Ananas comosus.
The studies in the reviews used different products and amounts, so we do not list one.
It is sold in the US as a dietary supplement. Under the 1994 dietary supplement law (DSHEA), FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they are marketed, and the maker, not FDA, is responsible for safety and labeling. A different, topical bromelain product is an FDA-approved prescription drug (approved in 2022) for removing dead tissue from severe burns in adults (NCCIH).
What studies show: a 2019 meta-analysis of 6 trials after lower wisdom tooth removal found bromelain reduced facial swelling and reduced pain at 7 days, but not early pain or jaw stiffness (Liu 2019). A 2023 meta-analysis found oral bromelain reduced pain slightly more than controls, may help sinusitis, and was not effective for cardiovascular disease (Leelakanok 2023). NCCIH says for most other uses little research has been done, or studies tested mixtures, so the effect of bromelain alone is unclear.
Safety: NCCIH says oral bromelain seems well tolerated; the most common side effects are stomach upset and diarrhea. A meta-analysis also lists flatulence, nausea and headache (Leelakanok 2023). Little is known about use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
We could not find a single published half-life or time to peak for bromelain that applies to a supplement dose, so we do not list one. A 2023 review found that bromelain appears in blood with its enzyme activity intact after oral use (Leelakanok 2023).
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