Bromelain

GHB is quickly absorbed from the digestive system and is then processed by the liver. GHB has a half-life of 30 to 60 minutes.GHB is mainly eliminated from the body through the urine as the water-soluble conjugate GHB-glucuronide.
Overview
Uses
Side Effects
Medication
Ingredients
Supplements
Pharmacokinetics

What Are the Benefits of Bromelain?

The ability of bromelain to reduce inflammation is perhaps its most well-known advantage. Conditions like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other inflammatory conditions may benefit from this. The pain brought on by these conditions may also be lessened with the aid of bromelain.

Bromelain has been demonstrated to have some antimicrobial activity in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties. This suggests that it might aid in the fight against infections, particularly respiratory tract infections. The immune system may also benefit from the use of bromelain.

There are numerous potential health advantages of bromelain. The majority of these advantages, however, are only backed by anecdotal evidence or exploratory research done on animals or in test tubes. If bromelain is useful for any of these applications, more investigation is required.

What are the side effects of bromelain?

When taken orally in small doses, bromelain is typically safe. However, it can have some negative side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. When used topically, bromelain can irritate the skin as well.

Bromelain may raise the risk of bleeding when taken in high doses or for extended periods of time. As a result, bromelain supplements shouldn't be taken by people who have bleeding disorders or take blood thinners.

Additionally, bromelain supplements shouldn't be taken by young children or pregnant women. The safety of bromelain for these populations is unknown due to a lack of sufficient research.

Start with a low dose of bromelain and increase it gradually as needed to lower the risk of side effects. Supplemental bromelain should also be consumed with food.

Dosage

The amount of bromelain that is advised for a person will vary depending on their age, health, and other conditions.

Interactions

Some medications and bromelain may not interact well. Therefore, before taking bromelain supplements, individuals taking any medication should consult their physician.

Additionally, bromelain may interact with drugs that thin the blood, like warfarin (Coumadin). Combining bromelain with these drugs may make bleeding more likely.

There could be interactions with:

Medication that thins the blood: Bromelain may intensify the effects of this medication and cause more bleeding. Aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin) are two examples of drugs that thin the blood.

Antiplatelet medications: These medications aid in preventing blood clots. Combining bromelain with antiplatelet medications may make bleeding more likely. Aspirin and the antiplatelet medication clopidogrel (Plavix) are two examples.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medicines are prescribed to treat inflammation and pain. The risk of bleeding may be increased when taking bromelain along with NSAIDs. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen (Aleve) are two examples of NSAIDs.

Garlic, ginger, ginkgo, and ginseng are a few other drugs and herbs that may interact with bromelain. Therefore, before taking bromelain supplements, people taking any supplement or herb should consult a doctor.

Mechanism of Action

Bromelain's precise mode of operation is unknown. However, it is believed to function by dissolving proteins, which can lessen inflammation. The immune system may also benefit from bromelain.

According to preliminary research, bromelain may aid in the fight against cancer. According to one study, bromelain supplements prevented colon cancer-related tumors in rats from growing. To know if bromelain is efficient for this use, more research is necessary.

Pharmacokinetics

Pineapples contain the natural enzyme bromelain. It can be applied topically as a cream or ointment or taken as a supplement.

When consumed orally, bromelain is digested in the stomach and absorbed into the body. Bromelain is not thought to enter the bloodstream when applied to the skin.

Bromelain's half-life is unknown. But according to one study, it leaves the body in just 24 hours.

Supplemental bromelain may be well tolerated and safe, according to research. To determine their long-term efficacy and safety, more research is necessary.