Pineapple Stem Enzyme · Ananas comosus Extract
500–1,000 GDU per day · vegan · gluten-free · 120 caps
Affiliate link · we earn from qualifying purchases. No paid placements.
Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes extracted from pineapple stems (not the fruit). It is measured in gelatin-digesting units (GDU) or milk-clotting units (MCU). Supplement potencies vary widely—standardized products typically provide 2,000–2,400 GDU/g. Bromelain has been studied for acute post-surgical edema, acute sinusitis, and osteoarthritis, but evidence for chronic digestive or weight-loss claims is weak.
As a protease, bromelain breaks down proteins in vitro, but in vivo its systemic effects appear to come from modulation of inflammatory mediators (reducing bradykinin, prostaglandin E2, and fibrinogen) rather than direct digestion. In acute sinusitis, bromelain may reduce mucosal swelling by altering fibrin deposition. In knee OA, small trials suggest modest pain reduction comparable to low-dose NSAIDs, but trial quality is limited.
Adults recovering from dental or soft-tissue surgery (short-term), people with acute sinusitis seeking adjunctive support, and those with knee OA who cannot tolerate NSAIDs. Not a primary treatment for any of these conditions.
Avoid if you have a pineapple allergy, take anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs (theoretical bleeding risk), or have a bleeding disorder. Do not use before surgery without surgeon approval. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety is insufficiently studied.
✓ Empty-stomach dosing is required for systemic absorption; food blocks enteric uptake.
✓ Empty-stomach dosing is required for systemic absorption; food blocks enteric uptake.
✓ Take 30 minutes before meals or 2 hours after meals for systemic effects.
>
Each bar = one cited trial. Effect varies by methodology, dose, and population.
Elevated inflammation cohort (n≈70)
Target hsCRP <1.0 mg/L for low cardiovascular risk.
see study
→ Review of bromelain’s proteolytic, anti-edema, and fibrinolytic activities; well-absorbed intact from the GI tract in animal models.
see study
→ Pooled analysis of small trials showed modest pain reduction in knee OA; equivalence to diclofenac in one trial, but methodological limitations noted.
see study
→ Limited evidence from small trials suggests faster symptom resolution when added to standard therapy; not a standalone treatment.
A plain-English read of the literature behind this supplement. Not a clinical recommendation.
Key citations: PMID 22525491 (Brien 2004, systematic review OA), PMID 19640547 (Gaspani 2002, anti-inflammatory study), PMID 24600189 (Maurer 2001, digestive function review).
How to use Bromelain specifically for sinus congestion — the right dose, timing, blood markers to track, and how to know if it is working.
A clinical evidence review of Bromelain — RCT data, effect sizes, evidence grade, and what the numbers mean for your specific situation.
Everything you need to know about Bromelain — mechanism, dose, safety, buying guide for India, and what the research actually says.
SacredBod's longer take on Bromelain — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
Bromelain’s anti-inflammatory effect is real but modest. The strongest evidence is for acute post-surgical edema and acute sinusitis (specific formulations used in clinical settings). Knee OA evidence exists but comes from small, older trials. Digestive and weight-loss marketing claims lack RCT support—bromelain is not a fat burner, and its protein-digesting activity is largely irrelevant in the gut where it is either denatured or absorbed intact. If you buy bromelain, choose a potency-standardized product (GDU labeled) and be aware that 75% of Amazon-sold bromelain products failed potency testing in a 2023 industry analysis.
Take 500–1,000 GDU on an empty stomach twice daily. For acute sinusitis, use for 7–10 days. For post-surgical support, use for 1–2 weeks. Do not use indefinitely without a clear indication.
Peptides are physician-only. Tell us a bit and we'll route you to the right specialist.
