Table of contents
1 What is bromelain?
Pineapple had been used in folk medicine for centuries until the ingredient bromelain was first discovered in the pineapple plant in 1891. The substance has only been used therapeutically in modern medicine since 1957. Bromelain is an enzyme - or more precisely: the combination of two enzymes. The active ingredient is extracted from the pineapple plant and is used as a herbal medicine to treat swelling, digestive disorders and inflammation, among other things. Bromelain is also known as bromelin and was already used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. The stem of the plant and unripe fruit can contain the highest levels of bromelain, which is why the active ingredient is mainly extracted from these parts today. Juice is pressed from the fresh stems and the bromelain is extracted from this. It is then freeze-dried and ground. In this way, the active ingredient is added to food supplements in powder form, for example. The therapeutic effect cannot therefore be achieved by regularly consuming large quantities of pineapple, as the substance is extracted from the parts of the plant. Even though bromelain was not taken seriously by conventional medicine for a long time, there has been a rethink and more and more clinical studies are looking at the effectiveness of the active ingredient. In the meantime, numerous studies have been able to prove the good efficacy and tolerability of the pineapple enzyme. For this reason, bromelain is used preventively or after operations and injuries in medical fields such as dermatosurgery, facial surgery, burn surgery, traumatology, dentistry and sports medicine.
2. bromelain effect & areas of application
According to various studies, bromelain, which is composed of two protein-splitting enzymes, has different effects. Bromelain has the property of inhibiting inflammation and is also said to be able to support digestion in the event of problems with the pancreas. It is often used as an anti-inflammatory for swelling after injuries and operations, particularly in the nose and sinuses. In addition, patients suffering from rheumatic diseases, superficial phlebitis and inflammation of the urinary and genital tract can benefit from the combination of bromelain and other enzymes. It can even dissolve burn scabs from wounds and is therefore used as a gel for severe burns. The active ingredient can also improve the body's nutrient supply. Nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids reach the muscles and organs via the blood. If the blood circulates more slowly due to increased blood clotting, the supply of nutrients to the body slows down. As bromelain inhibits blood clotting, blood flow is improved and nutrients reach the body more quickly.
Bromelain effects at a glance:- anti-inflammatory
- stimulates blood circulation
- pain-relieving
- relaxes muscles
- strengthens the immune system
- improves the supply of nutrients
- helps with bruising
- helps with joint pain caused by rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and phlebitis
- for non-bacterial swelling of the mucous membranes
- inflammation of the nasal mucosa
- sinusitis
- Irritation after sports injuries or operations
- Inflammation of the urinary and genital organs
3 How is bromelain used?
Bromelain is usually taken in capsule form. It is important that the capsule or tablet is gastro-resistant so that it is not digested in the stomach but is first dissolved in the intestine. The following are suitable for this Bromelain capsules from Casidaare suitable for this, as they are protected in gastro-resistant DrCaps capsule shells. Bromelain from Casida is absolutely pure and highly dosed. It does not contain any other ingredients. Due to this purity, the product is also suitable for vegans. The capsules are taken once a day unchewed approx. half an hour before a meal with sufficient liquid. Available in the pharmacy. Order no. PZN: 17975444
Nevertheless, special caution is required in some cases. In particular, patients who are taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs should be careful when taking bromelain. Due to the interaction, bromelain could lead to an increased tendency to bleed. It can also increase the concentration of antibiotics and influence the therapy.
4. are bromelain capsules a Wobenzym alternative?
Inflammations are natural reactions of the body to threats such as injuries or the penetration of foreign bodies such as fungi or bacteria into the body. So-called cytokines control inflammation by simultaneously inhibiting and promoting inflammation. In patients with inflammation, there is an imbalance between the inhibitory and pro-inflammatory cytokine types. The balance must be restored so that the inflammatory process heals quickly. To achieve this, enzymes are used that have both an analgesic and decongestant effect. The so-called alpha2-macroglobulins are found in the blood as part of our immune system and are activated by enzymes in Wobenzym. The globulins can then bind precisely those messenger substances that lead to inflammation due to the imbalance. Cytokines, enzymes and macroglobulin are removed from the body together in this way.
Wobenzym preparations contain natural concentrated enzymes such as bromelain, which together have an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and decongestant effect. Bromelain is therefore one of the three active ingredients found in Wobenzym. Compared to the other two active ingredients - rutoside and trypsin - bromelain is the main ingredient and belongs to the family of cysteine proteases. Even if bromelain is not as strong on its own as in combination with the active ingredients mentioned in Wobenzym, it can still serve as an alternative and develop its effect.
Sources:- Maurer, H.R. (2001): "Bromelain: biochemistry, pharmacology and medical use." In: Cell Mol Life Science 2001 Aug;58(9):1234-45. To the online article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11577981/
- https://www.netdoktor.de/medikamente/bromelain/
- https://www.wobenzym.de/enzyme-definition/bromelain
- https://www.menshealth.de/gesunde-ernaehrung/ananas-enzym-fuer-mehr-muskeln/
Important note / Disclaimer:
As pharmacists, we share our pharmaceutical expertise and wealth of naturopathic experience in the Casida guide. An individual diagnosis and consultation is necessary in every case. Therefore, this offer cannot replace medical advice. It is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is not a substitute for medication or other treatments prescribed by a doctor.
