Bromelain: Uses, Benefits, Dosage & Safety

Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by the FactoWiki Editorial Team for clarity and source accuracy

What is Bromelain?

Bromelain is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes extracted from the stem and fruit of the pineapple (Ananas comosus). It has been used since the 1950s as an anti-inflammatory and digestive aid, and is unusual among supplements in being an enzyme rather than a vitamin, mineral or plant compound. It is sold for joint pain, sinus congestion, swelling after injury or surgery, and digestion.

What Bromelain is commonly used for

In supplements, Bromelain is taken for inflammation and swelling, joint pain, sinus congestion and protein digestion, appearing in joint, sinus and gut & digestive formulas. It is marketed broadly as a natural anti-inflammatory and digestive enzyme; the trial evidence is real but mostly small and old.

How Bromelain works

Bromelain breaks down proteins — which is why it tenderizes meat and aids protein digestion — and it appears to dampen inflammation by reducing certain inflammatory signaling molecules and helping clear swelling and bruising. These actions are the rationale for its use after injury or surgery and in inflammatory joint and sinus conditions. The mechanisms are well established; the size and quality of the human trials are the weak point.

What the evidence says

Here's an honest snapshot of what published research suggests about Bromelain — including where the evidence is limited.

• A double-blind randomised trial in knee osteoarthritis (103 patients) found an oral enzyme combination containing bromelain improved symptoms similarly to the NSAID diclofenac, with comparable side-effect rates. (PubMed)
• An older controlled study in sinusitis found more patients on bromelain had good-to-excellent responses than on placebo. (PubMed)
• General background is summarised by reputable health references; trials are mostly small, old, or of mixed quality, and a placebo-controlled osteoarthritis pilot was not clearly positive. (MedlinePlus)

Typical dosage used in studies

Studies use a wide range, often expressed in GDU or FIP enzyme units rather than milligrams; common oral doses are a few hundred milligrams two to three times daily, taken between meals for anti-inflammatory use or with meals for digestion. This is general information from research, not a recommendation.

Side effects and safety

Bromelain is generally recognized as safe and well tolerated; possible effects include digestive upset, and allergic reactions in people allergic to pineapple. It has not been linked to liver injury.

Medication interactions and who should avoid Bromelain

Sources & further reading

The evidence summary above is drawn from these sources. For general, authoritative background you can also consult:

• PubMed-indexed study (PMID 15278753)
• PubMed-indexed study (PMID 4864820)
• MedlinePlus
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
• NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

Frequently asked questions

Does bromelain reduce inflammation?

It has anti-inflammatory effects, and small trials suggest benefit for swelling, sinus inflammation and joint pain, but the evidence is mostly from small or older studies.

Is bromelain good for digestion?

As a protein-digesting enzyme it can aid protein digestion, and it is taken with meals for this purpose, though rigorous trials are limited.

Does bromelain help arthritis?

One trial found a bromelain combination worked about as well as an anti-inflammatory drug for knee osteoarthritis, but a placebo-controlled pilot was less convincing, so the picture is mixed.

Is bromelain safe?

It is generally recognized as safe and well tolerated, mainly causing mild digestive upset; people allergic to pineapple should avoid it.

When should I take bromelain?

For anti-inflammatory effects it is usually taken between meals; for digestion, with meals. This is general information, not a recommendation.