Pineapple is a fruit loved all over the world, known for its sweet and refreshing taste. Native to South America, it was first introduced to Europe and Asia by Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the 16th and 17th centuries. In Europe, this tropical fruit has gained a reputation as a luxurious dessert.1
But pineapple has more benefits than just a delicacy. Studies have shown that bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, has several therapeutic uses. As mentioned in the article2 Published in The Truth About Cancer, bromelain has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anticancer properties, and even supports digestive and skin health.
What is bromelain?
The healing properties of pineapple have long been recognized in ancient cultures. As noted in the July 2024 Nutrients paper:3
“Indigenous peoples of Central and South America, especially the Amazon rainforest and the Caribbean, used various parts of the pineapple plant for medicinal purposes, including treating digestive problems, reducing inflammation, and healing wounds.”
Bromelain was first discovered by Venezuelan scientist Vicente Marcano in 1891, and he was able to extract and study it in 1894.4 Other researchers have built on his findings to identify two main types: stem bromelain (EC 3.4.22.32) and fruit bromelain (EC 3.4.22.33).5 In 1957, it was discovered that pineapple stems contain more bromelain than the fruit itself, allowing the industry to monetize the by-product that was once generated during pineapple processing.6
Studies have shown that bromelain has an adequate bioavailability of 40% when consumed. This is because bromelain binds efficiently with two blood proteases, alpha1-antichymotrypsin and alpha2-macroglobulin. Additionally, the human body can process up to 12 grams of bromelain per day without any noticeable side effects.7
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated bromelain as GRAS (generally recognized as safe). Besides what you get from fresh pineapple, it is also available as a dietary supplement.8
Anti-inflammatory mechanism of bromelain
One of the most prominent uses of bromelain is to manage inflammation in various areas such as arthritis, sports injury recovery, and post-surgical care. How specifically? In their review, researchers in Nutrient Studies explain the mechanism:9
“Brommelain exerts powerful anti-inflammatory effects by regulating a variety of inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, and prostaglandins. It inhibits the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Additionally, bromelain inhibits the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, a key regulator of inflammation and immune responses. Bromelain reduces the expression of inflammatory genes and attenuates the inflammatory cascade by inhibiting NF-κB activation.”
Based on this information, other researchers tested bromelain’s anti-inflammatory properties. In a meta-analysis10 For example, researchers published in 2022 cited a study involving athletic male road cyclists who supplemented with 1 gram of bromelain per day during a six-day race. They noted that bromelain “reduced subjective feelings of fatigue and tended to better maintain testosterone concentrations during the race, suggesting improved recovery.”
In another study11 Researchers have suggested that bromelain has anti-arthritic abilities by mediating various inflammatory biomarkers. Results are further improved when combined with other natural bioactive compounds such as turmeric, which helps reduce degenerative joint pain problems. Bromelain has also helped alleviate other related conditions, such as colon and sinus inflammation.
Bromelain helps kill harmful bacteria
Bromelain has antibacterial properties.12 In particular, it has been shown to be effective in inhibiting the growth of intestinal bacteria such as Vibrio cholerae. Moreover, it stops the production of enterotoxins by E. coli and even helps prevent diarrhea caused by this bacterial strain.13
People suffering from bacterial skin diseases can also benefit from bromelain. In the same review, researchers noted that it is an effective remedy for people suffering from rhinorrhea, a skin condition that causes small, scaly, raised spots to appear on the skin.14
When used topically, bromelain can also help heal simple skin wounds. Antibacterial properties help reduce the risk of further wound complications by creating a sterile environment that speeds healing.15
Bromelain is also an effective antiviral agent
In a study published in Clinical and Translational Medicine,16 Researchers found that bromelain can inhibit the spread of SARS-CoV-2. For the test, they administered bromelain to the test cells, noting that it inhibited the expression of the ACE2 receptor and TMPRSS2 protein.
Another notable antiviral ability of bromelain is its ability to “cut” the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Researchers noticed this effect when they administered bromelain directly to test virus samples.17
For those unfamiliar, spike protein refers to the “spike” glycoprotein that invades host cells and causes infection.18 According to Yale University researcher Benedette Cuffari, without the spike protein, “viruses like the new SARS-CoV-2 cannot interact with cells of potential hosts, such as animals and humans, to cause infection.”19
“Brommelain inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection and its profound fibrinolytic activity suggests that bromelain or bromelain-rich pineapples may be used as antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronavirus outbreaks in the future. suggests.” The researchers concluded:20
Combine Bromelain and Quercetin for Greater Antiviral Effects
Bromelain is already impressive on its own when it comes to fighting viruses. However, published research shows that results are even better when combined with quercetin, a powerful flavonoid found in a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Like bromelain, quercetin has been extensively studied for its antiviral effects. one study21 It has been shown to inhibit the spread of the flu virus. In another study22 It has been shown to be more effective against Epstein-Barr virus than isoliquiritigenin, a bioactive compound found in licorice.23 Other studies have shown quercetin to also be promising against rhinoviruses.24 Hepatitis B virus, which causes colds25 And Zika virus.26
Because of quercetin’s established history against viruses, it is natural for other researchers to test its efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, a virus that has captured the world’s consciousness. And once again, quercetin has shown that it can fight this virus head-on.
A review of the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic27 It noted that quercetin, along with the already powerful bromelain, vitamin C, and zinc, “has shown promising results in improving clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients.”
Another study pointed out that quercetin’s ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines is one way to fight SARS-CoV-2.28 Cytokines are small glycoproteins produced by the body and, when released, control various processes such as endocrine activity and cell proliferation.29 And in the context of COVID-19, cytokines are elevated enough to cause acute respiratory distress syndrome.30
Bromelain activates a healthy immune system response. It also helps control the production of inflammatory mediators when immune cells are already at work in the context of cytokine overproduction.31 Vitamin C and zinc also support immune function, and together with bromelain and quercetin, these two act as new treatments for COVID-19.32
Both bromelain and vitamin C help transport quercetin into cells. Quercetin is generally insoluble in water and therefore poorly absorbed. However, when used with bromelain or vitamin C, bioavailability increases and the antiviral effect can be maximized. This creates a synergistic effect because you get the nutritional benefits of bromelain and vitamin C at the same time.33
Bromelain’s cancer-fighting properties
Another topic of interest about bromelain is its efficacy against cancer. As noted in The Truth About Cancer, “It is known to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells through a variety of mechanisms, including induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death) and inhibition of metastasis.”34
These mechanisms are observed in a variety of studies according to nutrient meta-analyses.35 In particular, researchers pointed out that bromelain has a positive effect on breast and colon cancer.
“In vitro assays have demonstrated that bromelain can induce apoptosis in cancer cells, including breast cancer cells (particularly GI-101A cells). This phenomenon suggests that bromelain may contribute to inhibiting cancer cell growth and potentially improving the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments.
The cytotoxic effects of unfractionated and fractionated bromelain on colon cancer cells were investigated alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. “Our findings show that bromelain treatment reduces cell viability of colon cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, highlighting its potential as a complementary therapy in the treatment of colon cancer.”
It’s not just breast and colon cancer that bromelain fights. In another meta-analysis,36 It has been found to be effective against human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Here, researchers noted that after administering bromelain for 24 hours, cancer cell survival rate decreased from 95.16% to 69.93%, depending on dose and time. In another cited study, bromelain reduced cell viability of prostate cancer cells by 25% in a dose-dependent manner.
Bromelain Supports Healthy Heart Function
research37 They pointed out that bromelain’s anti-cancer abilities also have a positive effect on cardiovascular health management, particularly in inhibiting platelet aggregation. Bromelain has fibrinolytic activity and inhibits thrombus formation.
Other effects of bromelain on the cardiovascular system include red blood cell aggregation and reduction of blood viscosity. Bromelain’s anti-inflammatory properties, which are known to be effective treatments for acute thrombophlebitis, also come into play here.38 A disease that causes blood clots in the legs.39
Bromelain also helps relieve high blood pressure by suppressing angina attacks. In vivo studies have shown that it “increases cardiac efficiency, improves arterial flow, reduces arterial dissection, and increases angiogenesis.” Improves vascular permeability, increasing the distribution of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.40
Another win for bromelain — gut health
Another reason to add pineapple to your diet is bromelain’s ability to support gut and digestive health. Through animal testing in 202241 According to a study published in Metabolites, mice fed bromelain had lower populations of Proteobacteria, a family of pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Salmonella, Helicobacter, and E. coli) that cause a variety of intestinal diseases.42
More importantly, bromelain increased populations of beneficial Akkermansia muciniphila, a key probiotic essential for optimal health.43
As mentioned in our interview with Georgi Dinkov, Akkermansia supports optimal health because it produces short-chain fats. It is an essential nutrient for the intestinal epithelial cells, which produce mucus, a thick protective gel that lines the gastrointestinal tract. This mucin shield protects the intestinal lining and covers leaky gut holes, acting like a repair kit.
For additional information on how important Akkermansia is to cellular energy and overall health, I encourage you to read my latest book, “Your Guide to Cellular Health: Unlocking the Science of Longevity and Joy.” The eBook is available now, and the print edition will be available December 10, 2024.
