Evidence supporting the use of: Bromelain
For the health condition: Cartilage Damage
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bromelain, a mixture of proteolytic enzymes derived from pineapples, has been investigated for its potential to support or treat cartilage damage primarily through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Scientific interest in bromelain for musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoarthritis and cartilage injuries, stems from its ability to modulate inflammatory mediators, reduce swelling, and possibly aid in tissue healing. Several preclinical studies suggest that bromelain can decrease levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit pathways involved in cartilage degradation. A few small clinical trials and observational studies have reported modest improvements in pain and swelling in patients with osteoarthritis and joint injuries who used bromelain supplements. However, these studies often suffer from limitations such as small sample sizes, short durations, and lack of rigorous controls. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while bromelain may offer some symptomatic relief, there is insufficient high-quality evidence to firmly establish its efficacy in promoting cartilage repair or halting cartilage breakdown. It is not a standard treatment for cartilage damage, and most guidelines do not recommend it as a first-line therapy. In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence for bromelain’s use in managing symptoms related to cartilage injury, robust clinical evidence is lacking, and its benefits appear to be primarily symptomatic rather than disease-modifying.
Other ingredients used for Cartilage Damage
amino acidsanthocyanins
Indian frankincense
bovine gelatin
bromelain
cartilage
chondroitin
collagen
turmeric
curcumin
fish oil
gelatin
ginger
glucosamine
green lipped mussel
green tea
hyaluronic acid
L-proline
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
n-acetyl-glucosamine
omega-3 fatty acids
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
silicon
vitamin C
zinc
Animal Tissue
Bone Protein
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
Chymopapain
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Connective tissue growth factor
Drynaria
fibroblast growth factor
Glycosaminoglycans
hydroxyproline
Mucopolysaccharide
Proteoglycans
Tripeptide
Zingibain
Other health conditions supported by bromelain
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Allergies (respiratory)
Arthritis
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cartilage Damage
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Circulation (poor)
Colitis
Cuts
Edema
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Inflammation
Injuries
Pain (general remedies for)
Protein Digestion (poor)
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Sinus Infection
Sprains
Surgery (healing from)
Tendonitis
Wounds and Sores
Products containing bromelain
Pure Encapsulations
A.C. Formula II
Pure Encapsulations
A.I. Enzymes
Pure Encapsulations
AI Formula
Designs For Health
AllerGzyme™
Integrative Therapeutics
Bio-Zyme
Pure Encapsulations
Bromelain 2400 500 mg
Pure Encapsulations
Bromelain 2400 500 mg
Douglas Laboratories
Bromelain 500 mg
Douglas Laboratories
Cysto Renew ®
Integrative Therapeutics
EHB
Douglas Laboratories
Glucosamine + MSM Forte ™
Douglas Laboratories
Glucosamine Plus ™
Pure Encapsulations
Hist Reset
Designs For Health
HistaEze™
Thorne
Joint Support Nutrients AR-Encap
Vitabase
Life's Essentials Plus
Designs For Health
Pancreatic Enzymes Plus
Designs For Health
Pulmonary Revive™
Vitabase
Quercetin Plus
Douglas Laboratories
Quercetin-Bromelain Complex
Thorne
Quercetin Complex Quercenase
Metagenics
Sinuplex®
Vitabase
Super Fat Burner
Vitabase
SuperZymes
Pure Encapsulations
Systemic Enzyme Complex
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ®-EZ Swallow
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive® X
Vitabase
Ultra Veggie Enzymes
Pure Encapsulations
Uric Acid Formula
Thorne
Whey Protein Isolate Chocolate NSF
Thorne
Whey Protein Isolate Vanilla NSF
Douglas Laboratories
Wobenzym ® N
Douglas Laboratories
Wobenzym ® N
Douglas Laboratories
Wobenzym ® N
Douglas Laboratories
Wobenzym ® Plus
Douglas Laboratories
Wobenzym ® Plus
Douglas Laboratories
Wobenzym ® Plus
Douglas Laboratories
Wobenzym ® PS
Douglas Laboratories
Wobenzym ® PS