Evidence supporting the use of: Bromelain
For the health condition: Injuries

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes derived from pineapple (Ananas comosus) stems and fruit. Its use in supporting or treating injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and bruises, is primarily justified by a combination of traditional use and scientific investigation, although the scientific evidence is moderate rather than definitive.

Several studies suggest that bromelain may help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain following trauma or surgery. The proposed mechanism is its ability to modulate inflammatory mediators, decrease neutrophil migration, and help break down fibrin and other debris at the injury site, potentially speeding up healing. A 2012 systematic review (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine) found that bromelain supplementation was associated with reduced pain and swelling after surgical procedures and injuries, though the number of high-quality randomized controlled trials is limited. Additional studies have shown positive effects for bromelain in reducing bruising and improving recovery time in sports injuries and dental surgery.

Despite these findings, many studies suffer from methodological limitations such as small sample sizes, lack of blinding, or inadequate controls. While the evidence is supportive and bromelain is widely used in Europe for these purposes, larger, well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy. Overall, bromelain’s use in injury recovery is scientifically plausible and moderately supported by existing research, but it should be seen as adjunctive rather than primary therapy.

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