Protease enzymes—such as bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), and various microbial or animal-derived proteases—are sometimes used as dietary supplements to support the healing of injuries, especially soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, and bruises. The rationale is that proteases help break down fibrin and other proteins involved in inflammation and tissue remodeling, potentially reducing swelling, pain, and recovery time.

There is some scientific evidence to support these claims, though it is not robust. Several small clinical trials, particularly with bromelain, have shown mild to moderate reductions in swelling, pain, and healing time after musculoskeletal injuries or surgery when compared to placebo. A few studies suggest that systemic enzyme therapy may modulate inflammatory pathways, decreasing levels of certain cytokines and promoting resolution of edema. However, many studies are limited by small sample sizes, variable quality, and inconsistent endpoints.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while protease supplementation appears to be safe and may offer some benefit for injury recovery, the evidence is not strong enough to make firm recommendations. More high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed. Thus, while there is some scientific basis for using proteases to support injury healing, the evidence is modest (rated 2/5), and their use should be considered as adjunctive rather than primary therapy.