Evidence supporting the use of: Bromelain
For the body system: Muscles
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes derived from pineapple stems and fruit. It is used primarily for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which are relevant to the muscular system, particularly in the context of muscle injuries or soreness. Several clinical studies and reviews have investigated bromelain's effects on soft tissue swelling, bruising, and muscle recovery, especially following trauma or surgery. For example, research has shown that bromelain can reduce inflammation and pain in conditions such as sports injuries, muscle strains, and post-exercise soreness, likely due to its ability to modulate prostaglandin levels and decrease neutrophil migration to sites of inflammation. Some randomized controlled trials have reported moderate benefits in reducing muscle pain and improving recovery times, although results are sometimes mixed and often limited by small sample sizes or methodological differences. While bromelain is not an essential nutrient for muscle health, its anti-inflammatory action provides a plausible mechanism for supporting the muscular system, especially in the context of acute injuries or overuse. However, the overall evidence base remains moderate, and more large-scale, high-quality studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and optimal dosing. Nevertheless, its use is supported by a blend of scientific rationale and some clinical evidence, making it a commonly included ingredient in supplements targeting muscle recovery and inflammation.
Other ingredients that support Muscles
Acetyl L-carnitineadenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
amylopectin
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beet
beta-alanine
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
caffeine
calcium
cherry
chloride
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
devil's claw
dong quai root
fish protein
forskohlii root
l-isoleucine
iron
kale
L-alanine
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-arginine
l-carnitine
L-carnosine
L-citrulline
L-glutamine
L-glycine
L-leucine
L-ornithine
L-proline
L-taurine
L-threonine
L-valine
magnesium
malic acid
maltodextrin
maltose
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Milk
nicotinamide riboside
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
Peppermint
phosphorus
phytocannabinoids
potassium
protein
quinoa
rhizome
sardines
black ginger
soybean
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spinach
spirulina
Tongkat ali
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
Water
Watermelon
Whey protein
white willow
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
suma
squawvine
sodium salt
solomon's seal
siler root
eucommia
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
guelder rose
polyphenols
trace minerals
Wintergreen
camphor oil
Menthol oil
wheat germ
Wood betony
herbal blend (proprietary)
Algae
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
arnica
2a, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one
arginine alpha ketoglutarate
animal Tissue
antler
arginine creatine
Arginine nitrate
arachidonic acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
avocado
Anserina
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Acetylcholine
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine alpha-ketoisocaproate
Arginine silicate
animal protein
blue cohosh
Biopeptide
beta-hydroxybutyrate
bicarbonate
Beef Protein
black galingale
beef
Beef liver
bovine protein
black gram
Black willow
ba ji tian
bee products
banana
BCAA
chia seed
casein
cardarine
Chinese mountain ant
Carnosine
citrate malate
Cyathula
Curcuminoid
cramp bark
chuchuhuasi
Cyanotis vaga
coca
Coconut Water
Cetylated Fatty Acids
creatine
chicken
Curcuma
C-phycocyanin
Cyanotis arachnoides
DL-Methionine
deer velvet
date
D-Ribose
dextrose
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dipsacus
Dipeptide
epicatechin
epistane
egg
Erythrina
elk antler
Eurycoma Longifolia
emu oil
ecdysteroids
Ethyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
ecdysterone
essential oil blend
Egg protein
fish
fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
guanidinoacetic acid
Ginsenosides
Glutamine
Growth factors
GMS-ribose
glucose
Glycocyamine
Glycerol
Glycine
guanidinopropionic acid (GPA )
hydroxymethylbutyrate
Haematococcus pluvialis
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
hairy arnica
isomaltulose
Iporuru
Isoleucine
icariin
ketosterones
Legume protein
Lentil
Lavandin
Lentein
leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
lactalbumin
lipids
Mineral blend
maral root
Maslinic acid
Mineral ascorbate
Marjoram
Marine protein
Milk Protein
Methylxanthine
NADH
Ornithine
Phosphocreatine
Puerain
Phytoecdysteroid
Plankton
Propionyl-L-Carnitine
proteolytic enzymes
Phosphate Salt
pyruvate
Phosphatidic Acid
Pea
potash
Peptides
Qin Jiao
Quinoa Protein
rue
Rhaponticum
ribose
Shellfish
Salmon Oil
Safed musli
salt
Soy Protein
Sida cordifolia
Shilajit
Terpenoids
Tripeptide
Taxillus sutchuenensis
Turkesterone
Trichopus zeylanicus
Taurine
Tynanthus panurensis
Tribulus Terrestris
Ursolic Acid
Vegetable Protein
Viburnum
Withanolides
Other body systems supported by bromelain
BloodDigestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Immune System
Intestinal System
Joints
Muscles
Respiratory System
Sinuses
Products containing bromelain
Pure Encapsulations
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Integrative Therapeutics
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Glucosamine Plus ™
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HistaEze™
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Joint Support Nutrients AR-Encap
Vitabase
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Quercetin-Bromelain Complex
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Quercetin Complex Quercenase
Metagenics
Sinuplex®
Vitabase
Super Fat Burner
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SuperZymes
Pure Encapsulations
Systemic Enzyme Complex
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Ultra Preventive
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Ultra Preventive ®-EZ Swallow
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Ultra Preventive® X
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Ultra Veggie Enzymes
Pure Encapsulations
Uric Acid Formula
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Whey Protein Isolate Chocolate NSF
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Whey Protein Isolate Vanilla NSF
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Wobenzym ® N
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Wobenzym ® Plus
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