Bromelain, a protease enzyme supplement sourced from pineapple, has long been a traditional remedy for digestive disorders, swelling, and soreness. However, in recent years, scientists have begun unearthing possible treatments for an unusual collection of ailments. Bromelain’s path from natural herbal remedy to science-backed therapy has been fraught with limitations and conflicts, but some specific studies provide hope.
Today, we’ll address the legitimate research suggesting we might treat specific allergies, eye floaters, and even ulcerative colitis with this pineapple-derived, vegan-friendly enzyme supplement.
Bromelain For Allergy Relief
Recent research suggests bromelain may provide allergy relief, particularly for sinusitis and allergic airway disease symptoms. This newer research supports a hypothesis that goes back to a 1967 issue of the medical journal Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Monthly.
In a study published in the December 2013 issue of the medical journal Evidence-Based Complementary Alternative Medicines, scientists discovered that bromelain may minimize inflammation and sensitivity in the nasal passages and lungs during an allergic reaction. This effect reduces symptoms such as coughing, nasal mucus, and discomfort associated with swelling in the nasal passages.
In addition, the study indicated how bromelain may inhibit allergic sensitization and asthma worsening by modulating dendritic cells.
To put this in layperson’s terms, this doesn’t mean it stops an allergic reaction, but it may mean it improves symptoms caused by the response. In particular, it may prevent the escalation of the worsening symptoms people experience when an allergic reaction begins.
Before you jump to treat your allergies with bromelain, remember that bromelain may, ironically, cause allergic reactions in people allergic to pineapples, latex, celery, and certain pollens.
Bromelain’s Impact On Eye Floaters
In an intriguing development, scientists are also exploring using supplements containing bromelain to reduce eye floaters. These floaters appear as small, barely visible lines or specs in your field of vision. They’re caused by the clumping of fibers or cells within the vitreous, the gel-like outer portion of the eye.
Researchers in Taiwan found that an enzyme formula containing proteases from pineapple reduced floaters in clinical subjects. The proteases were all sourced from pineapple: bromelain, papain, and ficin. The researchers need to determine how this works. They hypothesize that the enzymes help the body dissolve and absorb the material causing the floaters.
But the results were promising. Two studies found that the enzymes eliminated floaters in 70% to 75% of the subjects, compared to just 5% who took the placebo.
Bromelain For Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
In a case report published in the April 2000 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, supplementing bromelain helped women with ulcerative colitis experience a significant decrease in diarrhea, even though they were already on medications to treat their condition.
Additional studies indicate bromelain may reduce colonic inflammation. In vitro studies — those are studies of colon biopsies in a lab rather than in the human body — show bromelain may decrease the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additional study is warranted to determine cause and effect as well as safety for wider public usage.
The Paths Less Traveled Still Need to Be Fully Explored
Most of these developments remain preliminary. The precise way bromelain produces its benefits still needs to be fully understood and defined. In addition, bromelain can cause allergic reactions in some people and may even have side effects in non-allergic people. While they tend to be mild and they are quickly resolved when you stop taking bromelain, side effects may include indigestion or loose stools.
The journey from traditional remedy to scientifically endorsed treatment is still in progress. However, bromelain shows promise in a surprising range of therapeutic applications. From relieving allergies to reducing or eliminating eye floaters, to curbing the inflammation of inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis, bromelain may be a safe, effective, and inexpensive way to improve our quality of life.