Bromelain is a group of proteolytic enzymes found in pineapple, commonly extracted from the stem. It is used as a supplement for inflammation support and digestion.

What are the main benefits of bromelain?

Bromelain is commonly used to help reduce swelling and inflammation and to support protein digestion. It is also used to support recovery after certain procedures.

How much bromelain should I take?

Common supplemental amounts range from about 200 to 2000 mg per day, depending on the product and goal. Follow the label and consult a clinician for personalized dosing.

What are bromelain side effects?

Possible side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea, or nausea, and some people may have allergic reactions. Stop use and seek medical advice if you develop signs of allergy or unusual bleeding.

Does bromelain interact with medications?

It may increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, and it can interact with some antibiotics and other medicines. Check with a healthcare professional before combining bromelain with prescription medications.

313 science-backed nutrients

3251 sources considered

Evidence-graded information

Explore by goal or category

Find a nutrient

313 nutrients total

Vitamin B

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin A & Carotenoids

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Vitamin K

Vitaminoids

Trimethylglycine (Betaine)

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)

D-Chiro-Inositol

Coenzym Q10 (Ubiquinone)

Betaine HCL

Nicotinamide Riboside

Vitamin B8 (Myo-Inositol)

Choline

Citicoline (CDP-Choline)

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol)

Calcium

Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Magnesium

Magnesium Bisglycinate

Magnesium L-Threonate

Trace Minerals

Copper (Bisglycinate)

Chromium Picolinate

Manganese (Bisglycinate)

Zinc

Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0)

Phosphatidylserine

R-Alpha Lipoic Acid

Black Cumin Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Ceratiq wheat oil extract

Phospholipids

Algae Oil

Fish Oil

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

Alpha-Linolenic Acid

Gamma-Linolenic Acid

Omega-3

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

AminoMar

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)

Essential Amino Acids

Conditionally Essential Amino Acids

L-Theanine

Non-Essential Amino Acids

Beta-Alanine

L-Cysteine Hydrochloride

Amino Acid Derivative

Taurine

Creatine (Hydrochloride)

L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Creatine (Monohydrate)

Akkermansia muciniphila

Lactobacillus Reuteri

Probiotics

Bifidobacterium longum BB536

Prebiotics

Stinging Nettle Extract

Pomegranate Polyphenols

Red Beet Extract

Pine Extract (Pycnogenol)

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC)

Ashwagandha Root Extract

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Citrus Sinensis Extract

Horsetail Stem Extract

Flax Seed Extract

Sulforaphane Glucosinolate

Garlic Extract

Black Pepper

Apricot Kernel Extract

Lovage

Spiny Rest Harrow Root Extract

Juniper Berry Extract

Bearberry Leaf Extract

White Kidney Bean Extract

Lady’s Mantle Extract

Bitter Orange Extract

St. John’s Wort Extract

Japanese Knotweed Extract

Hydroxytyrosol/tyrosol

Olive extract

Sesame seed lignan extract

Broccoli Sprout Extract

Cranberry Extract

Flavon Glycosides

Gentian Root Extract

Griffonia simplicifolia Extract

Ajuga Turkestanica Extract

Amaranthus Leaf Extract

Banaba Extract

Boswellia Extract

Capsaicin

Cayenne Pepper Extract

Celery Extract

Ceylon Cinnamon Extract

Chamomile Extract

Charantin

Chinese Goldthread Root Extract

Citrus Aurantium Extract

Cocoa Extract

Cyanotis Arachnoidea Extract

Fadogia Agrestis Extract

Garcinia Cambogia Extract

Goldenrod Extract

Green Tea Extract

Guarana Extract

Horse Chestnut Extract

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grape Vine Leaf Extract

Green Tea Polyphenols

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)

Adaptogens

Cordyceps sinensis extract

Ginsenoside

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Ginseng Extract

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)

Tribulus Terrestris Extract

Rhodiola rosea

Panax Ginseng Extract

Mushrooms

Reishi Extract

Astragalus Polysaccharides

Hyaluronic Acid

Glucosamine Sulfate

Chondroitin Sulfate

Glucosamine Sulphate 2KCL

Bromelain

Moderate study situation·7/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

Proteolytic enzyme from pineapple used for inflammation, digestion, and recovery support.

Digestion & Gut Health Exercise Recovery Anti-inflammatory Joint Healt Tissue Repair

dose range

200–2000 mg

200–500 mg, 2–3 times daily; higher doses for therapeutic intent

Consumption

Take with or without food, depending on intent: with food for digestive benefits, between meals for anti-inflammatory effects.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

For systemic effects (e.g., inflammation), take on an empty stomach; for digestive support, take with meals.

Description

Bromelain is a group of proteolytic enzymes derived from pineapple stems and fruit, commonly used as a supplement for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Moderate

Note on evidence

Clinical trials support bromelain's benefits in inflammatory conditions and digestion, but large-scale, high-quality studies are limited.

Reduces inflammation and swelling

Moderate

Bromelain has been shown to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, particularly in conditions like osteoarthritis and sinusitis. Effects are comparable to some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for mild-to-moderate pain and swelling.

Particularly relevant for: Adults with osteoarthritis · Individuals recovering from injury or surgery · People with inflammatory conditions

S2 · PubMed – The effectiveness and safety of bromelain in osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis S3 · Examine.com – Bromelain S1 · NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) – Bromelain

Supports digestive health

Moderate

As a proteolytic enzyme, bromelain aids in breaking down proteins, potentially easing digestion and relieving symptoms of bloating or indigestion.

Particularly relevant for: Individuals with occasional digestive discomfort · People seeking enhanced protein digestion

S3 · Examine.com – Bromelain S4 · WebMD – Bromelain

May enhance post-surgical recovery

Limited

Bromelain may speed wound healing and reduce pain and bruising after certain types of surgeries, such as dental and plastic procedures.

Particularly relevant for: Individuals undergoing minor surgery · People seeking support for post-injury recovery

S5 · Drugs.com – Bromelain Monograph S3 · Examine.com – Bromelain

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Bromelain is generally well-tolerated, but high doses or sensitive individuals may experience side effects.

warning notices

Most common side effects are mild and include stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea.
Allergic reactions may occur in those with pineapple allergies.
High doses may increase risk of bleeding, especially with certain medications.
Avoid bromelain if you have a pineapple allergy.
Do not use bromelain if you are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications unless supervised by a healthcare provider due to increased bleeding risk.
Use with caution in people with bleeding disorders or scheduled for surgery—discontinue at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Known interactions with medications

Anticoagulants/antiplatelets (increased bleeding risk)
Some antibiotics (altered absorption)

Contraindications / special precautions

Pineapple allergy
Active bleeding disorders

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Bromelain may interact with blood thinners and some antibiotics, affecting their potency.

May increase bleeding risk with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

drug · Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel)

CautionModerate

Why

Bromelain may potentiate the effects of blood-thinning medications, raising bleeding risk.

recommendation

Monitor for signs of bleeding and consult a healthcare provider before combining.

S1 · NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) – Bromelain S5 · Drugs.com – Bromelain Monograph

May increase absorption and effect of some antibiotics.

drug · Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, tetracyclines)

AdjustLimited

Why

Bromelain may enhance gastrointestinal absorption of certain antibiotics, potentially altering their potency.

recommendation

Monitor response and adjust antibiotic dosing if necessary under supervision.

S4 · WebMD – Bromelain

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Proteolytic/enzymatic breakdown of proteins

Bromelain breaks down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, aiding in digestion and protein metabolism.

S3 · Examine.com – Bromelain S4 · WebMD – Bromelain

Anti-inflammatory action

Inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators and decreases production of prostaglandins and bradykinin, reducing swelling and pain.

S2 · PubMed – The effectiveness and safety of bromelain in osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis S1 · NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) – Bromelain

Sources & References

Primary literature and reviews on which these statements are based

6 sources

NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) – Bromelain

PubMed – The effectiveness and safety of bromelain in osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Examine.com – Bromelain

WebMD – Bromelain

Drugs.com – Bromelain Monograph

Micromedex – Bromelain

Subscription required.

Last updated: April 6, 2026

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.