Bromelain (Pineapple Protease · Cysteine Endopeptidase · Systemic Enzyme)
| CAS No. | 9001-00-7 |
| Class | Enzyme · Cysteine Protease · Endopeptidase (EC 3.4.22.32 stem; 3.4.22.33 fruit) |
| Source | Ananas comosus (Pineapple) — stem (primary commercial source, higher activity) and fruit |
| Claim strength | High |
| Buy from Herbuno | Bromelain Powder 2400 GDU → |
Pineapple has been used medicinally by indigenous populations of Central and South America for centuries — applied topically to wounds and consumed for digestive complaints and inflammatory conditions. Bromelain was first isolated from pineapple stem in 1957 and is approved as a pharmaceutical in Germany (Traumanase) for post-traumatic swelling. Bromelain is a complex of cysteine endopeptidases, with commercial activity expressed in GDU (Gelatin Digesting Units) or MCU (Milk Clotting Units) — not milligrams alone, as activity per gram varies significantly between batches.
Bromelain for Inflammation, Digestion, Sinusitis & Surgical Recovery — Evidence
Anti-inflammatory and oedema reduction: Multiple RCTs and systematic reviews document bromelain's ability to reduce post-traumatic and post-surgical swelling, bruising, and pain. In Germany, bromelain at 200–400mg (1,200–2,400 GDU) per day is approved as a pharmaceutical for swelling following nasal surgery. Claim strength: High.
Digestive support: Bromelain supports the breakdown of dietary proteins. Clinical studies document improvements in protein digestion and reductions in post-meal digestive discomfort. Claim strength: High.
Sinusitis and respiratory: Multiple RCTs document reductions in sinusitis symptom scores, nasal swelling, and breathing difficulty. Claim strength: High.
Cardiovascular — fibrinolytic activity: Bromelain has documented fibrinolytic and antiplatelet activity. Claim strength: Moderate. Note: drug interaction precautions required.
Bromelain Dosage, Activity Specification & Formulator Guidance
Clinically referenced dose: 200–400mg per day providing 1,200–2,400 GDU for anti-inflammatory applications, taken between meals. For digestive applications, 100–200mg per meal.
Activity units — GDU vs MCU: Herbuno's 2400 GDU grade equates to approximately 1200 MCU. Always confirm the unit system and activity assay method on the CoA. Weight-only specification is insufficient for enzyme ingredients.
Enteric coating for systemic use: For systemic anti-inflammatory applications, enteric coating or between-meal dosing is required to allow intact enzyme absorption into systemic circulation.
Drug interaction — anticoagulants: Bromelain's fibrinolytic and antiplatelet activity creates a potential interaction with warfarin, heparin, and antiplatelet medications. Mandatory label precaution copy in all markets.
Pairs with: Papain (combined proteolytic enzyme blend), quercetin (anti-inflammatory synergy), turmeric/curcumin (comprehensive anti-inflammatory formulation).
Frequently Asked Questions — Bromelain
What is GDU and why does it matter for bromelain quality?
GDU (Gelatin Digesting Units) measures the amount of gelatin bromelain can digest under standardised conditions. Activity per gram can vary significantly between batches. Always specify both weight (mg) and activity (GDU) when formulating with bromelain.
Does bromelain need to be taken with or without food?
With food for digestive support. Between meals for systemic anti-inflammatory effects — allows intact enzyme absorption through the intestinal mucosa. Enteric-coated formulations further protect enzyme activity.
Is bromelain safe alongside prescription medications?
Bromelain has documented fibrinolytic and antiplatelet activity. Do not use alongside anticoagulants without medical supervision. Drug interaction label precautions are mandatory in all regulated markets.
What is the difference between stem bromelain and fruit bromelain?
Stem bromelain (EC 3.4.22.32) has higher proteolytic activity and is the commercial standard, extracted from pineapple stems — the processing byproduct of the juice and fruit industry.
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human studies; Moderate = a few trials; Emerging = early lab data.
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