Compound or practice · Supplement
Bromelain
A pineapple enzyme with modest evidence for post-surgical swelling and sinusitis.
- Overall grade
- Grade C
- Last revised
- 2
- graded outcomes
- 0
- references listed
A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.
2 at grade C — 2 graded rows
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- Post-surgical swellingEvidence grade C
Reasonable
Smallmixed
- Acute sinusitisEvidence grade C
Symptom relief
Smallmixed
What is uncertain
Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.
- Thin evidence: Post-surgical swelling (grade C); Acute sinusitis (grade C).
- Caution with Anticoagulants (warfarin): Mild antiplatelet — additive bleeding risk.
Interactions
Documented pairings with supplements and medicines. A medicine on this list is a conversation for whoever prescribes it.
Anticoagulants (warfarin)Caution
Mild antiplatelet — additive bleeding risk.
The evidence in words
What it is
Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme from pineapple used for inflammation, swelling, and digestion.
How it works
It has anti-inflammatory and fibrinolytic actions and aids protein digestion.
What the evidence shows
Reasonable evidence for reducing post-surgical and dental swelling and for acute sinusitis; osteoarthritis data are mixed. Better-supported than serrapeptase. Mild bleeding caution.
How to use it
Between meals for anti-inflammatory use; with meals for digestion.
Safety & interactions
Generally safe; mild antiplatelet action; pineapple-allergy caution. warfarin — Mild antiplatelet — additive bleeding risk.
Bottom line
A modestly-evidenced anti-inflammatory enzyme, best for swelling and sinusitis. Mind the mild bleeding effect.
How it is used
As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.
- Anti-inflammatory
- Between meals.
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- Bromelain for Acute sinusitisEvidence grade C — Symptom reliefEvidence grade C
- Bromelain for Post-surgical swellingEvidence grade C — ReasonableEvidence grade C
- Bromelain: dosage and how to take itBetween meals.Evidence grade C
- Bromelain: side effects, safety & interactionsGenerally safe; mild antiplatelet action; pineapple-allergy caution.Evidence grade C
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.