Bromelain

Scientific Name:  Bromeliaceae (plant family).

Bromelain is either of two protease enzymes that can be taken from the Bromeliaceae plant family, as well as a combination of these two substances with other compounds. 

Proteases are protein-digesting enzymes that contain sulfur, and bromelain is a mixture of these along with several other substances in lesser quantities. 

The two main strains are defined as stem bromelain and fruit bromelain.

Origin of Bromelain: Venezuelan chemist Vicente Marcano first isolated bromelain from pineapple in 1891. 

While present throughout the pineapple, the stem is the most common source tapped. 

It was first used as a supplement in 1957. Germany currently shows the greatest interest in bromelain.

Forms of Bromelain: After the pineapple fruit is harvested, the stump or root is collected, peeled, and crushed, allowing the processor to extract the juice that contains the soluble Bromelain enzyme.

It will then be further processed for purification. All finished products are supplied as powder.

Home Remedies using Bromelian:

Benefits and Uses of Bromelain:

Bromelain blocks some metabolites that accelerate and worsen the effects of inflammation. 

As an anti-inflammatory, bromelain is useful for arthritis, sports injury, acute trauma, and other swelling. 

It is also excellent in recovery from surgeries, digestive problems, and sinusitis. 

Other proposed uses still under scrutiny include:

• Relief from menstrual pain
• Gout
• Bruising
• Hemorrhoids
• Ulcerative colitis
• Autoimmune disorders

Bromelain can also assist in reducing blood clots and improving overall blood flow by inhibiting the swelling of blood vessels, especially arterial.

Aside from medicinal usage, Bromelain is one of the most popular substances used for meat tenderizing, perhaps second only to papain. 

Sometimes injected for tenderization, more modern methods are likely to involve marinating the meat.

Side Effects of Bromelain:

Bromelain can cause symptomatic side effects including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessively heavy menstrual flow
• Allergic reactions. 

In dosages over 460mg, it can lead to increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure.

Additional Information for Bromelain:

Bromelain is produced primarily in Japan and Taiwan.