Bromelain

Bromelain is a collection of protein-digesting enzymes (also called proteolytic enzymes) found in pineapple juice and in the stem of pineapple plants. It is primarily produced in Japan, Hawaii, and Taiwan. It was long used by Native Americans to cure a variety of ailments such as sore throat and seasickness, it was also used as a diuretic, an aid to digestion and to treat wounds and inflammation.

Once in the blood, bromelain appears to reduce inflammation, "thin" the blood, and affect the immune system.

 According to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Bromelain not only helps reduce inflammation but also aids the body in the digestion of protein. Bromelain supplements are as helpful as eating fresh pineapple and may be made even more effective by consuming them with turmeric supplements, which also reduces inflammation. If you take them as supplements, consume the bromelain between meals rather than with meals for the best results to reduce inflammation. If you prefer to eat pineapple, choose only fresh fruits and eat the fruit or juice it to obtain the most bromelain. Both bromelain and turmeric can thin the blood, so speak to your health provider if you take blood-thinning medicines before starting these treatments.

 In Germany, the use of bromelain to treat inflammation and swelling after surgery (particularly surgery on the sinuses) was approved in 1993. It also has been shown to boost the ability of the body to absorb antibiotics as well as help with arthritis and ease the pain caused by milk engorgement in nursing mothers.

Bromelain breaks down a protein called fibrin, thereby preventing clotting and improving circulation. It also slows the buildup of hormone-like prostaglandins in the body. According to some studies, bromelain reduces swelling as much as standard anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen and naproxen. People with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis reported less pain and swelling of the joints when they took bromelain, as did those with carpal tunnel syndrome. When applied to the skin, bromelain removes dead cells in a process known as debridement.