Pineapple (Bromelain)
Also known as: bromelain, pineapple enzyme, Ananas comosus extract, Bromelain-POS
Effective Dosage
300–500 mg daily (based on limited study data; no strong consensus established)
What the Science Says
Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme extracted from pineapple stems and fruit. It is most commonly marketed for reducing inflammation, easing muscle soreness, and supporting sinus health. One small observational study in children found bromelain may shorten acute sinusitis symptoms, but the evidence base overall is thin and inconsistent.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't reliably reduce post-workout muscle soreness — a small clinical trial found it performed no better than placebo or ibuprofen for delayed onset muscle soreness. Not a proven substitute for standard anti-inflammatory medications. No strong evidence it speeds athletic recovery or reduces joint pain in adults. Don't expect it to 'detox' anything.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Bromelain, the proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapple, showed significant reduction in ulcerative colitis disease activity (SCCAI scores) compared to placebo in a randomized triple-blind trial (PMID: 41315628). A pilot RCT found bromelain-rich pineapple extract reduced pain and edema in pediatric orchiepididymitis patients compared to placebo (PMID: 40534304). Pineapple juice has also been shown in a systematic review and meta-analysis to improve diagnostic quality of MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) when used as an oral contrast agent (PMID: 41506168).
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 400 mg/day bromelain extract based on clinical trial data; No established dose for whole pineapple fruit
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — bromelain is partially absorbed intact through the gut, which is unusual for a protein enzyme. However, absorption varies by formulation, stomach acid levels, and whether taken with food. Enteric-coated forms may improve delivery.
Red Flags to Watch For
- People with pineapple or latex allergies can have allergic reactions, including serious ones — one case was documented in the sinusitis study
- May interact with blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin) due to potential anticoagulant effects — consult a doctor before use
- The sinusitis study was a non-randomized observational cohort, not a controlled trial — results should be interpreted cautiously
- Widely sold in supplements (1,000+ registered products) despite very limited high-quality clinical evidence supporting most marketed uses
- Dosing is inconsistent across products — no standardized effective dose has been established from the available research
Research Sources
- PMID 12466693
- PMID 15796206
- General knowledge (used conservatively to fill gaps not covered by provided studies)
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-06