Bromelain

Description:

Bromelains are sulfhydryl proteolytic enzymes of the Ananas comosus, the pineapple plant. Commercial bromelain, usually from the stem of the fruit, contains a basic glycoprotein with one oligosaccharride moiety and one reactive sulfhydryl group per molecule. Its isoelectric point is pH 9.55, exhibiting activity between 3 - 10, with optimal activity between 5 - 8.

Plants/Foods:

Pineapple

Physiologic Functions:

Anti-inflammatory:
Antimicrobial
Causes fibrinolysis activity via the plasminogen-plasmin system
Depletes kininogen
Inhibits biosynthesis of proinflammatory prostaglandins and induction of prostaglandin E1 accumulation
Mucolytic
Permeability-modifying activity
Platelet aggregation inhibitor
Substitute for trypsin or pepsin in pancreatic insufficiency and post pancreaectomy

Clinical Indications:

Atherogenesis
Bronchitis
Dysmenorrhea
Fibromyalgia
Gout
Psoriatic arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Angina
Athletic injury
Burn debridement
Cellulitis
Cutaneous staphylococcus infection
Ecchymosis
Edema
Maldigestion
Pancreatic insufficiency
Perirectal abscess
Phytobezoar
Pneumonia
Pyelonephritis
Scleroderma
Sinusitis
Surgical procedures
Thrombophlebitis

Dosage:

As a digestive aid only, take with meals
For all other conditions, take on an empty stomach
Potency: 1,800 - 2,000 m.c.u. (milk clotting units)
125 - 145 mg. three times per day

Drug/Nutrient Interactions:

Increases serum levels of antibiotics i.e. amoxycillin, penicillin, tetracycline

Adverse Reactions and Toxicity:

None known
Allergic reactions may occur in sensitive patients