Clear evidence. Transparent sources. Practical guidance. Our evidence policyContact
Food Health Lab
Home › Supplements › Bone & joint health › Bromelain

Bromelain

A pineapple-stem enzyme with genuine anti-inflammatory activity — sometimes used for joint pain.

Reviewed by Bodil Isaksson, Licensed Biomedical Scientist (Sweden)Last reviewed July 2026Supplement guide

SupplementsJoint healthAnti-inflammatory

Bromelain is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes from the pineapple stem. Beyond digestion it has anti-inflammatory and mild pain-relieving effects, and is used for osteoarthritis, sinusitis and post-surgical swelling — though the joint evidence is still thin.

Key takeaways

  • A proteolytic enzyme complex from pineapple (Ananas comosus) stem; potency is rated in GDU or MCU, not just milligrams.
  • A systematic review found bromelain promising for OA pain but called for better trials.1
  • An enzyme combination (bromelain + trypsin + rutin) performed comparably to an NSAID in knee-OA trials.1
  • Taken between meals for anti-inflammatory effect; may add to bleeding risk with blood thinners.

What it is

Bromelain is a blend of cysteine proteases from pineapple stem. Its anti-inflammatory actions include modulating prostaglandins, bradykinin and cytokines and thinning mucus. Enzyme activity — not weight — determines potency, so it is labelled in Gelatin Digesting Units (GDU) or Milk Clotting Units (MCU); a typical 500 mg capsule provides about 2,000 GDU.

The evidence

A 2004 systematic review of clinical studies concluded bromelain shows potential in osteoarthritis — several small trials (doses ~540–1,890 mg/day) reported less pain and better function — but flagged the data as limited and heterogeneous and called for larger randomised trials.1 An oral enzyme combination (bromelain, trypsin and rutin) matched diclofenac for pain and function in knee OA. Broader reviews confirm meaningful anti-inflammatory and anti-oedema effects, with best-established uses in post-operative and post-injury swelling.2 Honest read: encouraging but not established as a stand-alone joint therapy.

Dose & how to use

For an anti-inflammatory effect, about 500 mg (~2,000 GDU) two to three times daily between meals — an empty stomach favours whole-enzyme absorption into the body. Taken with food it acts mainly as a digestive enzyme instead.

Safety & who benefits

Generally safe; mild digestive upset or allergic reactions can occur (avoid with pineapple or latex allergy). Bromelain may potentiate anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs and increase blood levels of some antibiotics — use caution and stop before surgery. Most relevant for people wanting an enzyme-based anti-inflammatory alongside standard measures.

Bottom line: a real anti-inflammatory enzyme — best evidence for swelling/recovery, promising-but-unproven for OA; ~500 mg (2,000 GDU) between meals, with bleeding-risk caution.

References

Adult research summary for education, not a prescription. These are food supplements, not treatments for disease.

  1. Brien S, Lewith G, Walker A, Hicks SM, Middleton D. Bromelain as a treatment for osteoarthritis: a review of clinical studies. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2004;1(3):251–7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Pavan R, Jain S, Shraddha, Kumar A. Properties and therapeutic application of bromelain: a review. Biotechnol Res Int 2012;2012:976203. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

This article summarises nutrition science for education. It is not a substitute for individual medical advice; consult a professional before starting a supplement, in pregnancy, or alongside medication.